Cyber Security has become an alarming issue for many organizations all over the world. With the wide set of important data that companies hold has led to malicious activities like hacking, cyber threats, and many more. This has created a very concerning issue on how to protect data from hackers. Therefore, companies today are investing into cyber security which will help them to shield devices, networks, and programmes from digital attacks is known as cybersecurity.
As the attacks are extremely dynamic, it requires a highly specialized and disciplined approach to tackle with them. Over the years companies have suffered highly insufficient staffing problems and now they are ready to pay more but fortify the security walls. These cyberattacks are usually motivated at gaining access to, altering, or damaging confidential data, extorting money from users and exploiting them, or disrupting normal business processes.
We cannot deny the fact that cyber-attacks have turned more complex. But these professionals are yet to skill-up. While the opportunity is right there, this is the best time to learn skills or upgrade the existing ones so that you are ready to grab the career opportunities in cyber security in the year 2022. It is mandatory that all the aspirants should be familiar with the reasons why they should choose and pursue a career in this field. Since the demand for cyber security professionals is on the rise, it is only going to enhance in the future exponentially. Therefore, pursuing it as a career is the best option for you, also we’re here to guide you with the complete guide on the scope and career opportunities of Cyber Security in the year 2022.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Cyber Security Analyst
The job of these professionals is a very challenging one and therefore requires complete dedication. Now, let’s discuss some of the major roles and responsibilities of these professionals:
- These professionals are responsible for checking updates for the latest security and technology developments.
- Plan for disaster recovery.
- Creating contingency plans in the event of any security breaches.
- Monitoring for attacks, intrusions, and unusual, unauthorized, or illegal activities.
- Test and evaluate security products.
- Design new security systems and upgrading the existing ones.
- Using advanced analytic tools for determining emerging threat patterns.
- Identifying potential weaknesses and implementing measures that include firewalls and encryption.
- Monitor identity and access management as well as monitor for abuse of permissions.
- Maintain an information security risk register.
- Assist with internal and external audits relating to information security.
- Monitoring and responding to ‘phishing’ emails and ‘pharming’ activity.
Skills Required to Become a Cyber Security Analyst
The different roles in the cyber security field demand various skillset that needs to be adopted by the professionals to excel in their career. Majorly, you’re expected to possess highly technical skills including programming languages. Some of the major programming languages that you should be aware of are mentioned below:
- Python.
- Android.
- IoT.
- Cryptography.
- Virtualisation Network Services and Security.
- Windows Server.
Moreover, companies today are expecting you to have excellent soft skills as well. With the widening scope of cyber security businesses, today are looking for individuals with dynamic soft skills. Therefore, developing some of the very basic soft skills can help you build a very successful career in cyber security.
Qualifications required to become a Cyber Security Professional
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in fields like IT, computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or software then you can directly apply and look forward to earning a job in this field. You are required to have good domain knowledge of the field along with an amazing skill set. Moreover, even holding a diploma is sufficient enough to start a career in this sector. However, every role in cyber security has different demands so be prepared to grow yourself at the workplace.
Learning outcomes of Cyber Security
Some of the learning outcomes you’ll encounter as this professional are listed below:
- Analyzing and resolving security issues in networks and computer systems to secure an IT infrastructure.
- Designing, developing, testing and evaluating secure software.
- Developing policies and procedures to manage enterprise security risks.
- Protecting computers, networks, and software programs from such cyber attacks.
Types of Cyber Security
Before starting a career in this field it is very important to familiarize yourself with the different types of options in this field. We’ve therefore created a list of the types of cybersecurity that you can choose from.
- Critical Infrastructure Security
- Network Security
- Application Security
- Information Security
- Cloud Security
- Data Loss Prevention
- End-user Education
Career Prospects in Cyber Security
The job of a Cyber Security Professional is particularly exhausting as well as full of new challenges every day that requires creativity and innovation. Getting a proper understanding of the same will help the candidates to outgrow their own capabilities and earn them acknowledgment at the workplace as well as globally. Therefore, it is equally important to choose the best career path for yourself to begin your career with. So, let’s discuss some of the most popular and valuable career opportunities in Cyber Security in the year 2022.
1. Network Security Engineer
A network security engineer is one of the highly demanded job in the present time. These professionals are responsible for keeping a company’s security system in run and updated. Moreover, to become a network security engineer you are expected to have a degree in Computer Science, IT, Systems Engineering, or a similar field along with two years of work experience in cyber security-related duties such as incident detection and response, and forensics.
Average Salary: INR 6-8 Lakhs per annum
2. Cyber Security Analyst
The scope for a cyber security analyst is very high in almost every region. These professionals knows how to analyse security policies and procedures to protect an organization’s digital security. Some of the major responsibilities includes identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s infrastructure and suggesting and creating new ways to secure it. Planning, implementing, and updating security measures and controls are also part of their responsibilities.
Average Salary: INR 6 Lakhs per annum
3. Security Architect
These are highly skilled and in-demand professionals who are expected to have high technical skills. They are responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining the security systems within an organization’s IT network, including the computer systems and data. Moreover, to increase your chances of attaining good career opportunities you’re advised to have a master’s degree in cyber security or computer science with a security focus.
Average Salary: INR 17 Lakhs per annum
4. Cyber Security Manager
A Cyber Security manager’s job is to ensure that all the protocols are evenly followed across the organization. They are responsible for observing all of the operations occurring across the network and managing the infrastructure that facilitates those operations. Moreover, as a cyber security manager you’re expected to be always updated with the latest trends and security threats and ensure that the company is ready to tackle any situation.
Average Salary: INR 12 Lakhs per annum
5. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
This is a senior-level position within an organization. These professionals are highly paid and are very important to the company since they are responsible for developing and implementing an information security program, which includes procedures and policies designed to guard enterprise communications, systems and assets from both internal and external threats. Moreover, this position has become a very critical and important position in an organization of any scale. So if you’re thinking of making a career in this field then you should definitely give it a thought.
Average Salary: INR 22 Lakhs per annum
According to studies, the average salary of a Cyber Security professional in India is around INR 5 Lakhs per annum. However, your salary also depends on the amount of experience you have like for example a candidate who has recently completed a certification in the domain of Cyber Security Analyst is getting around 5-6 lakhs per annum and a professional who has 5+ years of experience is earning around 7-8 lacs per annum or even more. A professional with more than 10 years of experience in Cyber Security Analyst is earning around 10-12 lacs per annum. Therefore, if you’re looking up for a career in this field now is the right time.
Career Path to Follow
Cyber Security has become business-critical for every organization. Therefore, with a certification in Cyber Security and Analysis you can land on your dream job and start working with the top organizations of the world. Companies specializing in IT or cybersecurity are constantly hiring skilled Cyber Security professionals. Numerous public and private companies are in urgent need for these professionals for their IT or cybersecurity departments. Skilled professionals find employment opportunities in various companies like EMC, Akamai, Citrix, Virtusa, HCL, Vmware.
Therefore, we’ve discussed everything about Cyber Security but the major part includes the career path that one should follow to begin their career in cyber security. You need not worry we have the right solution for you! You should begin your career by taking up online courses and some practice tests to build your confidence in this field You can take up our very famous Certification course on cyber security, Certified cyber security analyst, which is recognized by the Government of India and will add value to your resume and increase your career opportunities as well.