Want to become a cyber security specialist? Here’s what you need to know

A cyber security specialist ensures that an organization’s sensitive data remains protected from cyber-crime and unauthorized use

In a digitally driven world, the internet has penetrated and revolutionised our lives like never before. However, modern technology is not always without its pitfalls as cyberattacks remain a major concern among individuals, MNCs and corporate networks. As per information, around 2,200 cyberattacks are reported every day. All big companies are vulnerable to digital security risk that could lead to loss or damage to computer software, hardware, data, or information.

On an average, 30,000 new websites are hacked every day across the world. Cybercrime can hurt your business besides leaving your reputation in tatters. In 2021, during the pandemic, there were reports of malicious cyberattacks globally in the form of ransomware, loss of data, loss of productivity, and reputational damage, among others.

As the work-from-home routine kicked in during the pandemic from March 2020, it led to security vulnerabilities on the network, cloud, devices, and access rights, which were exploited to the hilt by hackers to destabilize institutions including hospitals, banks, and governments in many countries. 

The primary objective of cyberattacks is to filch confidential data and put individual’s or organizations’ security at risk. Hackers are equally adept at hacking social media in order to gain access to restricted information.

Main functions of a cyber security specialist:

Besides being competent in information technology, a cyber security specialist provides protection during software development. They work to make sure that the networks remain immune to external threats like hackers or crackers who want to gain access for mischievous purposes.

Armed with technological know-how and expertise, a cybersecurity specialist uses their training to ensure that an organization’s sensitive data are secure from both internal and external threats, including cyber-crime and unauthorized use.

Currently, cyber security operations jobs are considered among the fastest-growing roles in IT, as organizations buckle down to setting up security operations centres (SOCs) and establish IT security teams to monitor and respond to global security incidents like computer system breach, phishing attack, unauthorized changes to systems, software, or data among other things.

Types of cyber attackers:

There are mainly two types of cyber attackers on the prowl: those that pose an imminent threat to your business from the outside of your organisation, and those that create risks from the inside. When it comes to insiders, anyone with physical or remote access to your organisation’s assets can expose you to cyber risk. Business partners, clients and contractors with malafide intention and access to your business-critical assets can wreak havoc on cyber security.

As regards external cyber security threats, they can come from a variety of sources, including criminal groups, professional hackers and amateur hackers who are often referred to as ‘script kiddies’.

Differences between cyber security and ethical hacking:

Ethical hacking can be any form of hacking that is authorized by the owner of the target system. It can also refer to the process of taking active security measures to defend systems from black-hat hackers trying to break into computer systems intent on violating the privacy and availability of a company’s data and systems.

An ethical hacker always steals the march from a harmful hacker by hacking the target system. This allows the security team of the organization to secure the system and thereby foiling a possible attempt of a hacker to invade the system or execute a hack.

A cyber security expert’s main job is to analyse and assess potential business security threats. In addition to that, they keep monitoring and evaluating the business’s network to prevent sensitive data from being compromised.

Among other responsibilities, a cyber security expert has to implement plans and procedures, i.e., firewalls, passwords, and encryption to avoid potential security and data breaches. Regular maintenance is carried out in cyber security to update the security system.

Skills required to become a cyber security specialist:

If you have your sights set on being a cyber security specialist, you need an in-depth knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software. Also, you must have unique problem-solving skills. The ability to work under pressure would be your added advantage.

Knowledge of telecommunications and rigorous attention to detail are some of the other attributes to become a cyber security specialist.

Job prospects for cyber security specialists:

The scope of cyber security job is very bright in India thanks to the growing cybercrimes and illegal hacking activities in the digital world. There is going to be a huge demand for highly-qualified and experienced cyber security professionals in India in the coming days. So, companies who are willing to protect their digital information and confidential data, etc., will be needing the services of these professionals. 

 UPES offers a four-year B.Tech. (Hons) Computer Science and Engineering – Cyber Security and Forensics