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    Cyber Security Course Overview

    What is Cyber Security?

    Cyberattacks are a global threat to organisations and individuals. So, how to safeguard against illegal access? Well, a powerful Cyber Security system is the solution. The following guide thoroughly discusses all cybersecurity concepts. After going through all these sections, you can easily explain cyber security to any beginner willing to learn cyber security.

    Cybersecurity protects web-connected systems like servers, computers, mobile devices, networks, electronic systems, and data against malicious attacks. It aims to safeguard assets from malicious logins and codes. Moreover, it is employed in various environments, from businesses to mobile computing.

    To understand basic cyber security, we can distribute the term ‘cybersecurity’ into two parts – cyber and security. Cyber is the technology covering data, networks, systems, or programs. Security refers to the protection of networks, applications, systems, and information. In some instances, Cybersecurity is also referred to as information technology security or electronic information security.

    How to use cyber security tools?

    Cyber Security tools include various apps and solutions capable of mitigating risks and safeguarding sensitive information against cyber threats.
    Critical cybersecurity tools

    List of extensively used basic cyber security tools:

    • Wireshark
    • Nmap
    • Web security
    • Metasploit
    • Ncat
    • Aircrack-ng
    • Entersoft Insights
    • Nikto
    • Cain and Abel
    • Kali Linux
    • John the Ripper
    • Forcepoint
    • PAROS proxy
    • NMAP
    • Truecrypt
    • LifeLock
    • Bitdefender
    • TOR
    • Malwarebytes
    • Mimecast
    • VIPRE
    • SiteLock

    A massive number of internet threats exist in cyberspace. Cyber threats like Malware, Viruses, Trojans, Scareware, Worms, Ransomware, etc., always intend to disrupt the sensitive information of individuals and organisations.

    All organisations should know the amount of risk involved in each step in the cyber world. Hence, organisations must know the essential tools and methods to protect against cyber security challenges due to cyberattacks. Most organisations now include a dedicated team for handling cyberattacks.

    Various tools are now available to defend network security and are implemented with the latest cyber security technology.

    Let’s discuss the details of the critical cyber security tools and how to use them:

    1. Firewalls:

    Firewalls serve as one of the basic cyber security measures that function as a barrier between an organisation's internal network and the external network. They filter every packet of data that moves in and out of the network in an organisation. Moreover, they filter malicious packets.

    You can use firewalls as software or hardware per the data's need and significance to be safeguarded. Each packet of data must pass across a firewall and be filtered.

    Remember that nothing in this cyber world can guarantee 100% protection.  The reason is hackers can create data packets that work as genuine but are malicious inside. Such data packets can overwhelm firewall filtering and ultimately compromise computer security. You can use an overall firewall because it is the best defence for protection against cyberattacks and cyber criminals.

    2. Antivirus Software:

    It is a program that prevents, detects, and discards viruses and other malware attacks from individual networks, computers, and IT systems. Moreover, it safeguards your networks and computers from different viruses and threats. For example, it protects against spyware, adware, worms, Trojan horses, browser hijackers, keyloggers, rootkits, adware, botnets, and ransomware.

    The majority of the antivirus programs have an auto-update feature. This feature enables the system to check for new threats and viruses regularly. Besides, many antivirus programs provide extra services like scanning emails to ascertain that they are protected from malicious web links and attachments.

    You can use reliable Antivirus software in your system. Make sure to update it regularly to let it deal with all kinds of advanced cyber threats. Every antivirus software has a vault containing the threat information that should be kept up to date.

    3. Public Key Infrastructure:

    Public-key Infrastructure (PKI) verifies the receiver's identity. After identification, it helps to send and receive the data over the Internet. Primarily, it assists in distributing and recognising public encryption keys.

    Usually, PKI is implemented with the TLS and SSL technologies that help safeguard the data transfer between server and user who use the HTTPS.

    In other words, this tool encrypts the server communication and is accountable for the padlock and HTTPS in your browser’s address bar. You can use the PKI tool to solve various cybersecurity concerns and incorporate it into your organisation’s security suite.

    4. Penetration Testing:

    This cybersecurity tool checks the quality of security systems by recognising the presence of any security vulnerabilities in the system.

    Ethical hackers attempt to penetrate an organisation’s security system to know whether they can detect any vulnerable points to access the security system. They use identical methods and strategies an original hacker would use to penetrate a cybersecurity system.  If they can penetrate successfully, they will develop a solution to close the particular vulnerability. They will undertake this step after discussing it with the organisation’s cybersecurity team.

    Penetration Testing challenges the type of attack a business may perceive from criminal hackers. The attacks can be code injection, password cracking, and phishing. This tool works on a simulated real-world cyberattack on an application or network.

    You can use this tool to perform Pen Tests using manual or automatic technologies. As a result, you can methodically evaluate web applications, servers, network devices, wireless networks, endpoints, mobile devices, and many other prospective points of vulnerabilities. After the Pen Test completes, the testers provide you with findings and threats. Moreover, it can assist you with recommendations about possible changes to your system.

    5. MDR:

    MDR (Managed Detection and Response Service) is a contemporary cyber security tool. It can assist in threat intelligence, threat analysis, recognizing detection, monitoring, and attack response using machine learning and artificial intelligence in cyber security.

    The working of this tool is focused on threat detection instead of compliance. It hugely depends on security event management and advanced analytics. Although many functions are automatic, MDR involves humans too for monitoring your network. You can also use this tool to carry out remote response and incident validation.

    Understand Cyber Attacks

    It is essential to learn cyber security, but this learning is incomplete without understanding cyberattacks. The need for cyber security is perceived when cyberattacks begin stealing sensitive information of individuals or organisations.

    A cyber attack is any effort to obtain illegal access to a computer, computer network, or computing system. The intention is to destroy, damage, or manipulate the computer system. Alternatively, the intention can be to modify, delete, block, steal or manipulate the data stored in the systems.

    Those individuals or groups who undertake cyber security attacks are known as cyber criminals. Usually, they are referred to as hackers, malicious actors, actors, and hackers. Cybercriminals can be individuals who implement their computer proficiency to perform malicious attacks. In some other cases, cybercriminals can be those working with other malicious actors in a criminal association to detect vulnerabilities or issues in computer systems. These vulnerabilities can be exploited for personal financial gain.

    Cyber security attacks can arise from government-endorsed troops of computer experts. They are known as nation-state attackers.

     Reasons behind the occurrence of cyber attacks:

    Cyber attacks can have different objectives like

    1. Financial gain:

    Most cyberattacks (specifically those against commercial bodies) intend to have financial gain. These cyberattacks usually target to steal sensitive data like employees’ personal information or customers’ credit card numbers.

    Cybercriminals access goods or money using the victims' sensitive cyber security information. The sensitive information can be property information or critical corporate data.  By spying on valuable data of individuals or corporates, cyberattacks deceive them and ask for money.

    2. Revenge:

    Malicious actors can undertake cyberattacks especially to spread confusion, chaos, dissatisfaction, or mistrust. They usually undertake these actions to obtain revenge for acts implemented against them.

    Cybercriminals can aim to publicly humiliate the attacked parties or to disrupt the organisations' status. These attacks in information security are usually targeted at government entities. However, they can also target nonprofit organisations or commercial bodies. Nation-state attackers can be responsible for cyberattacks meant to take revenge.

    3. Cyberwarfare:

    Not only malicious actors but even Governments across the world are involved in undertaking cyber attacks. Many national governments are suspected or acknowledged for designing and performing attacks against other nations. The reasons can be continuing economic, political, and social clashes. They are known as cyberwarfare and they are one of the key reasons behind attacks on information security.

     Types of Cyber Attacks:
    Types of cyberattacks

    1. System-based attacks:

    They intend to compromise a computer's security or network. A few of the prevalent system-based attacks are Viruses, Trojan horns, Worm, Backdoors, and Bots.     
           

    2. Web-based attacks:

    They take place on a website or web app. Few of the prevalent web-based attacks are:

    • DNS Spoofing
    • Injection attacks
    • Session Hijacking
    • Denial of Service
    • Brute force
    • Phishing
    • Man in the middle attacks
    • Dictionary attacks
    • Protocol attacks
    • File Inclusion attacks
    • Application layer attacks
    • URL Interpretation

    How to Avoid a Cyber Attack?

    Here are the best practices to avoid a cyber attack:

    • The use of software (for example –antivirus software) to safeguard the system against malware. It adds another layer of security against cyberattacks.
    • Executing perimeter defenses like firewalls to block attack attempts and also block access to acknowledged malicious domains.
    • Deploying proper security configurations, user access controls, and password policies.
    • Preparing incident response plans to resolve a breach.
    • The use of a patch management program to work on the acknowledged software vulnerabilities which can be misused by hackers.
    • Teaching individual users about attack circumstances and how they can protect the network security of an organisation.
    • The use of a monitoring and detection program to recognize and alert mistrustful activity.

    Understanding the cyber security threats

    In cybersecurity, a threat is a malicious activity an individual or institute undertakes. The intention behind the same is to corrupt or steal data, obtain access to a network, or disturb digital operations. All cyber threats aim to arouse vulnerability in cyber security

    The cyber community outlines the following cyber security threats that create vulnerability in cyber security:

    1. Malware:

    Malware is malicious software and is popular as the most widespread cyber-attacking tool. It is the most prevalent type of cyber attack wherein hackers or cyber criminals use malicious software to damage or interrupt a genuine user's system. Usually, malware spreads through an illicit email attachment or a download link that appears legitimate but actually not. Malware intends to illegally earn money or could have a political intention.

    The significant types of malware are:

    • Virus
    • Trojans
    • Spyware
    • Ransomware
    • Adware
    • Botnets
    • Worms

    2. Phishing:

    In phishing, people receive emails from a cybercriminal that appear to be coming from a legitimate company (like eBay, PayPal, financial institutions, friends, co-workers, etc.) asking for sensitive information like personal data or credit card details. Subsequently, it deceives them for monetary gain.

    Phishing in cyber security implies that cybercriminals contact a target or targets through phone or email or text message through a link. This kind of link persuades them to click and ultimately deceives them. The link redirects them to deceitful websites to submit sensitive data like personal information, credit card and banking information, usernames, passwords, and social security numbers. Clicking on the link instals malware on the target devices too.  As a result, hackers can remotely control devices.

     3.SQL Injection:

    In this form of cyberattack, cybercriminals abuse vulnerability in computer-controlled applications. They insert malicious code in a database through a malicious SQL statement. So, they compromise cyber security information to steal or access sensitive information and control the database.

    Once the cyberattack accomplishes, the malicious individual can observe, modify, or delete private details of customers, sensitive company data, or user lists stored in the SQL database.  The need for cyber security is extremely realised at this point when cybercriminals are accessing sensitive data.

    4. Denial-of-service attack:

    In this category of cyber security threat, a cybercriminal disallows a computer to fulfil authentic requests. It destroys the targeted servers, networks, and services with traffic and makes the system unstable. Moreover, it disallows an organisation to manage its vital functions.

    The requests originate from numerous IP addresses making the system unstable. Furthermore, it slows down the network speed, makes them temporarily offline, overloads their servers, and stops an organisation from performing its key functions.

     5. Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack:

    In this type of cyber threat, a cybercriminal interrupts data transfer or conversation between two parties for robbing the data. When cybercriminals come in between the two parties, they appear like honest participants. So, they can gain sensitive information and return various responses.

    The key objective of a MITM attack is to obtain access to your organisation or customer data. This cyber threat compromises cyber security measures, for example, a cybercriminal can interrupt data flowing between the network and the target device on an insecure Wi-Fi network. 

    6. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT):

    An APT occurs when a malicious individual or organisation obtains illegal access to a network or system and stays unnoticed for an extended period. 

    7. Brute Force:

    This cryptographic hack implements a trial-and-error method to estimate all possible combinations until precise information is discovered. Typically, cybercriminals use this form of cyber security threat to gain personal information regarding encryption keys, login credentials, targeted passwords, and Personal Identification Numbers (PINS).     
     

    8. Domain Name System (DNS) attack:

    In DNS attacks, cybercriminals use the faults in the DNS (Domain Name System) to readdress site users to malicious sites. After redirecting them, cybercriminals steal data from the affected computers. The DNS system is a vital component of the Internet infrastructure because a DNS attack is a severe cybersecurity threat.

     The common sources of cyber security threats are - 

    • Hackers
    • Terrorist Groups
    • Criminal Groups
    • Hacktivists
    • Corporate Spies
    • Malicious Insiders

    Cyber Crime and its types

    Cybercrime is an illicit activity that targets or uses a computer/computer network/networked device. In other words, Cybercrime is the illegal treatment of any communication device to simplify the occurrence of any illegal activity. The use of the latest cybercrime security is inevitable to curb cybercrime.

    Cybercrimes can target individuals, business groups, and governments. Hackers or cyber criminals commit most of the cybercrime in the lure of money. In most cases, cybercrime targets impairing computers for personal or political profit.

    Individuals or organisations can carry out cybercrime. Cybercriminals are exceptionally technically proficient and use cutting-edge techniques, whereas others are beginner hackers.

    Phishing, malware attacks, and Distributed DoS attacks are the prime contributors to cybercrime. To understand the relationship between cybercrime and security, let’s first understand the types of cybercrime:

    Types of Cybercrime:

    The below list highlights specific examples of various types of cybercrime:

    • Internet and Email fraud
    • Identity fraud that soles and uses personal information
    • Stealing of financial or card payment data
    • Robbery and trade of corporate data
    • Cyber Extortion (demands money to avoid a threatened attack)
    • Ransomware attacks (a category of cyber extortion).
    • Cyber Espionage (hackers access company or government data)
    • Cryptojacking (hackers mine cryptocurrency using resources they don’t own)
    • The practice of shutting down or misusing a website/computer network
    • Spreading hate through hate speech and stirring terrorism
    • Open images of children that spread pornography

     The majority of cybercrimes fall under two categories:

    1. Targeting computers:

    This category of cybercrime implements the best possible cyber security measures to harm computer devices. Examples include denial of service attacks and malware.

    2. Using computers:

    This category uses computers to carry out all the categorizations of computer crimes.

    What is a firewall?

    A firewall in cyber security is a network security device that monitors inward and outward network traffic. It authorises or blocks data packets depending on a collection of security rules. It aims to deploy a barrier between incoming traffic and your internal network against external sources. Therefore, it blocks malicious traffic like hackers and viruses.

    How can we use firewalls?

    One of the best firewalls to use is the Windows Defender Firewall. This firewall in cyber security provides multiple configurable settings including - 

    • Manually block a program
    • Choose to let apps pass data
    • Turn off the firewall

     The following steps let you use this firewall to alter the Windows Firewall Settings:

    Step-1: Type ‘Windows Defender’ in the Search region of the Taskbar and choose ‘Windows Defender Settings’ from the shown list.

    You can do various things from the ‘Windows Defender Firewall’ area. The left pane shows the option to Turn Windows Firewall either On or Off.

    Note: It is recommended to check here frequently if the firewall is enabled or not. Certain malware, if caught by the firewall, can turn off without informing you.

    Step-2: Click to verify which firewall is enabled and then with the back arrow, you can come back to the main firewall screen. It is possible to restore the defaults if you changed them.

    The ‘Restore Defaults’ option in the left pane provides access to these settings.

     Note: Settings labelled with a blue & gold defence need an administrator-level password for access.     

    What are the uses of firewalls?

    Here are some prominent applications of a firewall that users must understand to safeguard their system:

     What are the uses of a Firewall

    • Avoids illicit remote access:

    Myriad unethical hackers are making continuous efforts to gain access to vulnerable systems. The unaware user is unaware of who can access their system and data. Using a powerful firewall avoids any possibility of a potential unethical hacker gaining remote access to a system.

    • Avoids the flow of unsolicited content:

    In the absence of a strong firewall, unsolicited content can easily penetrate a system. The majority of the operating systems will be equipped with a firewall that will look after the unwanted and malicious content from the Internet.

    Every time a new system is put into place, the user should check whether a firewall exists or not. If it does not exist, the third-party firewall needs to be installed.

     

    • Avoids offensive content:

    A lot of youth and adolescents are exposed to immoral content on the Internet. Exposure to any form of content featuring offensiveness can be harmful to their young minds. Consequently, it leads to weird and immoral behaviours. The use of a powerful firewall defends computer systems because it can avoid access to immoral and offensive content. Therefore, the use of firewalls lets parents keep their children safe.

     

    • Avoids damaging content from online videos and games:

    Plentiful sites allow watching and downloading movies. Also, plentiful sites allow playing and downloading the games. Certain movies and game sites have destructive content in form of viruses and malware. This content tries to penetrate the user’s system. So, your system should be equipped with a firewall because it ensures constant protection of your system from potential malware attacks from online videos or games.

     

    • Promises security based on Protocol and IP Address:

    Network Address Translation (NAT) is a kind of firewall that defends the systems from those elements which are outside the network of the system. Consequently, these systems’ IP addresses are detectable only in their network. So, their systems stay safe.

     

    • Safeguards conversations and coordination contents:

    Organisations involved in service industries need to constantly interrelate with third-party clients. Most of the content from such coordination undertakings is confidential. It should be effectively protected.

    No organisation can compromise the expense of leakage of this kind of important content. A firewall not only safeguards the systems but also enables a safe flow of data.

    • Ensures seamless processes in organisations:

    Organisations are hugely dependent on enterprise systems and software. For example, using credentials, users can log in to their systems from any system in the network. Without a firewall, it can be quite challenging for organisations to implement seamless operations.

    Benefits of Cyber Security

    • Protects against data breaches and cyberattacks for businesses

    • Protects both data and network security

    • Illicit user access is prevented

    • Offers a faster recovery time after a breach

    • Offers end-user and endpoint device protection

    • Supports Regulatory adherence and Continuity of operations

    • Facilitates employees To work safely

    • Cease your website from going down

    • Denies Adware, Spyware, Viruses, and malicious software         

    • Identifies flaws and weaker points

    • Enhances customer support for the effective security practices of the firm

    • Implements powerful Cybersecurity measures to restore stolen data

    • Offer firms and users in-demand privacy by defending their private details

    • Reduces the system delays and failures to eliminate the jeopardy of hacking

    Roles of a Cyber Security Expert

    A Cyber Security degree serves as authorization to grab a relevant job role. Here are some of the key roles of a cyber security expert:
    Key roles of cyber security expert

    1. Cyber Security Analyst:

    Implied from the name itself, the cyber security experts in this job role analyse hardware, software, and networks for testing vulnerabilities. They hold a vast knowledge of computer security that helps them to inspect tools for security and suggest recommendations on what they are implementing.

    Cyber security analysts are the only professionals in small and medium-sized businesses who are imposed with the responsibility of preserving IT safety. Alternatively, they can be a part of a team in any large organisation. They are exceptionally well-versed in communication because they closely collaborate with internal and external investors.

    2. Information Security Officer:

    The need of information security is proliferating. Information Security Officers work as a defence between electronic data and illicit users willing to steal that data. Cyber security experts set up external barriers like firewalls and work with users to illustrate potential threats.

    This job role considers the need for information security and works to prevent direct access to valuable information. The employers willing to fill vacancies for this job role often look for cyber security certification and security clearances.

    3. Network Security Engineer:

    These cyber security experts deal with supervising and identifying threats on a network. After the threats are detected, Network Security Engineers will create an incident response that might entail other participants of the cyber security team.

    One of the prime responsibilities of a Network Security Engineer is to maintain network security. In case there is an issue, they quickly work to ensure the continued security of the network. Moreover, they hold advanced skills in handling log data and the forensic intellect to track a breach again to its source.

    4. Penetration Tester:

    Other names of Penetration Testers are Ethical Hackers and White Hats. These cyber security experts work like an outlaw who collaborates with the authorities to utilise their powers for enhanced cyber security. They can penetrate security systems to provide proof that vulnerabilities exist.

    In a large-scale infrastructure like power grids and utility systems. The Red Teams is a group that tests an organisation’s efficiency.

    5. Computer Forensics Investigator:

    The major responsibility of a Computer Forensics Investigator is to recover data from the storage devices that might have been corrupted, encrypted, or influenced by a virus. They can team up with law enforcement agencies to chase cybercriminals. Alternatively, they may work for private firms that became the victims of those cybercriminals.

    Future of Cyber Security Experts

    Nobody can exactly determine the upcoming cyber threat or its place of origin. But considering the increasing rate of cyber threats and attacks, there will be a demand for cyber security experts in the future.

    The key reason for the massive demand for cyber security experts is that risks are not static. They are growing fast along with the development in communication and technology. To cope with these changes at an equivalent place and also cater to various needs of organisations, more cyber security experts will be required in the future. Moreover, organisations will prioritise proficient cyber security experts who can deal with any cyber threat or attack.

    Irrespective of the sizes and sectors, all organisations will need cyber security experts in the future owing to the shift toward Cloud computing and digitisation. Consequently, it produces numerous quintillions of data each year. This data is tremendously significant and must be safeguarded from breaches and attacks. Confidential data can be hacked and misused if such networks face a breach. As data transmits seamlessly between devices, there are high chances of entry-point and endpoint threats. To mitigate these threats, organisations will require proficient cyber security experts.

    Since the number of graduate courses in cybersecurity, more IT professionals should be upskilled with the relevant skills via cybersecurity certification courses.

    The future of cyber security will excessively focus on using artificial intelligence (AI). The prevalence of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity will secure systems and devices. Automated systems that can administer, detect, handle, and avoid cyberattacks in real-time will be the future of cybersecurity. So, considering cybersecurity artificial intelligence, there will be a growing need for cybersecurity experts.

    Basic Cybersecurity Terminologies

    Let’s understand the fundamental Cybersecurity terminologies:

    1. Endpoint Security:   

    Endpoint security focuses on protecting endpoints so that they restrict the entry of malicious actors or access to an organisation's network. It entails various security solutions to defend against threats from remote or on-premises devices. Moreover, endpoint cyber security can assist you in assuring endpoint compliance with the data security standards

    2. Network Security:

    Cyber network security safeguards the data on your network against a security breach that can result in unauthorised use or data loss. The design of cyber network security is intended to keep data secure and permit reliable access to information by different users in the network.

    3. Cloud Security:

    Cloud security is an assortment of technology and processes designed to deal with internal and external threats to business security. Many organisations are looking to hire a proficient cyber security expert to assist in their digital transformation-based cyber security strategy. For Cloud security, organisations use cloud-based tools and services.

    Also known as Cloud computing security, it entails protocols, policies, and controls that safeguard Cloud-based systems.

    4. Application Security:

    Application security refers to the security measures employed at the application level. These measures aim to protect the code or data in the app from being hijacked or stolen. Various security considerations that appear during app design and development are entailed in Application Security. Moreover, Application Security also involves strategies and systems to protect apps after deployment.

    5.ICS / OT Security:   

    Operational Technology (OT) defines the environments consisting of Industrial Control Systems (ICS). The same incorporates Industrial Automated Control Systems (IACS), Process Control Networks (PCN), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).

    6. Automotive Security:

    Automotive security is the branch of computer security working on cyber risks associated with the automotive perspective.  The demand for Automotive Security stems from the increasing number of ECUs in vehicles and the use of various forms of communication to and from the vehicle wirelessly and remotely.

    7. Mobile Security / BYOD:    

    Software updates for mobile devices help your employees ascertain that all devices they use at work have the latest security.

    BYOD (Bring your own device) implies the trend of employees who use personal devices to link to their organisational networks and access business-centric systems and confidential data.

    Practice good cyber security habits

    The following terminologies can help you practice good cyber security habits:
    Good cybersecurity habits

    1. Encryption:

    Encryption in cyber security implies the encryption and decryption of the encrypted language. Only the sender and the anticipated recipient can decrypt it to ensure safe data transmission. In other words, it is a prevention mode using which parties restrict access to information by unsolicited parties. 

    2. Device protection:

    Cyber security not just protects digital data but also protects your physical devices.

    The best practices listed below assist you in protecting your devices against cyber risks:

    • Backup your data
    • Password-protect your devices
    • Lock your device when not in use
    • Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for VPN Access and Remote Access to workplace systems/network

     3. Back up your information: 

    In Cybersecurity, backing up your information implies the use of preventive measures to protect your data against unsolicited threats. These threats are not any kind of penetration, attack, or defensive system but merely back up your essential data at some other location.

    4. Social media awareness:      

    Spreading social media awareness keeps individuals and organisations informed about how to stay protected from cyber threats. Here are the tips to spread social media awareness regarding cyber security:

    • Setup a formal training program
    • Implement a dedicated social media policy
    • Use a social media monitoring tool
    • Implement a social media security policy
    • Provide social media training for new personnel
    • Implement a reporting system
    • Implement an incident response plan
    • Conduct regular meetings

    Why is an online Cyber Security Course better than Offline Cyber Security Course?

    After you have gone through the above sections, there is no need to explain cyber security. Pursuing online cyber security courses not just guarantees a certificate in cybersecurity but the following benefits too:

    1. Effective focus

    One of the key benefits of pursuing cyber security training online is it lets candidates easily focus on learning. Because it can be pursued from anywhere, there are no worries about distractions. So, candidates can solely focus on the course material.

    In case there is a portion of the course material that you don’t grasp fully, you can get back to it and dedicate more time to learning it. No need to be concerned about the instructor beginning with other topics before you understand the previous one. This makes sure you will not miss out on any vital concept.

    2. Time-saving and flexible

    The cyber security courses can be pursued from anywhere and so they guarantee excellent flexibility. You will save time and money otherwise spent on transportation for an offline cyber security course. According to the program you select, you are independent to select your schedule as per your availability. This gradually enhances your focus and makes the most out of your learning efforts.

    3. More time to learn from instructors

    If you enrol in an offline cyber security training course, usually, you will be a part of a huge group. So, the instructors might not have enough time to focus on your doubts. Conversely, when pursuing an online cyber security training course, you have an option to either select one-to-one classes with an instructor or join as a part of a group.

    In online training mode, you can better understand some of the complex terminologies of the cyber security domain. In case you have any doubts, you get personal assistance from the instructor after the classes.

    4. Constant updates

    If you decide to go for the certificate in cybersecurity via online mode, you will benefit from the updated course curriculum. This is because many of the reliable training institutes or websites offering online cybersecurity training focus on frequently updating the course curriculum. Thus, you are guaranteed updated learning of cybersecurity and you will stay abreast with the existing trends in this domain.

    5. Cost-effective:

    Compared to offline cybersecurity training courses. At a reduced cost, you still obtain a better learning experience. PDFs and video courses will replace the physical study materials like textbooks, workbooks, etc. So, you will save money that will otherwise be spent on buying physical study materials.

    6. Spontaneous adjustments for classwork:

    When the online sessions for cyber security courses are going on, candidates may find something irrelevant or want to spend more time understanding some tricky topic.  In such cases, the classwork for related topics can be conveniently adjusted. Even after adjusting the schedule according to the topics, the online courses can still finish the program as per the agreed duration. So, students can get more time to learn tricky topics from instructors.

    Cyber Security Course Syllabus

    • Fundamentals of Cyber Security

    • Software Applications

    • Physical Security & Its Importance

    • Mobile Security & Common Vulnerabilities

    • Network Security, Cloud Security, and Application Security

    • Critical Security Components

    • Malware Analysis

    • Types of Cyber Attacks and Prevention Tips

    • Digital Forensics

    • Basic Dynamic Analysis

    • Network Programming

    • Network Security & Hacking

    • Data Security and Recovery

    • Web Application Penetration Testing

    • IT & Cyber Law

    • Cryptography and Encryption

    • Cyber Risk & Cyber Insurance

    • Importance of Risk Management

    • Incident Management

    • Dark Web & Deep Web     

    • Cyber Security Design & Maintaining Proper Resilience

    Projecting Cyber Security Industry Growth in 2022-23

    Per PWC, the cybersecurity market grows at a multifaceted yearly growth rate of 15.6%, from 1.97 billion USD in 2019 to $3.05 billion by 2022. As per the research report ‘Cybersecurity Market with Covid-19 Impact Analysis’ published by Markets and Markets, the global cybersecurity market size is expected to increase from 217.9 Billion USD in 2021 to USD 345.4 Billion USD by 2026.

    As per Grand View Research, the cybersecurity market attained a $179.96 billion value in 2021. It is anticipated to rise to $372.04 billion by 2028.

    Factors that will drive the development of the global cybersecurity market:

    • The increasing number of data breaches and cybercrimes leading to cyber security challenges
    • Development of Ransomware
    • Exploring new security internet threats and attack vectors
    • Enhanced rate of business organisations capitalising on cybersecurity
    • Rising global demand for cybersecurity professionals
    • The advent of Disruptive Technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Rising sophistication in cyber threats

    The Accelerating Demand for the Cyber Security Courses in India

    The Cybersecurity domain is growing and demands constant personnel enhancement via training and development.  In this competitive era, Cybersecurity professionals must update their knowledge constantly or else their knowledge becomes outdated. They can stay updated through real-time learning delivered via the Cyber Security courses in India. These courses impart learning that assists the professional in tackling the threat of cyberattacks.

    The demand for cyber security solutions originates from a wide range of audiences with different requirements ranging from national defence to securing personal information across all industries. These demands can be fulfilled by pursuing a Cyber security course in India. This is another reason for the growing demand for these courses.

    Hackers implement digital security flaws to pinch private information like passwords, credit card numbers, social security, company secrets, medical data, etc. So, nearly all companies around the globe are always on the lookout for Cybersecurity experts to solve their cybersecurity affairs.  There is a rising demand for Cybersecurity courses in India to meet these demands for cybersecurity experts.

    Those fascinated by cyber security technology can embark on a career in Cyber Security without pursuing a course. But, those with a degree or diploma certification in cybersecurity can access ample career options and obtain their career goal.

    A few sought-after skill sets in the Cyber security domain are Cloud Security Skills, Threat Intelligence Skills, Incident Response Skills, Perimeter Security Skills, Risk Management Skills, and Application Development Security Skills. A reliable Cyber security course strives to impart these skills to candidates.

    Cyber Security Specialist Salary in India

    In India, a Cyber Security Specialist's average annual salary is INR 11 lac per annum

    Factors on which Cyber Security Specialist salary in India depends

    The salary of a Cyber Security Specialist in India can differ based on multiple factors. The following section outlines a few factors:

    • Salary based on Employer
    •  Salary based on experience
    • Salary based on the job location

    1. Salary based on Employer:

    Employer

    Average Salary (per annum)

    Cognizant Technology Solutions

    INR 10,44,162

    HCL Technologies

    INR 6,14,516

    BT

    INR 12,00,000 - INR 13,00,000

     Source: Glassdoor

    2. Salary based on experience:

    Experience

    Average Salary (per annum)

    1-4 years

    INR 307,034

    5-9 years

    INR 540,361

    10 to 15 years

    INR 829,081

    3. Salary based on job location:

    Job location

    Average Salary (per annum)

    Bangalore

    INR 2,182,678

    Pune

    INR 2,137,764

    Mumbai

    INR 2,000,000

    Chennai

    INR 1,900,000

    Hyderabad

    INR 1,600,000

    Cyber Security Specialist Starting Salary in India

    The starting salary of a Cyber Security Specialist in India is INR 253,702 per annum

    Cyber Security Specialist Salary Abroad

    The salary of a Cyber Security Specialist Abroad is $85,395/year.

     Factors on which a Cyber Security Specialist Abroad salary depends:     

    The salary of a Cyber Security Specialist Abroad depends on many factors, some of which are discussed below:

    • Salary based on job role
    • Salary based on Employer
    • Salary based on the job location

    1. Salary based on job role:

    Job role

    Average Salary (per annum)

    Cyber Security Architect

    $137,857

    Web and Cyber Security Specialist

    $119,000

     Source: Salary

     2. Salary based on Employer

    Employer

    Average Salary (per annum)

    SAP

    $638,295

    ACI Federal

    $$155,328

    Criterion Systems, Inc.

    $$142,637

    BCS Automotive Interface Solutions

    $141,543

    TRI-COR Industries, Inc

    $114,069

    ProSidian Consulting, LLC

    $119,846

    Milbank LLP

    $111,539

    TELEFONICA TECH INC.

    $98,487

    Global Connections to Employment

    $95,860

    RAMSOFT IT SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED

    $51,460

     Source: Salary

    3. Salary based on job location:                

    Job location

    Average Salary (per annum)

    Washington, DC

    $127,545

    Fort Meade, MD

    $125,142

    Alexandria, VA

    $110,879

    Arlington, VA

    $109,142

    Atlanta, GA

    $106,858

    Scott AFB, IL

    $98,232

    Lackland AFB, TX

    $96,091

    Norfolk, VA

    $95,221

    Indianapolis, IN

    $93,578

     Source: Indeed

    Cyber Security Specialist Starting Salary Abroad

    The starting salary of a Cyber Security Specialist Abroad is$78,976/year.
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    Frequently Asked Questions about Cyber Security

    Which are the key components of Cybersecurity?

    The critical components of Cybersecurity are Information protection, Network safety, Security in the workplace, Application safety, End-user training, and Planning for Business Continuity.

    How is hashing different from encryption?

    Both encryption and hashing transform readable data into an unreadable format. The major difference is that the encrypted data can be decrypted and transformed back to the original data, but the hashed data can’t.

    What is the difference between penetration testing and vulnerability evaluation?

    Although unique, both the terms – penetration testing and vulnerability evaluation fulfil the same purpose, i.e. to protect the network environment.

    Penetration testing:  is also known as pen-testing or ethical hacking. It recognises vulnerabilities in a network, application, system, or other systems to avoid attackers from misusing them. This concept is extensively used to supplement a web application firewall in a web application security (WAF).

    Vulnerability evaluation is a process for outlining, discovering, and prioritising vulnerabilities in applications, network infrastructure, computer systems, and other systems. Moreover, it offers essential information to the organisation to resolve the flaws.

    What are the typical kinds of cyber-attacks?

    The most common kinds of cybersecurity attacks are Malware, Cross-Site Scripting (Cross-Site Scripting) (XSS), Attacks on SQL Injection, denial-of-service attacks (DoS), attacks by a Man-in-the-Middle, phishing in cyber security, Reusing Credentials, and Hijacking a Session.

    What is a Firewall?

    A firewall is a network-based digital security system. Essentially, it is a device that supervises and regulates network traffic. It is deployed on the edge of any network or system. Primarily, firewalls protect your network or system against malware, viruses, and worms. Moreover, firewalls can block remote access and content filtering.

    Is cyber security a good career?

    Cybersecurity is an excellent career choice right now as the cybersecurity sphere is experiencing massive demand for skilful expert professionals. Hence, there are tons of career opportunities in this field. Cybersecurity professionals guarantee data safety which can significantly help safeguard confidential information, leading to becoming an imperative career choice. 

    How can you get into the cybersecurity field?

    Regardless of which sector you belong from, the Cyber Security field presents various career paths, and upskilling is also possible. Individuals from IT backgrounds can anticipate many of their skills to convert into cyber security job employment. Even those individuals with almost zero tech experience can get into this field. Irrespective of your prior experience, a Cyber Security Bootcamp depicts a unique approach to learning and improving your Cloud computing skills via practical knowledge, extending career opportunities in the relevant field. 

    Which cyber security jobs pay the most?

    Top-paying Cyber security jobs are cyber security architects, chief information security officers (CISO), cyber security sales engineers, information security engineers, and security-based roles for ethical hackers. Candidates can expect to earn six-figure annual salaries from these job roles.

    What is the difference between Cyber security and information security?

    Cyber security protects the data from external resources on the internet. Information security is all about protecting information against illicit users, access, and data breach or removal to provide integrity, availability, and confidentiality. Cybersecurity works to reduce danger in cyberspace, whereas Information security provides data protection from any kind of threat.

    Cybersecurity fights against cyber frauds, Cybercrimes, and law enforcement. Information security fights against unofficial access, disruption, and disclosure modification.

    What are the benefits of cybersecurity?

    Cybersecurity practices offer business protection against data breaches and cyberattacks. It not only protects networks and data but also prevents illicit user access. It improves a company’s reliability and reputation for customers, developers, partners, employees, and stakeholders. Other benefits include protection for endpoint devices and end users, business continuity, regulatory compliance, and enhanced recovery time after a breach.

    What are the responsibilities of Cyber security engineers?

    Cyber security engineers design and employ secure network solutions that protect against cyberattacks, hackers, and other threats. They test and monitor these systems to ascertain that all the system's defences are working properly and up to date. They also respond to all security breaches to the network and related systems. Their other responsibilities include troubleshooting all network and security concerns, regularly performing penetration testing, and performing testing and scans to detect any vulnerabilities in the system and network.

    What are the responsibilities of Cyber security analysts?

    Cybersecurity analysts protect the company’s network, hardware, and software against cybercriminals. Their key role is to comprehend company IT infrastructure properly, monitor it constantly, and assess threats that can potentially breach the network.  They are also responsible for dealing with Configuring Tools, reporting, and evaluating system or network weaknesses.

    Are Cyber security experts and Ethical hackers the same?

    The objectives of both Ethical hackers and Cybersecurity experts are the same, i.e., to keep the data and system secure. But there are certain differences among them. Ethical Hackers utilise offensive security measures, whereas Cyber Security experts utilise defensive security measures.

    Ethical Hacking is conducted by ‘white-hat hackers’ whose task of hacking the system is identified as the ‘black-hat’ hackers, but the purpose is different. Ethical hackers hack to protect the system. Cyber Security experts don’t hack into the system. They protect the data and system by conducting all possible protective measures.

    How is Cyber security different from computer security?

    Computer security protects laptops, physical computers, and other devices. It involves proper updating and patching of all these systems. On the other hand, Cyber security can cover all these activities by protecting the data saved in your networks and on your printers, computers, and more.

    Will cyber security jobs be automated?

    Cybersecurity automation is indispensable to protect against the threat, and its existing functionality will not substitute the role of Cybersecurity professionals.  Undoubtedly, the use of Cybersecurity automation is on the rise. But, the security operations still demand strong human intervention, which is not expected to alter soon.

    Who are cyber security specialists?

    Cyber Security Specialists are experts in the field of information technology security. Their key responsibility is to protect software during software development. They ascertain that networks are protected from external threats like crackers or hackers who intend to access data for malicious purposes. They examine vulnerabilities in hardware, software, data centres, networks, design tactics, and defensive systems to ensure protection against threats and attacks.

    Why is online cyber security training important?

    Online cybersecurity training helps employees protect themselves as well as the company against threats and cyberattacks. This kind of training equips employees with up-to-date knowledge on how to detect and alleviate a cyber threat. The ability to alleviate Cyberthreat will deter phishers who want to illicitly access your data and system.