With cyber threats escalating to crazy levels each day, every business is now on the war path against cyber intrusions. No matter if it is a small start-up or a big multinational company, all have to figure out how to keep their most valuable data safe.
As a result, the demand for the number of security professionals who can plan, execute and check security measures is high. To sum up, if you want to be a cyber security expert and also have the knack for technology, solving problems, and protecting data, then becoming a cyber security expert would be the perfect career for you.
What is a Cyber Security Expert?
Simply put, a cyber security expert safeguards networks, computer systems, and data from cyber threats. Their major concern is to ensure the safety of the targeted information by finding vulnerabilities, putting along security measures, and checking for the signs of a possible attack. Mostly, they are the ones who take the lead in providing solutions, hence, they guarantee security, damage control, and incident prevention.
The primary responsibility of a cyber security expert is to secure the digital resources of an enterprise and stop unauthorized access. By the way, cyber security professionals may be referred to as cybersecurity analysts, network security engineers, information security analysts, or penetration testers.
Why Pick a Cyber Security Specialist as a Career?
The best cyber security career is the one that fits into the profiles of those people who want to combine their technical knowledge with their problem-solving skills and at the same time, have a real impact. Some of the reasons that are listed below for a cyber security expert career choice.
- Increased demand: With the surge in cyber attacks, companies are seeking skilled professionals to combat the situation.
- Good job security: A career as a cyber security expert is one of the most promising after the IT field.
- Career advancement: The area of cyber security has a wealth of possibilities that mainly involve taking up leadership roles in security strategies and risk management.
- Better salaries offered: You will be paid good salaries and given attractive rewards for your vital contributions in the field of cyber security.
- Career opportunities everywhere: The knowledge and skills in cyber security are common to all and hence, it becomes easy to work anywhere in the world.
How to Become a Cyber Security Expert: Step-by-Step Guide
First of all, becoming a cyber security expert implies following each step detailed below.
Step 1: Get the necessary educational qualifications
Generally, a cyber security course or program requires a prior degree or a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or other similar fields. In contrast, there are also professionals who after gaining a massive amount of experience in network security and information technology, then decide to make a career switch to the cyber security field.
Step 2: Develop your technical knowledge
One has to strengthen the basics of networking, security, firewalls, operating systems, and security protocols that are related. It is quite helpful to know the architecture of compromised systems so that you can pinpoint the vulnerabilities.
Step 3: Get Cyber Security Certifications
By holding a cybersecurity certification in your portfolio, it makes you stand out as a qualified professional in the domain. Some of the major cybersecurity certifications are:
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
- CompTIA Security+
Step 4: Practical experience
As a prerequisite to the internship program and freelance projects, you can pursue entry-level positions that are related to cyber security such as a cyber security analyst. Thereby, you may practice and learn what it’s like to deal with security incidents which eventually will raise your skill set and knowledge.
Step 5: Follow safety trends regularly
Without a doubt, cyber risks increase in a fast way. Therefore, to remain relevant in the field of cyber security, you have to keep abreast of the latest security standards and procedures.
Step 6: Building up a comprehensive cyber security skillset
The job of a cyber security expert is not only to perform technical tasks but also to guarantee success through the possession of a comprehensive skill set. If you want to have a strong career in cyber security, then besides problem-solving skills and analytical thinking, you will need to improve your communication skills as well.
Skills Needed to Become a Cyber Security Expert
The skills listed below are the ones that a cyber security expert needs to have in order to be successful.
Commonly Required Skills for Cybersecurity
Problem Solving
Diagnose problems, analyze data, model scenarios, and think creatively to find a resolution for new cyber threats.
Computer Forensics
Disclose hidden data, trace committed cybercrimes, and present evidence with the use of forensic tools.
Programming Languages
Knowledge in Python, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and C, to counter-attack and understand malware code.
Risk Assessment
Identifying assets at risk, analyzing threats, documenting vulnerabilities, and determining potential impact.
Machine Learning
By utilizing ML tools for pattern detection, attack prediction, and strengthening defensive barriers against emerging threats.
Commonly Needed Skills for Cybersecurity
Cybercrime Law
Understanding of cybersecurity laws and regulations to help organizations align with legal requirements.
Cyber Counterintelligence
Defending against cyber spying by detecting, preventing, and neutralizing intelligence threats.
Cyber-physical Infrastructure Practices
Secure connected systems in healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, and other life-critical industries.
Power Systems Protection
Safeguarding power grids, protection devices in the focus of cybercriminals.
Cybersecurity Public Policy
Knowledge of policies shaping data privacy, digital governance, and global cybersecurity practices.
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.
Top Cyber Security Courses/Certifications
In case you fancy the job of a cyber security expert, you must acquire cyber security certification to be recognized easily. Have a look at some of the most recognized cyber security certifications and courses
1. Linux Fundamentals Certification
Learn the most important aspects of Linux with which you will be able to navigate through the system, perform operations on files, and carry out security-focused operations.
2. Wireshark Network Analysis Certification
Since the tool Wireshark is used here, the learners will capture and analyze real-time network traffic, identify anomalies, and understand protocol behavior.
3. Splunk Security Operations Certification
Deepen your knowledge of Splunk structure, methods of data collection, search queries, gauges, and how it can be used for security operations and threat hunting.
4. At Network Bulls, a wide range of comprehensive combo and individual courses are designed to help you master essential cyber security skills.
✔ Cyber Security Course – Teaches core defensive cybersecurity skills including threat detection, packet analysis with Wireshark, SIEM tools like QRadar and Splunk, and network security fundamentals to prepare you for security operations roles.
✔ Ethical Hacking Course – A focused program that builds your skills in ethical hacking techniques, Linux fundamentals, and vulnerability assessment tools to legally test and secure systems and networks.
✔ Cyber Security + Ethical Hacking Combo Course – Combines cybersecurity fundamentals with ethical hacking methods using tools such as Kali Linux, Wireshark, Splunk and IBM QRadar for hands-on offensive and defensive security training.
✔ Cyber Security & Network Security Expert Integrated Course – A comprehensive pathway covering CCNA, CCNP, network security, cybersecurity and ethical hacking modules to develop full-stack networking and security expertise. This is 100% Job Guarantee program.
If you want, I can also list key career roles you could aim for after each course (like SOC
Final Thoughts!
With the increasing number of cyber-attacks worldwide and growing dependency on digital systems, the demand for cybersecurity experts has never been higher. If you are figuring out how to become a cybersecurity expert in India, it would include getting proper education from a reliable source, improving your skills, and getting the right certifications at the right time.
All this helps to be always current with the latest security measures. What you also need to know is that a cybersecurity journey is mainly a big effort but at the same time, it is a great financial and professional recognition.
People May Ask!
What are the steps to becoming a cybersecurity expert in India?
If you want to be a cybersecurity expert in India, first you have to create a solid base in IT and networking, after that through proper education, certifications, and on-the-job training you can acquire the core knowledge and skills of cybersecurity.”
Which certification is most suitable for cyber security in India?
The top cybersecurity qualifications in India vary according to your level of experience and career aspirations, but some of the most popular choices are CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) for the field of ethical hacking, OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) for hands-on penetration testing, and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) for a comprehensive understanding of security architecture.
What are 7 different kinds of cybersecurity?
There are different ways to interpret the “seven types of cybersecurity”, but most of the time they represent the following divisions: Network, Cloud, Endpoint, Application, Information, Mobile, and IoT Security.
