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Manavta
26 October, 2024
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As per The Hindu, at the beginning of 2024, India witnessed nearly 600 cyber threats. These attacks made victims in every field such as education, defence and research. The digital world is growing fast, and so are cyber threats. Companies face data breaches, malware attacks, and hackers trying to steal sensitive information every day. They need experts to protect their systems. That’s where cybersecurity engineers come in.
Cybersecurity is a branch of Information Technology. It is an interesting career path, ideal for you if you enjoy exploring data, the internet and mobile. In this profession, you are responsible for data security. You guard the important information on the internet. So, to implement this you need to have relevant skills, qualifications and experience.
Cybersecurity is rewarding in terms of salary and promotions. You may earn a competitive salary amount that can rise in the future. If you’re ready to step up and be a digital defender, read this blog further. We have covered everything you need to know, from skills and education to career paths and salaries. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to becoming a cyber warrior.
A Cybersecurity Engineer is someone responsible for protecting computer systems from cyber threats. You must build strong security networks, monitor suspicious activity, and fix weaknesses before hackers find them. You would also test security measures to make sure they’re effective. If a breach happens, you act fast to stop it. It’s a role that combines technical skills, quick thinking, and problem-solving.
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Wondering if it’s the right fit for you? Here are some reasons to consider it:
High demand—Cyber threats are growing, and companies need skilled defenders. Technology is growing, and people are dependent on the Internet. This leads to a high demand for roles including security analysts, data scientists, and incident responders.
Great salary – You can earn top pay for your cybersecurity skills. This is a technical job so, most of the time, you are at the desk only. Still, the job may give you a high salary. If you upskill yourself with cybersecurity certifications you may also get a hike.
Job security – Cybersecurity experts are in high demand worldwide. You can get a job anywhere, especially when you are a skilled worker.
Exciting work – Every day is different, with new challenges and puzzles. Enjoy your job as much as you can. It involves challenging and exciting work. You may also have to study a lot in this field. You have to keep yourself updated on new cyberattacks.
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You can start from anywhere with any degree. You don’t need to be a tech genius to start, but you do need some general qualifications. Here’s what to study:
Computer Science Degree: Start by pursuing a degree in computer science or IT to build a solid foundation. You would learn programming, networking, and basic security principles. These skills are the foundation of any cybersecurity role. After completing a computer science degree, you can apply for cybersecurity jobs.
Cybersecurity-Specific Courses: Many universities now offer short-term courses focused on cybersecurity. You can also find online courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Simplilearn. These focus on network security, ethical hacking, and cryptography.
Cybrary: You can find various cybersecurity courses and hacking training here. It is explicitly made for cybersecurity subjects. It comprises over 1,200+ expert-led courses and labs. Cybrary is one of the online training platforms to learn essential cybersecurity and hacking concepts.
Self-Study and Online Resources: You don’t always need formal education. There are many online resources, forums, and tutorials to learn from. Platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe let you practise your skills in a safe environment.
Keep one thing in mind, to stand in the cybersecurity field, you must continue to upgrade your skills and stay abreast with the advancing technology.
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Education is only the start. You need hands-on skills to succeed. Here’s what to focus on:
Top 7 Sets of Programming Skills: As a cybersecurity engineer, coding is crucial. Focus on the following 7 languages:
Bash
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Ruby
PowerShell
Java
Perl
Python
Network Security: You should know about network security functioning. You need to secure data as it moves between systems. Try to learn about firewalls, VPNs, and network protocols.
Ethical Hacking: You know there is a misconception that hacking is bad. But it isn’t just for criminals. Ethical hackers use their skills to find weaknesses before the bad guys do. You’ll need to think like a hacker to build strong defenses.
Risk Management: There will be many risks. Not every risk can be eliminated. You’ll need to assess threats and decide the best way to manage them. This means balancing security with practicality.
Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Cybersecurity is all about solving problems. It is essential to deal with every problem differently. You need to have strong analytical skills. You’ll need to think fast and stay calm under pressure.
Certifications can make you stand out. They show employers that you’ve got the skills. Here are some of the top ones:
CompTIA Security+: This is a great starting point. It covers basic security concepts and is ideal for beginners. You can join this course online from Comptia.org, Udemy, and Coursera. This certificate has no expiry date.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Want to learn to hack like a pro? This certificate teaches you how to think like a hacker, so you can defend against them.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): CISSP is for those with more experience. It’s a well-respected cert that covers a wide range of security topics.
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: This course focuses on cybersecurity operations. It is great for those wanting to work in security operations centers. After completing the course you will have essential cybersecurity skills, concepts, and technologies, including understanding IT infrastructure, operations, and vulnerabilities.
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There are various designations and titles for cybersecurity developers. You may work in the cybersecurity field with a different nature of the job, as cybersecurity is a broad field. Here are some titles:
Security Analyst: Security analysts monitor networks for signs of trouble. They check for suspicious activity, analyse data, and ensure system safety.
Penetration Tester (Pen Tester): Pen testers are also known as ethical hackers. They try to hack into systems to find weaknesses. They think like the bad guys to keep systems safe.
Security Consultant: Different businesses hire security consultants. They give expert advice. You would assess risks, suggest solutions, and help companies stay secure.
Network Security Engineer: This role focuses on protecting networks. You have to set up firewalls, manage VPNs, and ensure data stays safe between systems.
Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst: SOC analysts work in teams to monitor and respond to threats. This fast-paced role requires quick thinking.
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Cybersecurity engineers are well-paid, and for good reason. The demand for skilled experts means salaries are rising. You would find higher pay in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, but the competition can be tough. Here’s what you can expect:
Entry-Level Positions: Beginners can earn around INR 6 – 9 LPA.
Mid-Level Positions: With some experience, salaries rise to INR 10 to 12 LPA.
Senior-Level Positions: Senior engineers can earn INR 15 LPA or more, especially in larger companies.
Here are some top companies hiring cybersecurity experts:
Cisco
IBM
Palo Alto Networks
Deloitte
Kaspersky
Ping Identity
McAfee
TCS
Infosys
Wipro
Cybersecurity field changes quickly. Here’s how to stay on top of your game:
Read Related News: You should stay updated with cybersecurity news. Read all current news about recent cyber attacks and ransomware incidents. Also go through websites like Threatpost, Dark Reading, and The Hacker News to stay updated.
Join Cybersecurity Communities: There are many online forums and communities where experts share tips and news. Check out places like Reddit, Twitter, and specialised Discord servers.
Attend Conferences and Webinars: Conferences like DEF CON, Black Hat, and BSides are great for networking and learning. You’ll hear about the latest trends and tech from industry experts.
Keep Practising: One of the great ways to enhance your skills is to practice. Never stop learning. Try new tools, play with new technologies, and keep your skills sharp.
If you love technology and problem-solving, then yes! Cybersecurity is a great career choice. You would be on the front lines, protecting systems from hackers and threats. The field is always evolving, so you never stop learning. Plus, the demand for skilled experts means great pay and job security. After reading the blog you must be ready to start your journey as a cyber warrior. Focus on building your skills, earn some certifications, and get hands-on experience. The digital world needs defenders like you. So, what are you waiting for? Go into the world of cybersecurity and become the hero who keeps systems safe.
