Date of Publishing:23/8/2010

Location:Delhi

CYBER security involves protecting the information by preventing, detecting and responding to attacks. When so much of our daily lives and personal information relies on computers and the internet, be it our communication (email, cell phones), entertainment (digital cable, mp3s), transportation (car engine systems, aircraft navigation), shopping (online stores, credit cards), medicine (equipment, medical records), etc, securing the information is of paramount importance.

Information security is a key enabler of trusted e-services across public, private and people sectors. The increasing level of security breaches and malicious attacks have raised the demand for qualified information security professionals both locally and globally — be it in financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare or defence. Technology has continued to evolve rapidly through greater use of cloud computing, virtualisation and social networks and all types of breaches are on the increase. Entrepreneurship is an opportunity for experienced information security professionals.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Perhaps the most important aspect of a path in the information security field is a degree in a computer-related field such as computer science and engineering degree or MCA or MSc IT/computer science or management information sciences (MIS) or MBA (IT). MBA in information systems would be ideal for someone who has a technical degree and interest in managerial responsibilities related to information systems in an organisation.

Information security certifications are of two types: vendor-neutral and vendor-specific. A vendor-neutral certification, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), encompasses a broad scope of knowledge and is not tied to any specific technology vendor or product. Vendor-specific certifications, such as Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security (MCSE), are offered by technology vendors covering knowledge and content about their products, solutions, and best practices. The certifications are all valuable but each has its own target audience. They are useful for individuals who possess the skills and experience for it.

Level 1-Certified System Security Analyst (CSSA) has been launched as part of the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project of Department of Information Technology. Candidates may either opt for regular study by taking admission at the designated institutes (mentioned below) as per eligibility or enrol through self-study mode without attending regular course. Graduates in engineering/MCA/DOEACC B level/MSc Computer Science/IT are eligible to apply. ISACA’s (www.isaca.org) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification for individuals who design, build and manage enterprise information security programmes. The writer is a career counsellor)

INSTITUTE WATCH

• Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi) (IIIT -D), New Delhi (www.iiitd.ac.in/mtech2010.php)

• Indian Institute of Information Technology-Allahabad (www.iiita.ac.in)

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management, Gwalior (www.iiitm.ac.in)

• International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, (www.iiit.ac.in)

• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi (www.bitmesra.ac.in)

• Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal (www.manit.ac.in)

• Amrita Schools of Engineering, Amrita University (www.amrita.edu)

• University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad(www.uohyd.ernet.in)

• Institute Of Forensic Science, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar (www.gfsu.edu.in)

• DOEACC Centre, Calicut (www.doeacccalicut.ac.in)

• Institute of Management Technology, Centre for Distance Learning, Ghaziabad (www.imtcdl.ac.in)

• Symbiosis Center of Information Technology, Pune (www.scit.edu)

• Centre for Information & Network Security (CINS),Behind University Health Centre, University of Pune, Pune-411007

• C DAC, ACTechS, Noida (www.cdacnoida.in)

• MIEL Academy (www.mielesecurity.com/)

• DOEACC Centres at (i) Gorakhpur www.doeaccgkp.edu.in (ii) Imphal Centre www.doeaccimphal.org.in (iii) Kolkata Centre www.doeacckolkata.in and (iv) Jammu/ Srinagar Centre www.jkdoeacc.in Indicative listing

Web Resource for Reference of the Above Mentioned Article:

• TIMES NEWS NETWORK