Cyber Security Career - Responsibilities, Jobs, Certifications

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the practice of protecting system, network, program and data from malicious cyber-attacks.



Why Cyber Security is needed?

In the Digital Era, we have been using internet and constantly generating data. The data is getting stored in cloud which is basically a huge server that you can be accessed online. This is making our devices vulnerable to cyber-attacks. According to a research, there is an attack every 39 seconds on the web. Hackers are getting smarter and also evolving with time, making companies across the globe vulnerable to cyber threats.

With Digital initiative in India, companies are trying to achieve digital transformation without compromising security. And all of these have led to a demand for cyber security professionals.

What does a Cyber Security expert do?

As a cybersecurity expert, your job will include doing everything from protecting the network to implementing security programs. You will be working to find risks and possible leaks and develop strategies to prevent breaches. You will be responsible for designing firewalls, Protecting data from unauthorized access, Analyzing security measures, Configuring security programs, Monitoring all access to the information etc. One of your duties include staying up-to-date on newly discovered computer viruses in order to stop them from entering your company’s network. You will also be responsible for promoting security awareness by imparting training to employees.

Top in-demand Cyber Security jobs

I'm sure you would want to know cyber security roles that have been seeing sharp increase in pay. And they are:

1. Network Security Engineer

2. Cyber Security Analyst

3. Security Architect

4. Cyber Security Manager

5. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Tips to get a job in Cyber Security with no experience

Gain basic knowledge

I would suggest, prior to considering Cyber Security career or preparing to earn your cybersecurity degree, learn about networking, Cloud Operating System, IOT devices etc. Learn  about how data moves across net. Learn about how computer works - then only you can find threats, vulnerabilities, weaknesses and then you can think of discovering how to get past these things. You can also learn some easy programing languages like python, Javascript, vbscript, php etc.that will help you how a software application works. You can also consider some basic network certifications that build good understanding how a computer works.

Even if you don't appear for those certification, that's fine but learn what cover in those certifications.

Education qualifications you need for a Cyber Security Career

In order to start a career in Cybersecurity, you need to start off with a background in Information technology.

One must possess some kind of Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. It would be an engineering degree or a 3-year graduate program that specializes in Computer networks and systems.

We have many options to pursue after 12th to shape up a career in Cybersecurity such as

B.Tech (Information Technology)
B.Tech (Information Science & Engineering)
B.E. (Information Technology)
Diploma in Cyber Security
B.Tech (Cyber Security and Forensics) etc.

Connect with Cyber Security Experts

One of the best ways to jump start your cybersecurity career is connecting with experts who are already in the field. You can do this by attending conferences and events, participating in online discussion boards and forums.

Stay up to date with Cyber Security News

As a cyber security expert you must stay ahead and up to date on the latest news and trends. Your company will be relying on you to keep everything operating efficiently. You can get this information through your social environment as well as by reading cybersecurity blogs and listening to podcasts.

Certifications for Cyber Security

Certifications for Cyber Security. It is important to know about certifications and their importance if you already work in the field of cyber security.

Let me list here the best Cyber Security Certifications to boost your career.

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

This focuses on governance, risk management and compliance. You need at least five years of experience in the field to even apply. The exam is incredibly rigorous and demands a lot of time and knowledge.

CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

This focuses on auditing, controlling, monitoring and assessing information systems. CISA requires you to have five years of experience before registering.

CISSP (The Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

This is important if you want to work in defence. The CISSP certification is a must-have for people looking to move into a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role. To take this exam, you need at least three to five years of experience.

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

This will Certified you as an Ethical Hacker. You will learn how to scan, test, hack and protect the systems.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security

The CCNA certification establishes a strong foundation for job roles including network security specialist, network support engineer and security administrator.