What is Cyber Security?
We all are living in the age of computers, the internet, and advanced information technology. InfoTech has undeniably offered us many gifts which we once considered impossible. However, it is quite inevitable that the evolution of IT and the internet sector has posed many dangers for mankind. The dangers posed are inclusive of crimes based out of the Internet. Cybercrimes are committed by intellectual people who travel the wrong path of the internet. These cyber crimes include information warfare, frauds, identity thefts, spam, and phishing scams. People are bullied online and sometimes, their personal data is stolen and misused.
All of these cyber threats have increased in the last two decades. Cybercrimes have led to the origin of another sector in the educational field – Cyber Security. It is a passion of many to help their nation grow by contributing to the IT sector and Cyber Security is an excellent option for them. Students who study Cyber Security are against cyber thefts, online scams, thefts, and cyberbullying and work against all of them. Their main motive is to find the wrong being done to the netizens and eliminate it.
Basically, Cyber security deals with the protection of mobile devices, computers, and networks from all kinds of cyber attacks and crimes. Cyber Security is further classified into Network Security, Application Security, Information Security, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity, End-user Education, and Operational Security. All the mentioned sub-categories have their own importance in the cyber sector. Over time, with such increasing cyber-attacks, the level of Cyber Security has evolved to a great level.
It has resulted in significant reforms in the educational field of Cyber Security. The courses offered in Cyber Security are many and include a degree or diploma at all three levels (undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral). This article will help you out in knowing more about the courses offered in Cyber Security and other prospects like eligibility for separate courses, jobs, and salaries.
Eligibility for courses in Cyber Security
There are various entrance exams held at the National and State-levels to help colleges filter the best students. However, there are certain colleges that have an entrance exam of their own. They provide entrance to the students on the basis of their ranks. Given below are the general eligibility criteria followed by most of the colleges to provide admission to the students in Cyber Security.
Undergraduate Programs – Various undergraduate programs provide admission on the basis of the students’ JEE rank. It is a common practice in all the IITs and NITs as well as various private colleges. Along with high rank, the students are required to have completed their intermediate with the Science stream. The minimum percentage required for the students belonging to General and OBC categories is 75%. The minimum percentage required for the students belonging to SC/ST category is 65%.
Post-graduate programs – The minimum eligibility required for granting admission in Cyber Security at the post-graduate level is an undergraduate degree in Computer Science in Cyber Security. Generally, the minimum percentage required is 50% for General and OBC category and 45% for SC/ST category.
Doctoral programs – One should hold a post-graduation degree in Cyber Security to be eligible for being granted admission in doctoral courses. Various colleges have separate criteria for admission to doctoral programs regarding the minimum percentage.
Diploma and Certification Programs– The diploma and certification programs at undergraduate and post-graduate levels generally follow the same criteria as is followed by degree courses. Again, the criteria for admission to programs are different for all institutes.
Courses available in Cyber Security
There are many courses available in Cyber Security in India. The courses include degree courses, diploma courses, and certification programs at all three levels: undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral. Most of the programs in Cyber Security are available online also. The courses available in Cyber Security are as follows:
Undergraduate Courses:
- B.Sc in Information Technology Management and Cyber Security
- B.Sc in Cyber Security
- B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security
- B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Quick Heal
- B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security and Forensics
- B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering Networking Security
- B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering in Cyber Security Investigator
- BCA with Microsoft Cloud Computing and Cyber Security
- BCA honors in Cyber Security
- BE in IT with IBM
Post-graduate Courses:
- M.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security
- M.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Quick Heal
- M.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with Cyber Security and Forensics
- M.Tech in Computer Science Engineering Networking Security
- M.Tech in Computer Science Engineering in Cyber Security Investigator
- MCA in Cyber Security
Syllabus of Cyber Security Courses
The syllabus of Cyber Security courses varies with course. However, the general syllabus followed is mentioned below:
Undergraduate Course:
- Introduction to Computer science and Engineering
- Programming for Problem Solving
- Application-based programming in Python
- Discrete Structures
- Computer Networks
- Database Management System
- Web and Mobile Application Security
- Ethical Hacking Fundamentals
- Security Architecture
- Web Technologies
- Universal Human Value and Ethics
- Risk Management
- Measuring Cyber Security
- Vulnerabilities and safeguards
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention
- Cryptography and Network Security
- Cyberspace
- Cyber Forensics
- Securing Web Application and Servers
Post-graduate level:
- Information Systems and Software Mobile
- Wireless
- VoIP Security
- C Programming and Data Structure
- Cryptography Lab Fundamentals of Information Security
- Legal Framework Security Policy
- Audit Engineering Information Security
- Cryptography Introduction to Hardware
- Internet BlockChain Cyber Forensics
- Security Architecture
- Models Operating System
- Database and Infrastructure
- Mobile & Digital Forensics Penetration
- Risk Management
- Cyber Threat
- Modelling Malware Analysis
- Cyber Crimes & Investigation
- Cyber Law Operating System
- Database
Colleges/Institutes offering Cyber Security
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai – Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science is accredited by COA. The college campus is extensive along with premier facilities. Educational facilities are excellent. The institute offers B.E and B.Tech degrees in Computer Science with Cyber Security. The annual fee is around INR 287000.
Chandigarh University, Chandigarh – The university is known for its high rates of student placements in various companies. It offers B.E. and B.Tech. degree in Cyber Security. It grants admission to the students on the basis of their JEE Mains rank. The annual fee of the university for the course of Cyber Security is around 2 lakhs.
Jain University, Bengaluru – The Jain University is ranked fifth amongst the top five private universities in India. The education provided is at a premier level. The college provides courses in Cyber Security at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Admission is granted on the basis of the GATE rank of the candidates. The annual fee is around INR 75000 per year.
Lovely Professional University, Punjab– LPU, Punjab is known for its premier educational facilities. The college is approved by NCTE. The campus is vast and extremely beautiful. It provides courses in Cyber Security at the undergraduate level- B.E. and B.Tech. The college has an entrance exam of itself named as LPUNEST. The annual fee is around INR 156800.
Quantum University, Roorkee– Quantum University is extremely popular among students who want to make a career in Cyber Security. It is so because the college specializes in the teaching of Cyber Security and its principles. Also, the university is in collaboration with Quick Heal, a popular anti-virus company. However, the fee structure is high. The annual fee is around INR 400000.
Jobs and Salary Prospects
There are several career options available after one has completed the courses in Cyber Security. The following are few of the most popular options along with the salary package:
- Security Analyst- INR 550000
- Information Security Analyst- INR 479000
- Cyber Security Analyst- INR 600000
- Ethical Hacker- INR 500000
- Certified Ethical Hacker- INR 486000
- Information Security Manager- INR 2000000
- Security Consultant- INR 898000
FAQs About Cyber Security
Q1) Are there any diploma courses in Cyber Security?
Yes, there are many types of diploma courses in Cyber Security. The diploma courses are offered both at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Also, there is an exclusive choice of online or offline mode of studies.
Q2) Can I pursue B.Tech in Cyber Security after intermediate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology?
No, the subject requirement for undergraduate courses is intermediate with Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
Q3) What are the exams one has to clear to get admission in Cyber Security courses at the undergraduate level?
There are various National and State-level exams like JEE and GATE. However, few private colleges have their own entrance examinations which you need to clear.
Q4) What is the average salary package of a Cyber Security Analyst?
The average salary of a Cyber Security Analyst varies from INR 500000 to INR 700000. It is a highly-respected job.
Q5) Which companies hire students of Cyber Security?
Various national, as well as multinational companies, recruit candidates after they have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate course. The companies include HCL, Apple Inc., IT Security Analyst, Infinity Labs, OSAAS Tech Solutions, and Quick Heal.
