Advancement of digitisation has spurred an increase in cybersecurity solutions leading to lucrative options, says Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sharma
In COVID-19-era world economy and society are now interconnected by supply chains, communications technology and travel. The rapid growth of the number of appliances, devices, vehicles and infrastructure are linked which is foremost to the overly interconnected world. Rise in demand of digitalisation services creates a network of Internet of Things devices to enable better consumer experience but also raises the high incidence of cyber attacks.
Cyber security jobs have been one of the hottest jobs for students today. The demand is unmatched in any other technology domain. Companies across the world have been continuously targeted for cyber-Attacks. This scenario has given massive opportunities for professionals willing to enter the security domain. Cyber security today serves as a major source of employment and a lucrative career option. First step is to acquire basic cybersecurity skills, followed by choosing a specific domain based on personal interest and market demand. For a successful career, students need to get in-depth training, develop skills, and acquire specific certifications in security.
India faced around seven lakh cyber-attacks in August 2020 report by (MeITY). As per the report India was ranked third and one of the biggest victims of cyber-attacks in recent years, makes it even more exigent.
In recent years Government and private players have introduced a flurry of specialised and standalone courses on cyber security. From part-time to distance learning to online mode with varied provisions for certification, diploma and degree programmes, these courses have found much popularity among students as well as career professionals.
The professionals are focused on delivering technologies that help move business operations forward while preserving sensitive information. Despite the recent increase in popularity of cyber security as a course in our universities, colleges and institutes, are not much enough. The demand of cyber security experts in India has even less than a paltry 10,000 professionals. For a second largest economy of world India and sustained by the second largest population of the world with expanding digital footprints, such a miniscule number is grossly insufficient. Therefore, it is time that cyber security as a specialised discipline with all its attendant sub-disciplines becomes an integral component of any IT syllabus being taught within our university systems as well as outside.
Innovations and trends in technology have a direct impact on digital security. Recent advancement of digitisation and the Internet over things has spurred a significant increase in cybersecurity solutions. We are moving forward and creating a digital and smart world that gives no place for vulnerable cybersecurity and mediocrity.
Apart from a relevant degree in technology, students need to have a basic knowledge about advanced cybersecurity concepts, extensive cybersecurity work experience, industry certifications, knowledge of regulatory policies is usually required to make a career in cybersecurity. The rise in cyber attacks is increasing the opportunities for professionals from all backgrounds who want to make a career in cybersecurity. Even people from Humanities can make a career in cybersecurity.
