Cyber Safety

Sumit Gupta, a young IT (information technology) security professional at a private IT security firm in Delhi, was so fascinated reading about cases of cyber crime while studying for a BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) that he decided to specialise in IT security.

His job now requires him to take counter measures against hacking of client sites. Though his father has yet to understand what exactly it is that Gupta does for a living, young Sumit loves what he does. "It is exciting. I can do it for 16 hours a day," he says.

The work related to IT security can be divided into three parts. The first one involves finding out the reason for breach of cyber security. The next step is to trace the origin of hacking and, lastly, put measures that prevent the malware (malicious software) attack from happening again. Though every IT security expert is deployed at one of these three stages of security, he or she will not like to divulge the intricate details of their projects.

"As we are bound by the rules of confidentiality, we don't get to know what our colleagues are up to," says Gupta.

With soaring cyber crime rates, IT security is gradually gaining prominence in the corporate world and the government departments. "Information security and ethical hacking are the latest buzzwords in the industry. In today's market with its cut-throat competition, leakage of information can be detrimental to an organisation's future," says Rajesh Huddar, head, information security practice, Mahindra Special Services Group.

Considering the rising demand for IT security professionals, Delhi Technological University (DTU - previously known as the Delhi College of Engineering), introduced an MTech programme in information systems two years ago. "In IT companies, no product development happens without security measures. With cloud computing making inroads into our lives, information security is set to grow. Which is why, courses in data security and information systems are being added in engineering colleges at undergraduate and postgraduate levels," says Dr Daya Gupta, head of department, computer engineering, DTU.

Those who undergo short-term courses in computer security might not get a cyber security job straightaway. They might be required to work in the networking space initially before they are promoted to more responsible positions. "We train our students in networking, hardware and cyber security simultaneously because all three subjects are interrelated. Initially, most of them join as network administrators before they are elevated to the security positions after two to three years," says Ravinder Goyal, director, IACM, a chain of private institutes imparting education on computer related activities. IMT Ghaziabad also runs an online Masters level programme in cyber security and laws, but only for working professionals.

"Securing the IT space with foolproof measures is very important. In cases where financial transactions take place online, there should be 100 per cent security measures (in place), which most of the time is not the case," says Prof AM Sherry, director, IMT Ghaziabad.

Author: Vimal Joshi (HT Horizons)

Date: 28th October, 2010

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