What is cyber-security, how to get started and what are the career options ?

1). The need for cyber-security...

First of all, this topic only covers the information about this career and information of what you need to know in order to pursue it. So please read this whole blog and some important links are given below for taking more in depth knowledge of this field at the end of this blog. So stay tuned....

The connected electronic information network has become an integral part of our daily lives. All types of organizations, such as medical, financial, and education institutions, use this network to operate effectively. They utilize the network by collecting, processing, storing, and sharing vast amounts of digital information. As more digital information is gathered and shared, the protection of this information is becoming even more vital to our national security and economic stability.

Cyber-security is the ongoing effort to protect these networked systems and all of the data from unauthorized use or harm. On a personal level, you need to safeguard your identity, your data, and your computing devices. At the corporate level, it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the organization’s reputation, data, and customers. At the state level, national security, and the safety and well-being of the citizens are at stake.

You have many things connected to the network. So lot of things are hack-able these days. Your data can be easily tracked, stolen or used as a ransom.

The bridge to your data are your computational devices which are a portal for connecting internet. And the technology in those devices is increasing day by day. With the increase in the technology many things come handy though they are not desirable like vulnerabilities, loop-holes, weak spots of the system. And all they combine and give rise to the exploits. And these exploits can easily be used by the people with malicious mindsets like black hat hackers.

So to protect our data and our devices from being hacked and just making our lives more complicated in this digital world, we need a proper way to control these advancement in the technology with our safe guards. For that cyber-security field becomes one of the inevitable part of the technological era.

For this one must think like a hacker likewise where a cop thinks like a culprit.

2) How to get started with cyber security ? 

Now for a cyber-security expert first and foremost thing is to have a proper knowledge about the current technology trends and must know how the things work.

So first of all to get started for the cyber-security you need to focus on the skills you have in the field of IT.Basic skills necessary to know:-

1). Operating system knowledge : 

You must know how to work with different operating systems like Windows, Linux, Kali ( Most preferable in this field),etc both with GUI and CLI. So first get your hands dirty with the systems, it's preferable that you use virtual box in the way so if things go bad it'll not affect the actual system.

2). Networking knowledge:

You must have the knowledge regarding how internet works, how different TCP layers communicate to each other and also know about the terminologies of the networking. This will help you to find out the loop wholes in the system. Links at the end of this blog will help you to learn about networking.

3). Troubleshooting knowledge:

 One should know how the thing works and how to fix things in order to protect it. Troubleshooting is the basic knowledge of how the problem is solved and things are fixed. You should know how to fix some corrupted files, how to fix your connection in your PC, etc. The more you explore the things, the technology and the more you take your keen interest in setting things right , it'll be helpful for this field.

4). Cyber-attacks:

 For defending , first you have to know what's coming..So you should know what are the types of attacks performed and what are the types of malware, etc. So there are lots of things that you need to know for the cyber-attacks, to understand them and how to defend yourself from them even if you are not looking forward to pursue a carrier in this field. Links for some important resources are listed below at the end of the blog.   

• Systems administrator

• Database administrator

• Web administrator

• Web developer

• Network administrator

• IT technician

• Security administrator

• Network engineer

• Computer software engineer

Apart from this all fields there are many things to explore in this current world of the growing technology. So my best advice would be to keep your mind curious and always stay positive in learning new things. 

There is no one linear path to a successful career in cyber-security. Some people enter the security field straight out of college, while others transition from another IT role.

No matter where you start, all cyber-security careers begin with general IT experience. You need to understand how technology works before you can learn how to secure and protect it.

Entry-level IT jobs that pave the way for a cyber-security career include:

You’ll also need to supplement what you learn on the job with outside training and education. In fact, 35 percent of cyber-security jobs require an industry certification, compared to 23 percent of IT jobs overall.

Most management-level cyber-security jobs are highly specialized. The more you can focus your expertise by seeking out specific industries and certifications, the more attractive you’ll appear to companies looking for those particular skill sets.

3).What are the carrier options?

India has turned into a hotbed for Cyber Security experts. According to a recent study by Indeed.com, the scope of Cyber Security has turned more competitive in India. There are more job post clicks in India as compared to the US and UK. As per the industry stats, most hiring is happening for the below roles.

• Network Security Engineer

• Cyber Security Analyst

• Security Architect

• Cyber Security Manager

• Chief Information Security Officer

Over the last a couple of years, the average salary of a Cyber Security professional has been performing 9% better than any other IT professionals. The freshers are able to get good packages starting from 7 lacs and the experienced resources are in more demand drawing salaries in the range of 20-24 lacs.

Thus the scope of Cyber Security in India is better than ever.

Every geography has a different kind of skill set requirement. In India, most of the Cyber Security job post is looking for resources proficient in:

• Python

• Virtualization Network Services and Security

• Linux

• Cryptography,

• Android

• IoT

• Windows Server

The jobs that are seeing this sharp increase in pay include the following five cyber security roles:

1. Network Security Engineer

The network security engineer is a critical position within every organization. This person ensures the security systems are implemented within the organization to counter and stop threats. Their main responsibilities include maintaining systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and improving automation. They also oversee the maintenance of firewalls, routers, switches, various network monitoring tools and VPNs (virtual private networks).
 
The minimum salary of a network security engineer begins at Rs 4 lakhs and can go up to 8 lakhs per annum.

2. Cyber Security Analyst

A cyber security analyst helps in planning, implementing and upgrading security measures and controls. They continuously monitor security access and perform internal and external security audits to ensure there are no loopholes or evidence of security lapses. A cyber security analyst is also responsible for conducting vulnerability testing, risk analyses, and security assessments, and for managing the network. In addition to these tasks, the analyst trains fellow employees in security awareness and procedures, so they are aware of the best practices to be followed to avoid security breaches.

The salary of a cyber security analyst begins at Rs 6 lakhs per annum.

3. Security Architect

A security architect plays a crucial role in designing the network and computer security architecture for their company. The security architect helps in planning, researching and designing elements of security. Without a security architect, a company’s security system is vulnerable to attacks. The security architect first creates a design based on the needs of the company and then works together with the programming team to build the final structure. Besides building the architecture, they also develop company policies and procedures for how their company's employees should use the security systems and decide on the punitive action in case of lapses.

The average pay of a security architect begins at Rs 17 lacs per annum.

4. Cyber Security Manager

Cyber security managers are responsible for the maintenance of security protocols throughout the organization. They create strategies to increase network and Internet security related to different projects and manage a team of IT professionals to ensure the highest standards of data security. A cyber security manager also frequently reviews the existing security policies and ensures the policies are currently based on new threats. They also perform regular checks on all servers, switches, routers and other connected devices to make sure there are no loopholes in the security.

The average salary of a cyber security manager begins at Rs 12 lakhs per annum.

5. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

According to a report by PWC, over 80 percent of companies now have a CISO on the management team. This trend shows that companies have grown aware of the threats of cyber crimes and the potential damage such attacks can cause. The CISO is a senior-level executive within an organization that ensures that the cyber security plan is aligned with the business’s vision, operations and technologies. The CISO works with the staff to identify, develop, implement and maintain processes across the organization to ensure there are no security breaches. They respond to incidents and set up appropriate standards and controls to mitigate security risks without causing any interruption to the business. They are also responsible for overseeing the implementation of security policies and procedures within the organization.

The average salary for top CISOs is anywhere between Rs 2 crores to 4 crores.

So this was all about my experience and research in this field. And I hope that I've answered your questions or have given the way to find them :) 

Here are some free resources for more knowledge:

CISCO'S CERTIFIED INTRODUCTION TO CYBER-SECURITY : https://www.netacad.com/courses/security/introduction-cybersecurity

GOOGLE CERTIFIED BITS AND BYTES OF THE NETWORKING: https://www.coursera.org/learn/computer-networking

IBM'S CERTIFIED IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization:https://www.coursera.org/specializations/it-fundamentals-cybersecurity
COMPUTER NETWORKING. Fourth Edition. Behrouz A. Forouzan : http://widi.lecturer.pens.ac.id/Teori/Komunikasi%20Data/Data%20Communications%20and%20Networking%20By%20Behrouz%20A.Forouzan.pdf
OPENSECURITYINFO : http://opensecuritytraining.info/Welcome.html

LEARN HOW TO HACK : https://www.hackerone.com/hacker101

Practical-Ethical-Hacking-Resources : https://github.com/Gr1mmie/Practical-Ethical-Hacking-Resources

GOOGLE CERTIFIED Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User : https://www.coursera.org/learn/os-power-user?specialization=google-it-support

This can help you to kick start your carrier in cyber-security.

                    Be Positive😃 And Stay Amazing 😎

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