B.Tech in Cyber Security: Courses, Careers & Demand

There has never been a better time to consider a career in Cyber Security.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is a set of techniques used to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks. The main aim of Cyber Security experts is to ensure a system's integrity and the confidentiality of information. These professionals secure systems from many kinds of cyber-attacks, such as hijacking files, phishing, unpatched software, malware, hacking, and identity theft.

A degree in Cyber Security makes you well-versed with the processes and practices followed for protecting networks and preventing the misuse of data by unauthorized persons or systems. The course teaches you how to detect system vulnerabilities, ward off attacks, and manage emergency situations.

Need for Cyber Security Professionals

Cybercrimes are on the rise with new innovative techniques. For any organization, securing its systems, network, and data is of utmost importance. Organizations cannot afford to take risks with their data, information, and system security. Data breaches and information leaks have dissolved many businesses. That's why the demand for Cyber Security professionals has increased tremendously and will continue to grow.

Demand for Cyber Security Experts

Professionals expert in Cyber Security are in high demand now, and this demand will surely increase in the coming years. All businesses and governments need to invest in Cyber Security in some capacity. Similar to information technology, all organizations need to protect their data, whether they're in the public or private sector. This need for data protection has created plenty of job opportunities.

A recent report from CIO says that within the next 5 years, the field of Cyber Security will have more demand for workers than any other area of IT. Computer science roles are already in high demand; adding the element of security makes these roles even more critical.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of growth for jobs in information security is projected at 37% from 2012-2022-that's much faster than the average for all other occupations. In the wake of increased terrorism, identity threats, and cyber crimes, the demand for Cyber Security experts has increased tremendously. Reports say the number of security breaches reported during the year 2017-18 was very high, eventually increasing concern for data privacy.

Available Courses in Cyber Security

Some other big computer associations also offer training programs and voluntary certification for Internet security specialists, including CompTIA and Microsoft. As technology advances every day, it is highly recommended that specialists take continuing education courses.

Many institutions (especially private ones) offer certificates and diplomas in Cyber Security, ethical hacking, Cloud Computing, and related fields. However, Cyber Security typically isn't offered as an undergraduate degree program at many universities and colleges, unlike Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and Information Technology (IT).

Although the field of internet security is among the fastest-growing job fields today, there is still a shortage of universities and institutions that offer mainline courses in internet security. This is the reason that even a certificate or diploma degree holder can get a good job in this field. Since such programs are limited, graduates will have a considerable advantage over competing job applicants.

Public and private sector organizations want to hire people who are not just skilled with computers and data protection services but also familiar with Cyber Security laws. They can find this in an applicant who has studied a proper 3-4 year undergraduate course.

Certificate courses available in Cyber Security

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) - This course introduces you to the hacking tools used for penetration testing purposes.
CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator) Certification - This course introduces you to the skill sets required to track an intruder and find evidence for prosecution.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - This course enables you to design and manage the entire security posture of an organization.
CISM (Certified Information Systems Manager) - This course trains you to design, implement, and manage an enterprise information security program.

Careers in Cyber Security

One must be able to identify the most in-demand roles to choose a career in Cyber Security. Some of the roles one can opt for are listed below.

Information Security Analyst - The role of an IT Security Analyst is to identify cyber threats and implement relevant security measures.
Security Architect - A Security Architect is responsible for designing and managing security systems.
Ethical Hacker - An Ethical Hacker enters a particular system to identify security threats and vulnerabilities. They also find relevant measures to protect a system at any given point in time.
Software Security Engineer - A Software Security Engineer is responsible for the overall management of the security of systems.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) - A CISO is responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of a business's assets.

Other than the above-listed roles, one can be a Computer Crime Investigator, Computer Security Incident Responder, Cryptanalyst, Cryptographer, Disaster Recovery Analyst, Forensics Expert, Incident Responder, Information Assurance Analyst, or Intrusion Detection Specialist.

Why B.Tech in Cyber Security

Despite the Corona effect, the demand for Cyber Security professionals is supposed to cross 7 million globally by the end of 2021. Within 4 years (when you complete your B.Tech), this number will double. Some of the important reasons to choose this field are:

Lucrative Salary and compensation - In the information technology sector, Cyber Security professionals are among the top compensated. Because of the high demand and less availability of professionals, companies are increasing salaries.
Job Security - Increasing cyber threats give rise to the demand for Cyber Security professionals. High demand for professionals in the field ensures your job security. You have higher job security in this field than in any other IT field.
More career options - The opportunities and job openings in the Cyber Security field are numerous. That's why a master's degree in Cyber Security is sensible for professionals in this field.
Enhancement of Managerial and Leadership Skills - As the field is growing fast, experienced people get promotions and leadership roles earlier than in other traditional fields. If you get a master's degree in the field, the opportunity for managerial and leadership roles is enhanced manifold.
Fruitful Investment - The cost of a Cyber Security degree (B.Tech Degree in India) runs from ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000. As this field is highly paid, this could be one of the best courses to invest your money and time in.