Cyber Security: Certifications, Course Fees, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Salary

Cyber Security is a specialized field in Information Technology (I.T.), which is regarded as a substream in Computer Science. Its primary objective is not just to impart knowledge but to arm students with the essential skills to defend computer operating systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks. These attacks can range from salami and man-in-the-middle attacks to DOS and DDOS attacks. For instance, the infamous WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 affected hundreds of thousands of computers across 150 countries, causing widespread disruption and financial losses. 

The alarming surge in cybercrime demands immediate attention. According to Statista, the number of hourly victims has shockingly increased by 1517%, from a mere 6 in 2001 to a staggering 97 in 2024. The financial repercussions are equally distressing, with the average hourly cost of data breaches soaring from $2,054 in 2002 to an astounding $787,671 in 2024.  

Looking ahead, the projected annual damages from cybercrime are set to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025. This means the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to rise in the coming years, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2025 (Cybercrime Magazine).

Current Trends in the Cybersecurity Industry

The cybersecurity industry is witnessing several trends, such as the rise of AI, remote work, the adoption of identity verification technologies, and investments in proactive security measures like predictive analytics. But these trends also bring new risks, such as adversarial and AI-driven attacks. 

To counter these risks, security measures like multi-factor authentication and security-by-design principles for IoT and connected devices are becoming increasingly important.

Here are some important statistics regarding these trends by MarketsAndMarkets: 

• Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is expected to reach USD 60.6 billion by 2028 in the cybersecurity industry.
• The global multi-factor authentication (MFA) market size is expected to reach USD 34.8 billion by 2028.
• The global endpoint security market is expected to reach 18.4 billion by 2024. 
• The biometric authentication and global threat intelligence market size is expected to be 82.9 billion by 2027. 
• The global zero-trust security market is expected to grow to USD 67.9 billion by 2028. 
• The global compliance management solution market is expected to grow to USD 5.7 billion in 2025.

Why Learn Cybersecurity in 2024?

Here are some reasons why you should consider learning cybersecurity in 2024:

• The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow by 32% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• In a survey conducted by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), 52% of respondents reported that their organizations have a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. 
• The median salary for an information security analyst in the U.S. is $103,590/yr (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and as per AmbitionBox, it's ₹7.8Lakhs/yr, significantly higher than the median salary for all occupations. 
• Cybersecurity is a field that is constantly evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging regularly. For those interested in technology and problem-solving, cybersecurity offers endless opportunities for growth and learning.

Relevance of Learning Cybersecurity in 2024

In 2024, the relevance of learning cybersecurity in India is expected to grow as the country rapidly digitizes. The government's push for digital transformation and initiatives such as Digital India and Make in India are driving the adoption of digital technologies. As more people and businesses go online, the risk of cyber threats increases, making it necessary for individuals to have knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. 

Moreover, with the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, learning cybersecurity can lead to lucrative career opportunities in India. As per the NASSCOM report, there will be a demand for 1 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025 in India. Thus, learning cybersecurity in India is crucial for individuals and businesses to safeguard themselves against the growing threat of cyber attacks and prepare for the future.

How to Learn and Excel Cybersecurity Strategically?

To learn and excel in cybersecurity strategically, you need to follow a structured approach that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the field. Here are some steps that can help: 

• Start with the basics: Learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including the various types of security threats, attack vectors, and security measures. 
• Choose your area of specialization: Cybersecurity is a vast field, and it is essential to choose a specific area of specialization based on your interests and career goals. You can specialize in areas like network security, application security, cloud security, or digital forensics. 
• Build your knowledge and skills: Update your knowledge and skills. Attend training programs, read books and blogs, and participate in online forums and communities.
• Gain practical experience: Cybersecurity is a hands-on field, and you need practical experience to excel. Look for opportunities to work on real-world cybersecurity projects through internships or freelance work. 
• Get certified: Cybersecurity certifications can help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Consider getting certified in areas like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Fundamental Concepts of Cybersecurity

• CIA Triad: Ensures data confidentiality (access limited to authorized users), integrity (data accuracy and completeness), and availability (data accessible when needed).
• Risk Management: Involves identifying, evaluating, and applying measures to control risks to an organization's digital assets, balancing potential harm against protective steps.
• Encryption: Converts sensitive information into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access, essential for safeguarding stored and transmitted data.
• Firewalls and Antivirus: Tools that serve as a first line of defence. Firewalls block unauthorized access, while antivirus software detects and removes malicious code.
• Authentication vs. Authorization: Authentication verifies a user's identity, while authorization grants access to specific resources based on verified identity.
• Network Security: Implements measures to protect the underlying networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft.
• Endpoint Security: Secures endpoints or entry points of end-user devices like computers and mobile devices from being exploited by malicious actors.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Strategies and tools designed to prevent unauthorized access and transfer of sensitive information outside the network.
• Incident Response: A planned approach to managing and mitigating the aftermath of security breaches or attacks, aiming to limit damage and reduce recovery time and costs.
• Security Policies and Training: Establishing guidelines and educating employees on cybersecurity practices to protect organizational data from cyber threats.
• Zero Trust Security Model: Assumes no inherent trust and verifies every attempt to connect to the system before granting access, regardless of location.
• Vulnerability Management: The process of continuously identifying, assessing, treating, and reporting on security vulnerabilities in systems and the software that runs on them.

Top Online Cyber Security Courses

Online cybersecurity courses are offered by various educational agencies, which equip a learner with the skills needed to defeat all online threats including advanced hackers, trackers, malware, cybercriminals, etc. to protect infrastructure, data, information, architecting cloud-based security, and much more. These courses include online-demand video, e-learning content and certificate upon course completion. Take a look at the list of online cybersecurity courses offered by different agencies in the table below:

Certification	Duration	Fees
Certified Risk and Information System Control by Udemy	3 years	INR 2,240
Certified Ethical Hacker by Udemy	3 months to 2 years	INR 10,560
Cisco Certified Network Professional	3 months to 1 year	INR 11,250 to INR 26,250
Cisco Certified Information Security Expert	3 months to 1 year	-
ISACA Certified Information Security Auditor	-	INR 45000 for members and INR 65000 for non-members (vary based on membership status and personal preference for study materials and training selections)
Certificate in Information Security by Simplilearn	3 months to 1 year	INR 84,499
ISACA Certified Information Security Management	-	INR 45000 for members and INR 60000 for non-members (vary based on membership status and personal preference for study materials and training selections)
ISC Certified Information Systems Security Professional	-	INR 10000

Minimum Eligibility for Enrolling in Online Cybersecurity Courses

The eligibility requirements for online cybersecurity courses can vary depending on the specific course and institution. The minimum eligibility requirement is at least a 10+2 certificate or a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the field. You should also be familiar with Windows, Linux, or macOS operating systems.

Who Should Go For Online Cybersecurity Courses?

• Individuals interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
• Individuals who want to keep themselves and their personal information safe online.
• Business owners who want to understand how to protect their organization from cyber threats, such as session hijacking, smishing, dictionary attack, trojan horse attack, tailgating attack, watering hole attack, etc. 
• Anyone who wants to learn about cybersecurity and its importance. Professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.

Syllabus for Online Cybersecurity Courses

The syllabus for Cyber Security varies for various courses. Take a look at the generic course curriculum for online Cyber Security courses.

Online Cyber Security Course Syllabus
Introduction	Welcome and Introduction to the Instructor!
	Goals and Learning Objectives - Volume 1
	Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking Careers
The Threat and Vulnerability Landscape	What is Privacy, Anonymity and Pseudonymity
	Security, Vulnerabilities, Threats and Adversaries
	Asset Selection
	Threat Modeling and Risk Assessments
	Security vs Privacy vs Anonymity - Can we have it all?
	Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability - (Security Attributes)
	Defense In Depth
	The Zero Trust Model
The Current Threat and Vulnerability Landscape	Why You Need Security – The Value Of A Hack
	The Top 3 Things You Need To Stay Safe Online
	Security Bugs and Vulnerabilities
	Types of hackers
	Malware, viruses and worms, rootkits and RATs
	Spyware, Adware, Scareware, PUPs & Browser hijacking
	Spamming & Doxing
	Social engineering - Scams, cons, tricks and fraud
	CPU Hijackers - Crypto Mining Malware and Cryptojackers
	Deep web and dark web
	Regulating encryption, mandating insecurity & legalizing spying
	Trust & Backdoors
	Censorship
	Cyber Threat Intelligence – Stay Informed
Encryption Crash Course	Goals and Learning Objectives
	Different Types of Cryptography
	Hashing, Hash Functions
	Digital Signatures
	Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport layer security (TLS)
	SSL Stripping
	HTTPS (HTTP Secure)
	Digital Certificates
	Certificate Authorities and HTTPS
	End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
	Steganography
	How Security and Encryption is Really Attacked
Setting up a Testing Environment Using Virtual Machines (Lab)	Introduction to Setting up a Testing Environment Using Virtual Machines
	Vmware
	Virtual box
	Kali Linux 2018
Operating System Security & Privacy (Windows vs Mac OS X vs Linux)	Security Features and Functionality
	Usage Share
	Windows 11 - Privacy & Tracking
	Windows 11 - Disable tracking automatically
	Windows 11 - Tool : Disable Windows 10 Tracking
	Windows 11 – Cortana
	Windows 11 – Privacy Settings
	Windows 11 - WiFi Sense
	Windows 7, 8 8.1, 10 - Privacy & Tracking
	Mac - Privacy & Tracking
	Operating systems (Linux, Unix, etc)
	General Use Operating Systems With a Security and Privacy Focus (Debian, Arch)
	Pure Security Focused Operating Systems (QubesOS, Subgraph OS, Trisquel OS)
	Anonymity Focused Operating Systems (Tails and Whonix OS)
	Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Focused Operating Systems
	Mobile Operating Systems with Security & Privacy Focus (LineageOS, Sailfish)
	Linux - Debian 8 Jessie - Virtual box guest additions Issue
Security Bugs and Vulnerabilities	Windows 7, 8, 8.1 & 10 - Automate the pain away from patching
	Linux - Debian - Patching
	Mac - Patching
	Firefox - Browser and extension updates
	Chrome - Browser and extension updates
	IE and Edge - Browser and extention updates
	Auto updates - The Impact to privacy and anonymity
Social Engineering and Social Media Offence and Defence	Information Disclosure and Identity Strategies for Social Media
	Identify Verification and Registration
	Behavioural Security Controls Against Social Threats (Phishing, Spam)
	Technical Security Controls Against Social Threats (Phishing, Spam, Scam & Cons)
Security Domains	Security Domains
Security Through Isolation and Compartmentalization	Introduction to Isolation and Compartmentalization
	Physical and Hardware Isolation
	Hardware Serials
	Virtual Isolation
	Dual Boot
	Built-in Sandboxes and Application Isolation
	Windows - Sandboxes and Application Isolation - Sandboxie
	Linux - Sandboxes and Application Isolation
	Mac - Sandboxes and Application Isolation
	Virtual Machines
	Virtual Machine Weaknesses
	Virtual Machine Hardening
	Whonix OS - Anonymous Operating system
	Whonix OS - Weaknesses
	Qubes OS
	Security Domains, Isolation and Compartmentalization

Tools To Look Out in a Cyber Security Course

Here are some tools to learn. 

Tool Name	Primary Use
Wireshark	Network protocol analyzer for network troubleshooting and analysis.
Nmap	Network mapping and security auditing tool.
Metasploit	Penetration testing framework for vulnerability discovery and exploitation.
Nessus	Vulnerability scanner for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.
Burp Suite	Integrated platform for performing security testing of web applications.
Snort	Network intrusion detection system (IDS) and intrusion prevention system (IPS).
Kali Linux	Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing.
OWASP ZAP	Open-source web application security scanner.
Qualys	Cloud-based security and compliance solution.
Splunk	Platform for searching, monitoring, and analyzing machine-generated data via a web-style interface.

Top Job Titles in Cyber Security 

Title	Specific Skills Required	Average Salary (AmbitionBox)
Cybersecurity Analyst	Threat analysis, SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, LogRhythm), network protocols, incident response, vulnerability assessment	₹6.3 Lakhs
Cybersecurity Consultant	Risk assessment methodologies, compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR), cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST), client management	₹11.7 Lakhs
Penetration Tester	Ethical hacking, knowledge of programming/scripting (e.g., Python, Bash), tool expertise (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite), reporting findings	₹8.3 Lakhs
Information Security Manager	Policy development, team leadership, budget management, security audit and compliance, stakeholder communication	₹19.6 Lakhs
Security Architect	System architecture design, secure coding practices, encryption technologies, access control models, network security	₹24.5 Lakhs
Network Security Engineer	Firewall/IDS/IPS management, VPN configuration, network protocols (TCP/IP), endpoint security, troubleshooting network issues	₹7.1 Lakhs
Cybersecurity Project Manager	Project management principles (e.g., PMP/PRINCE2), cybersecurity domain knowledge, agile methodologies, stakeholder management	₹22.0 Lakhs
SOC Analyst	Real-time monitoring, intrusion detection systems (e.g., Snort), log analysis, incident handling, cybersecurity threat intelligence	₹8.5 Lakhs
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)	Strategic planning, cybersecurity governance, regulatory compliance, executive communication, financial acumen for security investments	₹35.0 Lakhs
Cybersecurity Researcher	Research methodologies, programming for security tool development, reverse engineering, knowledge of threat landscape, publishing findings	₹11.2 Lakhs

Top Recruiters in Cyber Security 

After completing a course in Cyber Security, candidates seek for Cyber Security jobs in the following companies.

• Apple
• Federal Reserve Bank of New York
• Patient First
• Lockheed Martin
• General Motors
• Capital One
• Cisco
• Intel
• Northrop Grumman
• Boeing

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field that offers endless opportunities for growth and learning. With the alarming rise in cybercrime and the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, learning cybersecurity has become more relevant than ever before. As the world digitizes, the need for cybersecurity professionals will continue to grow, making it a lucrative career option. 

Also Read: Career in Cyber Security

Check out CCNA interview questions to ace the interview round

Following are the most popular Cyber Security Colleges in India. Learn more about these Cyber Security colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

A cyber security course is a program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect computer systems, networks, and data from security breaches, cyberattacks, and other digital threats. These courses cover topics such as network security, cryptography, risk management, ethical hacking, and so on. The courses also include hands-on training and real-world simulations to help students develop practical skills in defending against cyber threats.

Key Highlights of the Online Cyber Security Course

Here are the key highlights of the online cyber security course:

Aspect	Details
Type of Course	Online, Self-paced, Distance
Duration	4 to 12 months
Course Pedagogy	Video lectures, interactive assignments, case studies, virtual labs, online discussions
Specializations	cyber security, Ethical Hacking, Network Security, etc.
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT or related field with minimum 50-60% marks
Course Fee	Typically ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000
Average Salary	INR 5.9 Lakhs per year
Top Institutes	EC-Council, SANS Institute, Stanford University, MIT, Georgia Tech, etc.
Top Recruiters	cyber security firms, Government agencies, IT companies, Financial institutions, etc.

Eligibility Criteria for Doing the Online Cyber Security Course

To be eligible for the online cyber security program, candidates must have:

• High school diploma or equivalent (minimum)
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, engineering or related field (for advanced/specialized courses)
• Basic computer skills
• Familiarity with programming languages like Python, Java, etc.
• Understanding of networking concepts and OS.

Why Pursue an Online Cyber Security Course?

The online cyber security program offers several compelling advantages:

• The online cyber security course equips students with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to excel in various IT fields, transition into a cyber security role, or obtain specialized certifications to enhance your employability.
• The online cyber security program allows students to learn at their own pace and on their schedule, making it an ideal choice for working professionals.
• Pursuing an online cyber security course can be more cost-effective than traditional on-campus programs, as it eliminates the need for commuting, housing, and other associated expenses.
• The online cyber security program enables students to enrol in programs offered by some of the best institutions, regardless of location.
• As per Naukri, the total number of jobs available for candidates who have completed cyber security courses as of 06/19/2024 is 17476. 
• As per AmbitionBox, the average salary of a candidate who has completed a cyber security course in India is around ₹5.9 lakhs per year.

What Will You Learn in the Online Cyber Security Program/Course?

Some of the key topics and areas of study in the online cyber security course include:

Topic	Description
Fundamentals of cyber security	cyber security principles, terminology, threats (malware, phishing, DDoS), vulnerabilities, and risk management strategies.
Network Security	Network security protocols (SSL/TLS, IPSec), firewalls, intrusion detection system and intrusion prevention systems (IDS/IPS), virtual private networks (VPNs), and wireless security.
Cryptography and Data Protection	Symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, digital signatures, key management, and data protection techniques (backups, data loss prevention).
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing	Ethical hacking methodologies, vulnerability scanning, exploitation techniques, social engineering, and penetration testing tools (Metasploit, Nmap).
Incident Response and Forensics	Incident response planning, digital forensics techniques (data acquisition, analysis, reporting), evidence collection, and chain of custody.
Security Policies and Compliance	Security policies, risk assessment, and compliance with industry standards (GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST cyber security Framework).
Cloud Security	Cloud computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), cloud security risks, cloud service provider security offerings, and cloud security best practices.
Web Application Security	Web application vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, CSRF), secure coding practices, web application firewalls (WAFs), and OWASP guidelines.
Risk Management and Governance	Risk assessment methodologies, risk mitigation strategies, security governance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), and security information and event management (SIEM).
Cyber Attacks	Types of cyber attacks (malware, phishing, DDoS, APTs), attack vectors, threat actors, and cyber attack prevention and mitigation techniques.
Emerging Threats and Trends	Staying updated on the latest cyber security threats, attack vectors, emerging technologies (IoT, AI, blockchain), and industry best practices.

Career Opportunities After Completing Online Cyber Security Course

Here are the top roles that a graduate can take on after completing online cyber security course:

Role	Average Salary in INR (Lakhs/Year)
cyber security Analyst	6.4
Information Security Analyst	10.7
Security Consultant	14.8
Penetration Tester	8.6
Ethical Hacker	8.5
Incident Response Analyst	6.1
Security Auditor	8.7
cyber security Engineer	5.8
Security Administrator	6.5

The salaries mentioned can vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and the specific industry or organization.

Top Rated Online Cyber Security Courses

Here are the top rated online cyber security courses:

Course Name	Vendor/University
Introduction to Cybercrime	SkillUP
Cyber Crime Analyst Part 1	Udemy
Cyber Crime & Crime Law- Dr Pavan Duggal- Cyberlaw Univ.	Udemy
Cybercrime	Coursera
Security Management and Governance	Coursera
Crime and Society	MKU (Madurai Kamaraj Universty)
Cybercrime Prevention and Protection	FutureLearn
Cyber Crime Investigation	FutureLearn
Post Graduate Program in Cyber Security	Amity Online
IIT Kanpur - Advanced Certification Program in Cyber Security and Cyber Defence	IIT Kanpur
Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Cyber Security Management and Data Science	IIM Nagpur
PG Diploma in Cyber Security & Forensics (PG-DCSF)	CDAC
Online Associate Diploma in Cyber Security	Cyber Security Studies and Research Laboratory
Master's Program in Cyber Security Expert	Simplilearn
IIT Jammu Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security	TimesPro
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security	Charles Sturt University
Information Technology Certificate in Cyber Security	Central Piedmont

Top Companies Hiring Professionals Who Have Completed Online Cyber Security Courses

Here are some of the top companies that actively hire graduates who have completed cyber security online courses: 

Company	Common Roles Offered
Amazon	Cyber Security Analyst, Security Operations Engineer, Incident Response Analyst
IBM	Cyber Security Consultant, Security Analyst, Penetration Tester
Microsoft	Cyber Security Engineer, Security Researcher, Security Operations Analyst
Cisco	Cyber Security Specialist, Security Consultant, Network Security Engineer
Lockheed Martin	Cyber Security Analyst, Information Assurance Analyst, Cyber Threat Analyst
Deloitte	Cyber Security Consultant, Security Auditor, Risk Management Analyst
Accenture	Cyber Security Consultant, Security Architect, Penetration Tester
Google	Security Engineer, Incident Response Analyst, Security Operations Analyst
FireEye	Cyber Security Analyst, Incident Response Analyst, Threat Researcher
Palo Alto Networks	Cyber Security Analyst, Security Operations Center Analyst, Security Engineer
Booz Allen Hamilton	Cyber security Consultant, Security Analyst, Penetration Tester
Symantec	Cyber Security Analyst, Security Operations Analyst, Threat Hunter
McAfee	Cyber Security Analyst, Security Researcher, Vulnerability Analyst
JPMorgan Chase	Cyber Security Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Security Operations Analyst
Bank of America	Cyber Security Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Security Engineer

Conclusion

The online cyber security courses are a popular choice for tech professionals looking to advance their careers. Top vendors like Coursera, Udemy, FutureLearn, etc., offer this program, providing flexible learning and industry-relevant skills. Candidates who have completed online cyber security courses are in high demand at top companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, IBM, and Cisco for various tech roles. Choosing the right online cyber security course can lead to diverse career opportunities and success in the tech industry.

Following are the most popular Cyber Security UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Cyber Security PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.