With data breaches costing companies a whopping $4.88 million on average in 2024, cybersecurity is of immense importance in today’s digital environment.

With an increasing number of organizations facing high risk from malware, viruses, and other similar online threats, cybersecurity has become all the more important. This is also the reason there is a huge demand for cybersecurity experts looking to make a good career in this field.

While cybersecurity is a part of the curriculum in BTech computer science or BTech IT specialization, you can also pursue standalone cybersecurity courses after the 12th, such as BSc in cyber security, BTech in cyber security, MTech in cyber security, etc.

If you are looking to make a career in cybersecurity, this post will explore the topic in more detail and list some of the best courses available on websites such as IEEE BLP.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity, or information security, is a specialized field of information technology and a subfield of computer science that protects digital or electronic information from unauthorized access or theft.

Put simply; it refers to the practice of keeping your electronic devices and data completely safe from hackers and other cybercriminals.

There are several degree programs that you can enroll in to learn more about cybersecurity. Apart from these degree programs, students can also pursue beginner-level cybersecurity courses on platforms such as IEEE Blended Learning Program

Likewise, suppose you are a working professional, such as a network engineer or cyber security analyst. In that case, you can pursue any of the professional cybersecurity certifications from a range of different options available. IBM, CISCO, and  MIT offer a few such professional courses to help you grow and demonstrate your ability to work in senior-level positions.

Why Do You Need to Upskill in Cybersecurity?

With the rapid rise in cyber threats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. By choosing to make a career in the field, you can play a key role in safeguarding confidential information, preventing cyber crimes, and ensuring the integrity of digital infrastructures.

Apart from this, cybersecurity courses also teach you various strategies to protect computer systems and networks against any kind of unauthorized access, damage, or theft.

Likewise, upskilling in cybersecurity can help you learn about threat mitigation, risk assessment, and other security protocols, which are quite essential for IT professionals and security analysts.

Types of Cybersecurity Courses and Training

There are several different types of cybersecurity courses, certifications, and training available today.

Some of these include:

1. Network Security: Network security is a subset of cyber security that focuses primarily on safeguarding corporate networks by monitoring website traffic, identifying online threats, and taking suitable action to mitigate them.
2. Introduction to Cybersecurity: IEEE’s introductory course on cybersecurity for learners who wish to start a career in the field. This course explores various online cyber threats and trends in the field.
3. CompTIA Security+: CompTIA Security+ is another popular training program that covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics. Among these are network security, compliance, access control, and more.
4. Cyber Awareness Challenge: This is a training and certification program that helps authorized users understand various ways to avoid and reduce online threats and other vulnerabilities in an organization’s system.
5. CISSP (The Certified Information Systems Security Professional): This course is well sought after by IT professionals who want to manage an enterprise’s cyber security and is a significant certification in information security and cyber security.
6. Ethical Hacking: Ethical hacking is a form of cyber security that involves identifying and fixing various vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks so that cybercriminals cannot exploit them.
7. Cyber Security Manager: It is a course or degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology that can provide the basic knowledge and technical skills required to become a cybersecurity manager.

Formats of Cybersecurity Courses

Cybersecurity courses can be offered in a variety of different formats. Among these include:

1.  Online Courses

These are courses that include quizzes, videos, and assessments on cybersecurity. For instance, the CCSF Online Cyber Security Foundation Certification Course offers around 60 hours of content, and learners have access to it for one year after registration.

2.  Offline or Distance Learning Courses

There are institutions such as IGNOU and the University of Madras, which offer various offline or distance learning courses in cybersecurity.

Apart from these, other formats of cybersecurity courses include:

• Scenario-based Training: This is a method that can help students practice various skills and adapt to new situations.
• Group or Team Courses: There are certain programs, such as Stanford Online’s Advanced Cybersecurity Program, which allow students to enroll together as a group or team.

Duration of the Cybersecurity Courses

The duration of a cyber security course depends primarily on the type of course. The details of the same are mentioned below:

• Bachelor’s degree: This cybersecurity program typically takes four years to complete.
• Master’s degree: Master’s degree in cybersecurity takes two years to complete.
• Diploma: There are several diploma courses also available in the cybersecurity space which you can pursue either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. These programs typically last 10 months to one year.
• Certification: Cybersecurity certification is a short-term course that typically occurs online and can last three to six months.

Fee Range for Cybersecurity Courses

Several bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are available in cybersecurity, and depending on the type of course and the institution offering it, they can cost anywhere from INR 5000 to 3,000.00.

The fee range for a few of these courses is discussed below

• Certification courses: The CISSP course for cybersecurity basics costs around INR 25,000.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs: These bachelor’s and master’s programs in cybersecurity can cost between INR 1,00,000 and INR 3,00,000 per year, depending on the institute offering the course and the program.
• Advanced executive program in cybersecurity: This is another good cybersecurity program that can cost INR 1,85,000, excluding GST.

Certifications in Cybersecurity

There is a range of cybersecurity certifications available for both beginners and experts. Professionals such as cybersecurity analysts can greatly benefit from certifications like CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CSA+, and the Cisco CCNA.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from ISC is one of the most well-known and sought-after credentials in the cybersecurity industry. This certification helps you with specific skills for specific cybersecurity jobs, such as IT security engineer, information assurance analyst, and security administrator.

Further, if you wish to specialize in security engineering or IT project management, you can go for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification from ISACA.

Cybersecurity Curriculum

Here are key areas that are covered in most of the courses and certifications:

1.  Security Fundamentals

This module covers the basics of cybersecurity, where you learn to assess threats and risks. It also teaches you the differences between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts and their importance in cybersecurity.

2.  Networks and Network Security

Covers the concepts of network configuration, network design, protocols, and data communication. Besides, you can also learn about network security, cryptography, and web development in this module.

3.  Systems Administration

This module gives you hands-on experience working with the command line and bash commands, which are prominent in several IT roles. You can also learn about configuring, auditing, and securing servers from malicious attacks.

4.  Defensive Security

In this module, students explore the details of SIEMs and network security monitoring. They also practice the Incident Response framework to adequately respond to different security breaches and attacks and learn about ways to recover deleted data.

Best Cybersecurity Courses

Here are some of the best cybersecurity courses that you can explore to make a rewarding career in the field:

1.  IEEE BLP Courses

If you wish to learn more about cybersecurity, enroll in IEEE BLP cybersecurity learning courses and get access to premium resources and content. These courses will not only prepare you for the fundamentals of cybersecurity but also provide advanced insights into threat detection, risk management, and secure coding practices.

Industry professionals design IEEE BLP courses and offer certifications that can boost your credibility in the field.

2.  Concept of Operating Systems and Administration (COSA)

This is a comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum that covers both Linux and Windows operating systems, offering learners a clear understanding of two of the most widely used platforms in the IT industry.

The course also offers hands-on experience through both practical exercises and real-world scenarios, equipping the learners with the necessary skills required to effectively administer, manage, and secure Linux and Windows environments in professional settings.

3.  TryHackMe

TryHackMe is a free cybersecurity course that features comprehensive content for new learners and covers a wide range of topics, including defensive security training.

The course also includes modules on network security, web hacking, Linux and Windows fundamentals, cryptography, and basic computer exploitation.

4.  Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate

This is an excellent cybersecurity course that covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and core concepts foundational to security, compliance, and identity solutions. The course also teaches you about an organization’s network vulnerabilities and how to mitigate attacks on network infrastructures to protect data.

5.  SANS Cyber Aces Online

SANS Cyber Aces Online is a philanthropic organization run by SANS Institute, which donates the training courses.

Cyber Aces can unlock the security basics for professors, teachers, businesspeople, and security pros who want to learn more about security for free. It is a self-paced course that includes a mix of tutorials and videos that students can learn at their convenience.

6.  IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization

It is a beginner level course that helps you learn in-demand skills on cybersecurity from university and industry experts. The course also lets you master a subject or tool with hands-on projects and allows you to develop a deep understanding of key concepts

Wrapping Up

Living in a digital age today means hackers and cybercriminals have endless opportunities to exploit individuals, institutions, and even large organizations.

To defend against these cyber attacks and online security breaches, most companies are willing to invest in cyber security experts who can safeguard their data from threats.

Cybersecurity courses and degrees are the best way to gain expertise in this area as a student, researcher, or academician.

When choosing a course, make sure you not only focus on foundational knowledge but also seek hands-on experience through labs, simulations, and real-world projects.

Look for courses that cover a broad spectrum of cybersecurity topics, from network security to ethical hacking and cryptography. This will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the field and prepare you to tackle a wide range of security challenges.

FAQs

1. Which cyber security course is best?

While there are several good cybersecurity courses available, IEEE BLP’s Concept of Operating Systems and Administration—COSA is one of the best courses to do in cybersecurity.

2. Which cybersecurity certification is best?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from ISC is one of the most well-known and sought-after certifications in the cybersecurity industry

3. Which field of cyber security is best?

There are several different fields in cybersecurity, such as security engineering and architecture, network engineering, penetration Testing and more. The best one out of these depends primarily on your interests and skills.

4. What are the fees for cybersecurity courses?

Several bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are available in cybersecurity, and the cost varies from INR 5000 to 3,000.00, depending on the type of course and the institution offering it.

5. How much time does it take to learn cybersecurity?

Based on your prior knowledge and dedication, learning the basics of cybersecurity can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months through self-study or online courses.