Cyber security as a career

I am a student of class 12. I want to pursue MBA in Information Technology. I am confused whether to pursue B.Com Honours or B.Com Computer Applications. Many suggested B.Com Honours because that course offers students in depth knowledge about accountancy, statistics, etc, but I haven't taken any decision yet. So I request your valuable advice. -Lalitha, Sainikpuri

B.Com Honours has an extensive demand in the industry, the course is interdisciplinary in nature and the subjects are taught in detail and in depth. However, if you plan to do an MBA in Information Technology after your graduation then I would suggest that you opt for B.Com Computers as this course along with the subjects of commerce, will give an added advantage of technical skills for you to pursue MBA. This course takes advantage of the inextricable link between commercial success and IT in today's world. It teaches subjects related to the software and hardware aspects of a computer such as:

• Operators Research
• Software Development with VB (Visual Basic)
• Internet and Web Design
• Object oriented programming concepts in C++
• Management Information System
• System Analysis & Design and Software
• Computer Information System
• Data Communication and Network
• Electronic Commerce, etc

The course thus bridges commerce and computer applications and hence would facilitate your performance when you take up MBA IT and add up to extra mileage in placements. B.Com Computers is an integration of business management subjects such as Business Organisation, Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Banking Theory, Banking Law, Banking Practice etc. and the above mentioned IT management subjects. MBA in IT is an advanced graduate program integrating business management and technology knowledge; hence if you focus on pursuing MBA IT then go for B.Com computers. All the best!!

I am pursuing B.Tech third year, I am skilled in both programming and networking; hence I want to pursue a career in cyber security. How do I take up my interest forward and also what is the scope for an engineering student in this field? - Rajesh, Barkarpura

With a rapid growth in India’s internet economy the demand for cyber security experts has increased and recognising the dearth of such professionals (around five lakh in the year 2013) the government had then taken the initiative to train cyber warriors in the next five years and boost our e-defense. Therefore, if you have the passion and flair to fight malware and cyber crimes, and have an understanding of hackers mind, then further studies in this sector after your B.Tech can definitely prove favourable for you.

Cyber Security has plethora of opportunities and you need to have a good base in web technology and mobile development too. Cyber Security program is mainly to create a strong foundation and detailed technical knowledge in security, privacy, networking and web applications. The remuneration starts with 3 lakh for freshers and goes up to 8-10 with 5 years of experience and even a crore with further experience and expertise.

You have the option of pursuing short term/full time courses in information security, or pursue M.Tech or MS in cyber security; also a diploma in information security and network administration will help you acquire the skills needed. You need to be trained and certified from a reputed organisation. International certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker from EC-Council and GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), which is one of the most recognised penetration testing certifications can do wonders to one’s career as a cyber security expert.

The most valued global certificates in the industry are:

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), offered by International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC Council)
• CISA (Certified Information System Auditor) offered by ISACA. CISA exam is held on the second Saturday of June and December every year and there are 6 test centers in India and over 200 centers overseas
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals) backed by (ISC)²,

Other vendor specific certifications are:

• CCSP ( Cisco Certified Security Professional)
• MISE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)
• CCNA(CISCO Certified Network Associate)
• CCNP(CISCO Certified Network Professional)
• MCITP(Microsoft Certified IT Professional)
• ICCS (C-DAC's Course On Cyber Security

The colleges offering M.Tech degree programs are:

• IIT, Guwahati, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, offers a course in computer science with specialisation in information security. Eligibility for this course is B.Tech and a valid GATE score. It is a four-semester programme and the candidates are required to register for at least three security-related elective courses.
• ABV-Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management offers M.Tech degree course in information communication technology with specialisation in information security. The admission is through a valid score in GATE, followed by an interview.
• IIT, Allahabad, offers M.Sc in cyber laws, eligibility is a B.Tech/BE/PG degree/LLB or equivalent. Selection is through an entrance examination followed by an interview.
• National Institute of Technology, Calicut and Rourkela, both offer M.Tech course in computer science and engineering with specialisation in information security. Eligibility is BE/B.Tech and selection is based on GATE score. The DOEACC Centre here offers six-month long post graduate diploma in information security and system administration.
• Amrita School of Engineering Coimbatore, admission is based on academic merit and an interview / group discussion. Candidates with a valid GATE score are given preference.
• Ambedkar Institute of Technology, East Delhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, the selection is based on an all-India examination conducted by the university followed by an interview.
• International Institute of Information Technology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, selection is based on academic performance followed by an interview.

Colleges offering PG Diploma are:

IMT, Ghaziabad

Tilak Maharashtra University (distance education programme)

Information Security (PGDIS)

The cyber security jobs that are within the government fall in the category of:

IT officer

IT specialist

Computer specialist

Assistant chief security officer

These jobs would be available with the FBI, Aviation and Defense, Department of Transportation. The cyber security experts are required in the corporate and in almost any kind of business. Within business firms the role would be:

Cyber security analyst

Senior information security analyst, etc

India being an IT and software powerhouse, the market demand is more than ten times the current supply and no recession seen anywhere in this field in the coming years. Companies like, Wipro, IBM, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant and Accenture have a huge demand for such professionals. The government has included specialised cyber security course in engineering and management institutes and established Institute of Cyber Security Professionals of India (ICSPI). All the best!!

By:Shehre Banu