A secure environment is always a safer environment. Likewise, computer systems must also be protected from unwanted and malicious software. This is what Cybersecurity is all about!
Cybersecurity is the process of providing security to the internet-connected systems, which includes files, webpages, servers and other system software. It must be protected from malware such as trojans, worms, viruses, and ransomware. It is a vast field of science that deals with a variety of elements.
Elements of Cyber Security
Application security
Application Security is the process of protecting the confidentiality of the data within an application. Different features and functionalities are included to prevent a variety of threats. Some of the threats to these applications are Denial of Service (DoS), Data Breaches and Data thefts. Some of the applications that are used to provide security to the system are Firewalls, Anti-virus programs, and encryption programs.
Information Security
Information security is preventing unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction of information. Information, in particular, includes one’s details, profiles on social media, data on mobile phones, etc. Importantly, information security deals with three main objectives which are Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Based on these three criteria, security programs are built.
Network Security
Network Security is a set of practices that are adopted to prevent unauthorized access, misuse and modification of the network resources. This type of security is involved especially in organizations, enterprises and other institutions where a large number of people work together on a single project. This type of security protects the network as well as the operations involved in the network.
Cloud Security
Cloud is a virtual storage space that contains all the resources on a server that is present in a remote location. These resources can be accessed through security systems using any system, from any place in the world. Cloud security deals with maintaining the security of the data along with genuine authorization.
Data Security
Data Security is the process of providing security to the data which is present in any system application or any platform. This includes security to all types of data stores such as databases, warehouses, applications, etc. The data security is sensitive to all forms of malicious content such as worms, trojans, viruses, etc.
Careers in CyberSecurity
As technology keeps growing, so does the number of emerging threats. This will lead to a surge in the requirement of cybersecurity specialists across a variety of security networks. However, the number is still low while considering Ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals. Hence, this is the most sought field in the IT industry after Machine Learning and Data Science. Some of these career opportunities are:
Chief Information Security Officer: He is the senior-level executive within an organization who is responsible for maintaining and establishing the strategy, vision, and program to ensure information assets and technologies used in the process are adequately protected. The CISO directs staff in identifying, developing, implementing, and maintaining processes across the enterprise to reduce information and information technology (IT) risks.
Security Engineer: A Security Engineer is the one who is purely responsible for building and maintaining IT security solutions for an organization. In this position, one has to develop the security for their company’s systems & projects and handle any technical problems that arise on the way.
Security Architect: A security architect is a senior-level employee who is responsible for designing, building and maintaining the security structures for an organization’s computer system. Although thinking like a malicious hacker helps a security architect become adept at understanding and anticipating, one must also track the moves and tactics that a hacker might use to try and gain unauthorized access to the computer system. Throughout the process, security architects report their progress to the CISO.
Security Analyst: A Security Analyst detects and prevents cyber threats to an organization. That means the job will involve ferreting out weaknesses in your infrastructure (software, hardware, and networks) and finding creative ways to protect the company. Over a few years, they can directly apply to the CISO role and manage the company’s important security information.
Payscale
These jobs have different payroll systems based on the company that they’re working in. Usually, the analysts are paid around 5-7LPA, when joined as a fresher. However, security architects get around $70-80K. The CISO pay package varies from company to company. Hence, cybersecurity is the most lucrative field for all the freshers who would like to pursue a career in this field.