Cyber security is the most important part of today’s digital world. You hear every day that some data has been breached, hacked upon, or threatened online. This makes the role of a cyber security expert one of the most sought-after careers around. Whether you shop online, are working from home, or using social media, it needs cyber security.
If you are interested in technology and like solving problems, then getting yourself certified as a cybersecurity professional may prove to be the best career choice.
Who Is a Cybersecurity Expert?
A cybersecurity expert refers to an individual specializing in securing information systems while safeguarding data from unauthorized access. They cut across various industries, including banking, healthcare, government, and IT sectors. Their job also varies from network security, and ethical hacking, to incident response.
In short, it’s a fabulous career if you are interested in solving problems, really care about details, and enjoy being in the know with the latest trends in tech.
What Does a Cybersecurity Expert Do?
So, what does a cyber security expert do? Precisely put, a cyber security expert safeguards computer systems, networks, and data from malicious activities including hacking, viruses, and malware. They identify vulnerabilities in systems, rectify those vulnerabilities so an attacker cannot easily penetrate the system, and be vigilant for suspicious activity on a network while ensuring information remains secure from unauthorized access.
Cybersecurity experts are essential in today’s very technological world, safeguarding various kinds of private information, financial data, and company secrets. Their job is really like being a police force for the digital world: keeping the internet safe and secure for everyone.
Step-by-step guide on How to Become a Cyber Security Expert?
How to become a cybersecurity expert? It sounds a lot, right? Do not worry. Here is a step-by-step guide that’s clear and straightforward:
Step 1: Get the Basics Right
Begin with the basics like computers, networks, and the internet. Information traveling across the web is something very important to understand. So find free resources or beginner-friendly courses.
Step 2: Learn Networking & Operating Systems
Computer networking includes understanding LAN, WAN, and VPN; it should also include knowledge of various operating systems like Windows and Linux. It is understanding how the systems communicate and pass data from one to another.
Step 3: Start with Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Learn the basics such as firewalls, encryption, VPNs, and malware protection. Take a beginner course on Coursera, or Udemy, or sign up for a cyber security course in India.
Step 4: Hands-on Practice
Apply what is learned by doing hands-on labs and practice in a controlled environment using platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box to improve your skills.
Step 5: Get Certified
Apply for certification programs that will make you a certified cybersecurity professional. CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and CISSP are the most popular ones.
Step 6: Gain Experience
Apply for internships, entry-level positions, or freelance projects. The more you do your job, the more you’ll know.
Cyber Security Expert Courses
To be a cyber security expert, one needs to enroll in any available course, either online or offline. These courses can encompass the various phases concerning security issues and may be available from novice to high levels. Some of the prominent ones are as follows:
- CompTIA Security+: It is an excellent introductory course, which discusses every basic concept related to cybersecurity.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Power on ethical hacking that teaches you to think like a hacker.
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): Suitable for professionals to enhance their careers.
Most of these courses are also available online, so you can study at your convenience.
Skills and Qualifications for Becoming a Cybersecurity Professional
These are the skills and qualifications that one has to have to become a cybersecurity professional:
- Knowledge of Operating Systems: Familiarity with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
- Networking: Familiarization of network protocols that include TCP/IP, DNS, and VPNs.
- Cryptography: Familiarization of encryption and data protection methods.
- Ethical Hacking: Studying how systems can be hacked legally and further learn how vulnerabilities can be found.
- Incident Response: Ability to detect and respond to security breaches.
- Programming Skills: Knowledge in a language like Python or JavaScript.
- Certification: Getting yourself certified as a certified cyber security professional.
All of these will prepare you well to start your career in cyber security.
Cyber Security Engineer Roadmap
Want to be a cyber security expert in India? Then you have to follow a clear roadmap that guides you to progress in your career. Here is just a general pathway:
- Basic IT Knowledge: Understanding the basics of IT systems will form the base of your cybersecurity career.
- Get Yourself Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP are some of the certifications you can gain.
- Hands-on Experience: Work on actual projects, perhaps through internships or freelance assignments.
- Specialize Yourself: Specialize in topics like ethical hacking, network security, or cloud security.
- Stay updated: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. So, the trends and technologies followed should be the latest ones.
The above roadmap will set you right on a journey toward becoming a cybersecurity expert. Now, let’s examine salary expectations in India.
Cybersecurity Expert Salary in India
Do you know how much a cyber security expert earns in India? Well, the demand for cybersecurity experts is pretty high, and the paycheck matches up. So, here’s what you can expect.
| Job Title | Average Salary (₹ per annum) | Salary Range (₹ per annum) |
| Security Analyst | 6 lakhs | 5 lakhs to 12 lakhs |
| Security Consultant | 11.5 lakhs | 7 lakhs to 25 lakhs |
| Ethical Hacker | 8.5 lakhs | 5 lakhs to 12 lakhs |
| Incident Responder | 8.5 lakhs | 7 lakhs to 10 lakhs |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | 7.74 lakhs | 6 lakhs to 11 lakhs |
| Security Architect | 23 lakhs | 14 lakhs to 32 lakhs |
| Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | 69 lakhs | 38 lakhs to 1 crore |
| Cybersecurity Manager | 22.5 lakhs | 9 lakhs to 36 lakhs |
| Forensic Analyst | 8 lakhs | 3 lakhs to 13 lakhs |
| Penetration Tester | 7.5 lakhs | 4 lakhs to 11 lakhs |
Salary increases with experience, certification, and even the company hiring you.
Conclusion
It is a rewarding career to become a cybersecurity expert, especially these days in today’s digital age. It will take you closer to getting the certifications as a cyber security professional to continue to learn the process described in this guide. All in all, cybersecurity concerns are all about being at least one step ahead of hackers and protecting critical data.
So, are you ready to start this thrilling adventure and guarantee the future of technology? If so, then get started now!
