MCA in Cyber Security: Eligibility, Course Fees, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Dec 20, 2024 08:52 IST
Anshuman Singh

Anshuman SinghSenior Executive - Content

Is pursuing an MCA in cyber security a smart choice for future job prospects? Cybercrime is a growing threat that poses a huge risk to businesses, finances, and national security. A recent IBM report indicates that companies are losing an average of $4.24 million for each data breach, and as per a Forbes article, cybercrime could cost $10.5 trillion per year by 2025. All these statistics highlight the urgency of the situation.

MCA in Cyber Security

Apart from increasing cybercrime incidents, the cybersecurity industry is currently facing another major challenge: a shortage of 3.4 million skilled cyber professionals. As per Naukri, there are 27702+ vacancies in India alone. Although organizations recognize the importance of securing their network and systems, this gap makes it difficult for them to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

Given the high demand for professionals and the dynamic nature of the work, pursuing a career in cybersecurity presents an excellent opportunity. And what could be a better choice than enrolling in a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) with a specialization in Cyber Security? This program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to identify cybersecurity threats and effectively utilize security tools.

MCA in Cyber Security: Highlights

Candidates can look at some of the key points of MCA in Cyber Security specialization in the table given below:

MCA in Cyber Security Course Highlight

Details

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years (Full-time, Online)

Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree in stream related to computer science (preferably in BCA, BSc (IT) etc.)

Fees

2 lakhs to 5 lakhs (INR)

Top Institutions (Offering Regular MCA in CS)

Parul University, Presidency College, D.Y Patil International University, Jaipur National University, JECRC University, Poornima University, JECRC University, Sigma University, Galgotias University, Poornima University, etc.

Top Online Vendor & Institutes

Amity University Online, upGrad, Jain Deemed-to-be University - Online Campus, Amrita Ahead Online, Shree Pashmi Institute of Management and Science, Edugree, etc.

Average Salary

7 lakhs to 12 lakhs per annum

Top Recruiters

EY, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Accenture, Wipro, Infosys, IBM, Microsoft, CyberArk, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point Software, etc.

Job Positions

Cyber Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Malware Analyst, Security Engineer, Cyber Forensic Analyst, etc.

Why Pursue an MCA in Cloud Computing?

Here are a few reasons to consider pursuing a MCA in Cyber Security:

  • The cyber security market is expected to grow from USD 190.4 billion in 2023 to USD 298.5 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 9.4%. This growth guarantees a continuous demand for skilled cyber professionals and provides numerous long-term job opportunities.
  • As per Ambitionbox, cyber security professionals earn an average salary of INR 5 to 12 lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning up to INR 25 lakhs. As the demand for expertise increases, so will the compensation packages of these professionals. 

  • With over 80% of companies globally prioritizing cyber security investments, the demand for professionals is skyrocketing. As of 17/12/2024, Naukri lists 27,700+ job openings in cyber security roles just in India, reflecting the growing need for qualified experts.
  • Cyber security offers a wide range of specialized roles, such as Cyber Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Security Consultant, SOC Analyst, Malware Analyst, etc. These roles allow professionals to find career paths that match their skills and interests while contributing to the safety of digital infrastructure.
  • Many cyber security roles provide the option for remote work, offering flexibility and a better work-life balance. With the rise of digital workplaces, professionals can manage their work from anywhere, making it an attractive career option.

 

Why Pursue an MCA in Cloud Computing?

 

Skills Acquired During MCA in Cyber Security

Here is a list of skills typically acquired during an MCA in Cyber Security:

Skill Category

Skills Acquired

Cyber Security Fundamentals

Understanding of key cyber security principles, risk management, threat landscapes, and the importance of securing digital assets.

Types of Cyber Attacks

Understanding and defending against various types of cyber attacks such as Phishing, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), Man-in-the-Middle, SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Ransomware, and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).

Network Security

Knowledge of securing networks using different types of firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and secure network protocols.

Cryptography

Proficiency in encryption algorithms, digital signatures, key management, and secure communication techniques to protect sensitive data.

Ethical Hacking

Skills in penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and identifying weaknesses in systems through cyber security tools and techniques.

Incident Response & Forensics

Ability to respond to security incidents, conduct digital forensics investigations, and implement effective response strategies to mitigate attacks.

Malware Analysis

Understanding Malware and its types (viruses, trojans, ransomware), their behavior, and techniques to analyze and mitigate their impact.

Security Auditing

Proficiency in conducting security audits, vulnerability assessments, and security compliance checks against industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001).

Cloud Security

Knowledge of securing cloud environments, data encryption, access control, and compliance with cloud security standards (e.g., AWS, Azure security protocols).

Application Security

Understanding of securing applications through secure coding practices, threat modeling, and vulnerability management (e.g., SQL injection, XSS).

Identity & Access Management

Expertise in managing user identities, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and directory services.

Security Automation

Ability to use automation tools for incident response, vulnerability scanning, and compliance monitoring to improve operational efficiency.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Knowledge of risk assessment, managing cyber security policies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).

Data Protection & Privacy

Skills in implementing data protection mechanisms, secure data storage, encryption, and understanding privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

Advanced Threat Detection

Ability to identify and defend against advanced persistent threats (APTs), zero-day exploits, and complex attack techniques using threat intelligence.

Security Architecture

Designing and implementing secure system architectures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure network configurations.

Business Continuity & Recovery

Planning and implementing disaster recovery and business continuity strategies, ensuring critical systems remain operational during cyber attacks.

Eligibility Criteria for Pursuing MCA in Cyber Security

To pursue an MCA Cyber Security specialization program, the basic eligibility is that you must have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field with a minimum aggregate of 50% from a recognized university. Apart from that, having Mathematics at the 10+2 level may also be required.

Here are the key highlights:

Criteria

Details

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years (Full-time, Online)

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fields

Minimum Aggregate

50% aggregate in undergraduate degree

Mathematics Requirement

Mathematics at the 10+2 (higher secondary) level may be required

Entrance Exams

Some institutions may require entrance exams like JEE, NIMCET, or university-specific tests

Age Limit

No upper age limit

Best Indian Colleges to do MCA in Cyber Security

1.38 L - 16.72 L
3.6
0 - 8.11 K
35 K - 6.16 L
2.4 - 3.65 LPA
1.3 L - 17 L
4.35 - 6 LPA

IT & Software Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
4.55 L
4.2 LPA
4.38 L - 11.9 L
5.16 - 6.14 LPA

Popular Private MCA in Cyber Security Colleges in India

75.7 K - 1.43 L
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
2 Courses
10.34 L - 10.56 L
3.8

IT & Software Applications open till Feb 3, 2025. Apply Now

6.98 L - 16 L
4.5 LPA

IT & Software Applications open till Jan 21, 2025. Apply Now

75.7 K - 1.43 L
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
3 L - 16 L
4 - 7.25 LPA

IT & Software Applications open. Apply Now

3.1 L - 3.9 L
3.0

Top Online Vendors and Institutes Offering MCA in Cyber Security

Here are some of the top online vendors and institutions offering MCA Cyber Security specialization:

Collage

Tuition Fees (INR; Lakhs)

Amity University Online

2.5

upGrad

2.4

Jain Deemed-to-be University

1.6

Amrita Ahead Online

1.95

Edugree

1.5

LPU Online

1.4

Jain Online

1.6

Online Manipal Jaipur

1.58

Online Manipal Sikkim

98,000

Popular MCA in Cyber Security Specializations

Following are the most popular MCA in Cyber Security Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

MCA in Cyber Security Syllabus

Here is a general outline of the syllabus for an MCA program specializing in Cyber Security:

Semester

Course Name

Key Topics

Semester 1

Mathematics for Computer Science

Linear Algebra, Probability, Graph Theory, Discrete Mathematics

 

Computer Programming

C Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

 

Computer Organization & Architecture

CPU, Memory hierarchy, I/O Devices, ALU, Control Unit, Types of Computer Networks, Basic Security Concepts

 

Operating Systems

Processes, Threads, CPU Scheduling, Memory Management, File Systems, Basic OS Security

 

Data Communication & Networks

OSI Model, Network Devices in Computer Networks, IP Addressing, Switching and Routing, Network Security Measures, Network Protocol

Semester 2

Database Management Systems

Relational Databases, SQL, Data Modeling, Transactions, Normalization, Security in Databases

 

Software Engineering

Software Development Life Cycle, Requirements Analysis, Design, Testing, Maintenance, Security in SDLC

 

Cryptography & Information Security

Symmetric & Asymmetric Encryption, Hashing, Digital Signatures, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

 

Network Security

Firewalls, VPN, IDS/IPS, Network Access Control, Security Policies, Securing Communication Protocols

 

Ethical Hacking

Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Tools (Metasploit, Wireshark), Exploit Techniques

Semester 3

Malware Analysis

Types of Malware, Behavior Analysis, Reverse Engineering, Anti-virus Software

 

Cyber Law & Ethics

Cybecrime, Intellectual Property Rights, Types of hackers (Grey hat hacker, white hat hacker, etc.), Digital Evidence, Legal Frameworks for Cyber Security

 

Incident Response & Forensics

Incident Handling Process, Evidence Collection, Forensic Tools, Digital Forensics Analysis

 

Security in Web & Mobile Applications

Secure Web Application Development, OWASP Top 10, Mobile App Security, Secure Coding Practices

 

Advanced Cryptography

RSA, AES, Blockchain Types of Cryptography, Steganography

Semester 4

Cloud Security

Cloud Service Models, Security Issues in Cloud, Data Encryption in Cloud, Cloud Service Providers' Security

 

Advanced Threats & Attack Techniques

Cyberattack Types, Advanced Persistent Threats (APT), Zero-Day, Phishing, DDoS Attacks, Ransomware, Salami Attack

 

Identity & Access Management

Authentication vs Authorization, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Multi-Factor Authentication

 

Cyber Security Auditing & Compliance

Auditing Techniques, Security Standards (ISO 27001, NIST), GDPR, PCI-DSS, Cybersecurity Frameworks

 

Capstone Project

Real-time Cyber Security Projects, Research, Industrial Exposure, Thesis/Dissertation on Cyber Security

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular MCA in Cyber Security courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in MCA in Cyber Security.

Career Scope After Completing MCA in Cyber Security

After completing an MCA in Cyber Security, a wide range of job opportunities opens up. Below are some potential job roles, along with the average salary.

Job Profile

Average Salary (India)/(INR/LPA)

Top Recruiters

Cyber Security Analyst

2.5 to 10

IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Cognizant, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Infosys, etc.

Ethical Hacker

0.5 to 50

Amazon, Google, Cisco, Dell, PwC, Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG, etc.

Security Consultant

4.2 to 25

PwC, EY, Deloitte, Capgemini, Cognizant, Wipro, Accenture, etc.

Cyber Security Engineer

3 to 19.4

Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, IBM, etc.

Security Architect

20 to 40

IBM, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Accenture, Cisco, Deloitte, etc.

Malware Analyst

2 to 20

Symantec, McAfee, IBM, Check Point, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Accenture, etc.

Incident Response Analyst

3 to 21

Cognizant, Accenture, Capgemini, EY, Deloitte, IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), etc.

Digital Forensic Analyst

2.4 to 7.2

Kroll, EY, PwC, Deloitte, IBM, Accenture, Cognizant, HCL Technologies, etc.

Penetration Tester

6 to 17

RedTeam Security, Rapid7, HackerOne, IBM, Cisco, PwC, Deloitte, etc.

Network Security Engineer

3 to 14

Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, IBM, Wipro, Accenture, Infosys, etc.

Cloud Security Specialist

3.6 to 13.3

AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini, etc.

Cyber Security Manager

12.5 to 47

Accenture, Cognizant, EY, Deloitte, Capgemini, PwC, IBM, Infosys, etc.

Data Privacy Officer

5.5

Google, Amazon, IBM, Accenture, Cognizant, PwC, Deloitte, Wipro, etc.

 

Career Scope After Completing MCA in Cyber Security

 

Conclusion

After completing an MCA in Cyber Security, professionals can access diverse roles in various domains such as incident response, ethical hacking, data privacy, and security management. As businesses across industries continue to prioritize data protection, job opportunities in cyber security are expected to grow.

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered Yesterday

The eligibility criteria of PGD in Cyber Security of IIT Jammu is a bachelor's degree in B.E, B.Tech, MCA, M.Sc/ MS in IT, CS, ECE, EE or related field with minimum 55% or 6 CGPA of marks . A minimum of one year of work experience in IT, CSE, EC, EE or related field.  

The admission to the programme

...more

80901100
pradeep kumar

Scholar-Level 18

Answered 5 days ago

'To enhance your cybersecurity knowledge, consider the following YouTube channels:

John Hammond: Offers in-depth tutorials on cybersecurity challenges and tools'.

LiveOverflow: Focuses on reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis'.

IppSec: Provides walkthroughs of Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges

...more

D

Dhiraj Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

Sri Sai Ram Institute of Technology BTech in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) is a 4 year programme. The Institute offers it with an annual intake of 240 students. Offered in affiliation with Anna University, BTech in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) is offered base

...more

N

Nishtha Panda

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

For a Master's in Cybersecurity, some of the best colleges include:

  1. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): They offer specialised programs in Cybersecurity and related fields. Entrance exams like GATE or JAM are typically required for admission, depending on the specific program.

  2. National Institute o

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

George Mason University offers Cyber Security course at undergraduate and graduate levels to international students. The duration of Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering is 18 months and BS in Cyber Security Engineering is 4 years at GMU USA. The below table includes the George Mason Univ

...more

A

Aayush Kumar

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

Palo Alto's Cybersecurity Foundation courses introduce students to fundamental cybersecurity principles, including network security, cloud security, and security operations. Learners develop skills to identify and mitigate cyberattacks while configuring tools like Next-Generation Firewalls. The curr

...more

C

Chanchal Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

EC-Council courses offer industry-recognized certifications that can potentially boost your career prospects and provide practical, hands-on skills in various cybersecurity domains. The courses offered by the EC-Council University are up-to-date with current threats and technologies, including subje

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Interested candidates must be registered as a full-time student at the university and should have recieved 90 earned undergraduate credits/ 30 graduate credits. They should have a minimum cumulative grade point of 2.0 for the undergraduate and 3.0 for the graduate level students. Along with that, st

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is an important credential for those professional who are in the cybersecurity domain. However, having a CEH certification cannot guarantee a job. Companies require candidates who have skillsets, knowledge, credentials as well as minimum work experience. If the candida

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, the EC-Council University certificate is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam successfully. After the three-year term, students will have to get recertified by passing the EHE (ethical hacking essential) examination.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

  • The course is completed in over 10-week terms. It consists of assigned readings, case studies, written analysis, threaded discussions, research projects, and examinations.

  • The level of study is graduate with 12 courses in a span of 36 credit hours.

  • The entire course syllabus is graded based on the gra

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Those learners who fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria are eligible for applicable for BSCS:

  • Either a degree equivalent to an associate or foreign degree from an accredited institution or the student must have completed more than 60 semester credit hours (90+ quarter credit hours) from an

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

ECCU offers a range of cybersecurity courses that can help students gain skills relevant to cybersecurity domain.  Those who are certified cybersecurity professionals can get an opportunity to get better-paying and high-level jobs. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, there are some free EC-Council University courses that come with certificates. These include the following:

  • A Practical Introduction to Cloud Computing

  • Build Your Own NetApp Storage Lab

  • Android Bug Bounty Hunting: Hunt Like a Rat

  • Introduction to Dark Web, Anonymity, and Cryptocurrency

  • Cybersecurity

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

CompTIA certification is suitable for everyone from the IT industry irrespective of the experience level. Those who want to start learning fundamentals can enrol in CompTIA. Learners who want to enrol in specialised courses in cybersecurity and ethical hacking should enrol in EC-Council University c

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, ECCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The accreditation body is listed by the US Department of Education as one of the recognised accrediting agencies. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission has been recognised by Council for Higher Education Accreditation

...more

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, you can build a successful career in cybersecurity even with a commerce background and a CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification. The CEH certification is a globally recognised credential that equips individuals with essential skills in ethical hacking and cybersecurity principles, making

...more

T

Tejas Bodhankar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks ago

No information could be found on the search results about the number of students that can be enrolled for the online B.Sc. in Cyber Security at Uttarakhand Residential University. Universities set an intake capacity for every programme depending on the available infrastructure and faculty, which var

...more

J

Jagadesh Sai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

The University of Greenwich and Northumbria London are two popular universities to study Cyber Security in UK for international students. They both offer the best education in Cyber Security to students at an affordable cost. The below table includes the comparison between these two in terms of prog

...more

A

Aayushi Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Student with humanities, computer science (CS), and math subjects in class 12 can pursue a career in cybersecurity by focusing on developing technical skills through additional courses, certifications, and practical experience, leveraging their strong analytical and critical thinking abilities from

...more

N

NIKHIL GAUR

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

After high school, you can take admission examinations like the Joint admission Examination Main (JEE Main) to pursue career in information technology. GATE, MHT CET, TANCET, UKSEE, Karnataka PG-CET, Uni-GAUGE, and TS-EAMCET are few of the often taken cybersecurity admission exams in India. Each

...more

K

Kumar santhosh Addanki

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

M.Tech in Cyber Security online is a postgraduate programme designed for students and professionals who want to specialize in protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Here are some details about the program:

1. Eligibility:

A Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (e.g., B.Tech,

...more

79506744
Preethi R

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

The M.Tech in Cyber Security programme at NMAM Institute of Technology is highly respected for its curriculum and solid industry ties, 18 students are admitted annually to the programme which was started in 2022 under the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Key topics like Cyber Forensi

...more

R

Ravi Babu

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Engineering and Technology (SRET) offers a B.Tech programme in Computer Science and Engineering with a specialisation in Cyber Security and Internet of Things (IoT). The programme is designed with a focus on emerging technologies like IoT, cyber security, and blockchain, a

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Approximately 30 to 60 students would be enrolled in Nopany Institute of Management Studies' B.Sc. in Cyber Security programme every year. This varies with the infrastructure, faculty strength, and the demand for the program. The main focus of the programme would be on all the core requisites of kno

...more

K

KUMKUM BASWAL

Contributor-Level 8

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 63k Colleges
  • 966 Exams
  • 616k Reviews
  • 1450k Answers