Is Cyber Security a Good Career in India​?

With the digital transformation of businesses, governments, cyber security has become one of the most critical job domains in India. Almost every day, organisations face cyber threats like phishing, hacking, ransomware, and data breaches. As per the industry reports, India has witnessed more than 1.3 million cyber attacks in 2023, which highlights the emergence of urgent need for trained cyber security professionals. As a consequence, cyber security is no longer an optional field in the education sector; it has become a necessity. Top companies in India and abroad are now heavily investing in cyber security experts, which makes it one of the most lucrative and future-proof professions. But one of the main questions lies in “is cyber security a good career in India​?” Well, in this blog, we will discuss all the aspects that justify the scope of cyber security in India. 

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the practice of protecting computer systems, digital data, and networks from unauthorised access, attacks, and, most importantly, damage. It comprises a wide range of techniques that include firewalls, encryption, monitoring systems, and ethical thinking to make sure that the sensitive data remains safe and secure. Some of the key features of cyber security are listed below:

• Protecting the companies when financial losses due to data violations.
• Safeguarding candidates from identity theft.
• Assisting businesses in complying with global laws like GDPR and ISO norms.
• To ensure national security against cyber war.

Scope of Cyber Security in India

Cyber security is the backbone of safe digital operations. The scope of cyber security is growing rapidly due to advanced cybercrime and digitalisation. As India is one of the largest digital economies in the world, protecting sensitive data has become a top priority for both private and government sectors. Check the pointers below that highlight the growing demand for cyber security:

• Rising cyber security cases – India ranks as one of the top nations targeted by cyber attacks. Hence, the scope of cyber security in India is always trending.
• Government initiatives – Cyber Security Policies made by the government aim to guard India’s digital infrastructure through the National Cyber Security Policy. These policies help strengthen national security, create vast opportunities, incident response, etc, and build digital trust. 
• Corporate Investments – Data protection is heavily required om Banking, Healthcare, Information Technology, e-commerce. 
• Job opportunities – Based on NASSCOM, India will require more than 1 million cyber security experts by the end of 2025, which shows that the demand for cyber security jobs is massive. The average cyber security salary in India is observed to be between INR 5,00,000 to INR 30,00,000 Per Year.

Is Cyber Security a Good Career in India?

Yes, cyber security is one of the most promising job options in India today. With the rapid rise in digitalisation, cyber threats are growing at an alarming rate, which creates a massive demand for skilled experts. The demand for cyber security exceeds the current supply of professionals in India, ensuring strong job security for those willing to enter the field. Moreover, professionals enjoy lucrative cyber security salaries, which are often higher than the CTC offered at ITs, and the skills gained by them are valued globally, offering excellent international exposure to career opportunities. 

The next advantage you can experience is the diversity of roles available, which can range from ethical hacking to penetration testing to network security, cyber forensics, and cloud security. For candidates passionate about technology, protection of digital systems, and problem-solving, cybersecurity offers not only financial stability but also an exciting and impactful profession. 

As technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing expand, it is evident that the scope of cyber security in India will only continue to grow and prove as the most future-proof career. 

Popular Cyber Security Job Roles 

Cyber security offers a broad range of specialized job roles where each career paths have its own responsibilities and potential for development. Some of the popular cyber security job roles have been discussed below:

• Cyber Security Analyst – The responsibility of a cyber security analyst is to monitor systems, detection of threats, and investigate security incidents that safeguard organisational data.
• Penetration Tester or an Ethical Hacker – If you choose to become an ethical hacker or a penetration tester, you will have to work closely to simulate cyber attacks to specify system vulnerabilities and advise preventive measures.
• Cloud Security Specialist – The task of a cloud security specialist is to protect cloud-based applications and data from violations by assuring adherence to security standards.
• Network Security Engineer – The main responsibility of a network security engineer is to concentrate on firewalls, securing networks, and VPNs to ensure safe communications.
• Cyber Security Manager – They lead security teams, oversee the implementation of security policies, along with developing strategies. 
• Chief Information Security Officer – She/He is a senior executive who is exclusively responsible for the management of an organisation’s overall security framework and mitigating threats. 

Average Cyber Security Salaries in India

The average cyber security salary in India varies depending on the certifications, experience, and the industry you choose. If you are a professional holding global certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CISM, you will automatically be commanded to higher salaries and leadership roles. Check the list of cyber security average salary in India.

• Cyber Security Analyst – INR 5,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 per annum.
• Penetration Tester or an Ethical Hacker – INR 6,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per annum.
• Cloud Security Specialist – INR 7,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 per annum.
• Network Security Engineer – INR 4,50,000 to INR 7,00,000 per annum.
• Cyber Security Manager – INR 10,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 per annum.
• Chief Information Security Officer – INR 25,00,000 per annum and above.

Top In-Demand Courses to Pursue a Career in Cyber security

There are several universities in India that offer specialised B.Tech, M.Tech, and B.Voc in Cyber Security apart from the certification courses. This has helped aspirants easier to build expertise. To enter the world of cyber security, here are some of the best Cyber security courses from top universities.

• B.Voc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics by Shree L.R. Tiwari College of Engineering, powered by edept.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

How to Start a Career in Cyber Security?

Are you an aspiring individual looking to start your cybersecurity journey? Here is a step-by-step guide for you to get a detailed idea of the route to start a career in cyber security.

• Get your hands on the right cyber security course  – It is very crucial for you to choose the educational background. A degree in Computer Science, Electronics, or Information Technology can be beneficial for you to build a strong foundation.
• Get certified – Next, you can pursue certifications in CompTIA Security+ at the basic level and then move to advanced-level certifications.
• Skill development – You have to develop key skills like lean networking, programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++. Getting a detailed knowledge of operating systems like Windows and Linux is also beneficial.
• Practice – For experience and a better understanding of the field, you can work on live projects, internships, and virtual labs.
• Apply for entry-level cyber security job roles – To start a career in cyber security, job roles such as network administrators and security analysts are great starting points. 

Benefits of a Career in Cyber Security

A career in cyber security is rewarding. Check the benefits of pursuing a cyber security course in India below:

• Higher salaries – Cyber security professionals earn significantly higher salaries than either profession in India. 
• Global career chances – Most of the cyber security professionals get offers from abroad companies with a higher pay scale.
• No boredom – By pursuing cyber security, you will not be bored, as there are challenges every day, and the job role is extremely dynamic. 
• Society contribution – A career in cyber security not only protects the companies but also individuals from different nations.

Conclusion

To answer your question, Is cyber security a good career in India​? Yes, a career in cyber security is extremely successful. With rapid digital transformation in India and rising cybercrime, the demand for cyber security experts are all time high. If you are a student and are looking for jobs or an It professional willing to switch domains, cybers security would be an excellent choice for job security, global exposure, future growth opportunities, and higher salaries. Therefore, investing in the right skills and obtaining certifications at the right time can help you build a tight, future-proof, successful career in cyber security.

FAQs

1. Is cyber security a good career choice for the future?

Yes, cyber security is one of the most important and future-proof careers because of increasing digitalisation and cyber threats.

2. What qualifications are needed for a career in cyber security?

The qualifications required to become a cyber security professional include a degree in computer science, IT, or any other related field is preferred. However, you can get certifications in CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP to help build a background and enter the cyber security field.

3. What key skills are required to become a cyber security professional?

The required skills to ace the cyber security career are programming, networking, cryptography, ethical hacking, risk analysis, and lastly problem solving.

4. Which course is best for starting a career in cyber security?

B.Voc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics by Shree L.R. Tiwari College of Engineering, powered by edept could be a great start for starting a career in cybersecurity.

5. What are the highest-paying cyber security jobs in India?

Cyber Security Manager, Cloud Security Specialist, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) are some of the highest-paying cyber security job roles in India. The salary can extend up to INR 25,00,000 to INR 40,00,000 Per Annum.