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How To Start A Career in Cyber Security In India? [2025]

Q: How can freshers gain practical experience in cybersecurity?

Freshers can gain practical experience in cybersecurity by setting up home labs, participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, undertaking personal projects, applying for internships, volunteering, and joining bug bounty programs.

August 13, 2023
Posted by: Vijay
Category: cybersecurity

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Table of Contents

How To Start A Career in Cyber Security In India?

If you want to know about “How To Start A Career in Cyber Security In India?” then you are at the right place. Here, we will talk about the best ways to start your career in cybersecurity with the help of professional guidance.

Moreover, in the end, we will tell you about a reputed training institute offering a dedicated training & certification program related to cybersecurity. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the point!

What is Cybersecurity?

The practice of defending computer networks, systems, and data against online threats, harm, or illegal access is known as cybersecurity. To protect the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of information, a variety of technologies, procedures, and controls must be put in place. The objective is to protect people and organizations against online risks such as malware, phishing, and hacking, and to guarantee the safe use of digital assets. Let’s talk about “How To Start A Career in Cyber Security In India?”

Key Skills Required for Cyber Security Professionals

S.No.	Skills	Why?
1.	Network Security	A thorough knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and security tools like firewalls and IDS/IPS to safeguard network infrastructures.
2.	Operating Systems Knowledge	Ability to navigate and secure different operating systems (Windows, Linux, and macOS) to spot flaws and stop threats.
3.	Incident Response and Digital Forensics	The capacity to forensically examine digital data and to efficiently identify, address, contain, and recover from cyber events.
4.	Vulnerability Management and Penetration Testing	The ability to locate, evaluate, and take advantage of security flaws in programs and systems before making suggestions for fixing them.
5.	Cloud Security	Familiarity with cloud-native security tool management, shared responsibility frameworks, and cloud environment security (AWS, Azure, GCP).
6.	Threat Intelligence and Analysis	The ability to compile, evaluate, and apply data regarding new and existing cyberthreats to preventative defense tactics.
7.	Risk Management	The capacity to recognize, evaluate, rank, and reduce cybersecurity threats to a company’s resources and activities.
8.	Programming and Scripting	Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash for tool development, automation, and harmful code analysis.
9.	Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)	Proficiency in combining logs, identifying irregularities, and correlating security events for threat detection using SIEM platforms.
10.	Soft Skills (Communication, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Critical Thinking)	Strong problem-solving skills for incident resolution, flexibility in responding to changing threats, critical thinking for strategic decision-making, and excellent communication to express complex security challenges.

Why Choose a Career in Cyber Security in India?

You should choose a career in cybersecurity in India for the following reasons:

Explosive Job Growth and High Demand: The need for cybersecurity specialists is growing exponentially in India due to the country’s digital transformation and rising cyber threats; forecasts for the upcoming years point to a severe skills shortage.
Competitive Salaries: In India, cybersecurity specialists earn competitive and frequently profitable salaries that are constantly increasing due to the high demand and specialized nature of their work.
Diverse and Impactful Roles: From cloud security and risk management to ethical hacking and incident response, the area offers a wide range of roles that enable people to identify a specialty that suits their interests and have a real impact on safeguarding digital assets.
Continuous Learning and Global Relevance: Because cyber threats are worldwide in scope, cybersecurity is a dynamic area that demands ongoing learning and upskilling, providing constant intellectual stimulation and guaranteeing that skills remain globally relevant.
Government Initiatives and Investment: Career possibilities in cybersecurity are further strengthened by the Indian government’s active investment in the field through several policies, programs, and projects (such as Cyber Surakshit Bharat and CERT-In).

Pro Tips to Fast-Track Your Career in Cyber Security

S.No.	Tips	Why?
1.	Specialize Early and Deeply	Instead of being overly general, choose a specific area of cybersecurity (such as cloud security, web application security, or incident response) and focus on becoming an expert in it.
2.	Gain Hands-on Experience Continuously	Engage in labs, volunteer work, personal projects, and capture-the-flag (CTF) activities to develop practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge.
3.	Network Actively and Strategically	Participate in local meetings, webinars, and industry conferences; network with professionals on LinkedIn to identify mentors and undiscovered career prospects.
4.	Prioritize Relevant Certifications	Aim for industry-recognized certifications that demonstrate verified competence and correspond with your area of expertise and career objectives, such as CEH, Security+, CISSP, and OSCP.
5.	Develop Strong Soft Skills	Develop strong problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and adaptation skills because these are essential for working in teams, deciphering complicated problems, and succeeding in a field that is changing quickly.

Entry-Level Jobs to Start Your Cyber Security Career

The following are some of the entry-level jobs to start your cybersecurity career:

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst (Tier 1): You’ll keep an eye on security alerts, examine logs, conduct preliminary inquiries, and report complicated issues to more senior experts.
Junior Security Analyst/ Cyber Security Analyst: Assisting senior analysts with system monitoring, security policy implementation, and risk identification and mitigation is all part of this job.
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst: Systems, networks, and applications will be scanned for known vulnerabilities using tools and methodologies, and the results will be reported.
IT Auditor/ Compliance Trainee: To verify adherence to security policies, industry standards, and regulations, you will help assess an organization’s IT systems and procedures.
Cybersecurity Intern: Under supervision, an internship offers practical experience in a range of cybersecurity activities, including monitoring security data, testing web application security, and helping with penetration testing.

Top Indian Institutes & Online Platforms Offering Cyber Security Programs

S.No.	Institutes	What?
1.	Craw Security	This well-known institution in Delhi, India, is well-known for providing a broad range of cybersecurity courses, such as web application security, ethical hacking, and longer diploma programs, frequently with practical instruction and help finding employment.
2.	Cybrary	An online resource that offers both free and paid content for comprehensive cybersecurity training, including career pathways, certification preparation, and practical laboratories.
3.	Simplilearn	Offering a variety of cybersecurity programs, frequently in collaboration with academic institutions, this international online bootcamp and certification training provider covers subjects including cloud security, cybersecurity management, and ethical hacking.
4.	SANS Institute	Although its programs are typically more expensive, this internationally renowned leader in cybersecurity training and certifications is renowned for its in-depth technical curriculum, demanding hands-on labs, and highly respected GIAC certifications.
5.	Udemy	Thousands of cybersecurity courses, from basic to advanced, covering subjects like network security, penetration testing, and ethical hacking, are available on this extensive online learning marketplace, frequently at reasonable costs.

How to Gain Practical Experience (Without a Job)?

You can gain practical experience without a job by considering the following factors:

Build a Home Lab and Practice: Create your own virtualized environment (for example, with VMware or VirtualBox) so you can safely test out various network settings, operating systems, and security measures.
Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges and Wargames: Play online CTF tournaments and wargames (such as Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and OverTheWire) to improve your offensive and defensive abilities and find solutions to real-world security problems.
Work on Personal Cybersecurity Projects: To show off your practical skills, create your own security solutions, use scripts to automate security activities, or start from scratch and secure a vulnerable web application.
Contribute to Open-Source Security Projects or Bug Bounty Programs: Contribute code or documentation to open-source security tools to help them get better, or legitimately identify and report vulnerabilities in public bug bounty programs to get credit and compensation.
Volunteer for Non-Profit Organizations or Local Initiatives: Offer your expertise in cybersecurity to non-profits or small enterprises that might not have a dedicated security team to obtain practical experience while giving back to the community.

Career Paths in Cyber Security (Ethical Hacking, SOC Analyst, etc.)

S.No.	Job Profiles	What?
1.	Ethical Hacker/ Penetration Tester	To identify and take advantage of weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications, you will lawfully mimic cyberattacks and offer suggestions for bolstering defenses.
2.	SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst	You will keep an eye on security systems, evaluate alerts, identify risks, and react instantly to ongoing cyber crises.
3.	Application Security Engineer	You will concentrate on designing and developing secure applications, conducting code reviews, and incorporating security into the software development lifecycle.
4.	Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) Analyst	You will lead recovery operations and conduct post-event investigations to determine the extent, cause, and impact of cyberattacks.
5.	Cloud Security Engineer	On platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, you will plan, carry out, and oversee security measures for cloud-based infrastructures, data, and apps.
6.	Security Architect	To ensure strong protection from the beginning, you will build and plan extensive security systems and frameworks for an organization’s IT infrastructure.
7.	Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst	As you identify and manage cybersecurity threats, you’ll make sure a business complies with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and security policies.
8.	Cybersecurity Consultant	You will perform evaluations, offer solutions to strengthen their security posture, and counsel different clients on cybersecurity tactics.
9.	Threat Intelligence Analyst	To assist enterprises in proactively defending against assaults, you will gather, examine, and share information on both established and new cyberthreats.
10.	Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)	A senior executive position that reports to upper management and is in charge of an organization’s overall information security strategy, policies, and initiatives.

Conclusion

Now that we have read about “How To Start A Career in Cyber Security In India,” you might want to get the Best Courses & Certifications for Beginners in India related to cybersecurity. For that, you can get in contact with Craw Security, offering the 1-Year Cyber Security Diploma Course to IT Aspirants.

During the training sessions, students will be able to try their skills on various machines under the supervision of cybersecurity professionals on the premises of Craw Security. With that, you will be able to learn remotely via online sessions.

After the completion of the 1-Year Cyber Security Diploma Course offered by Craw Security, students will get a dedicated certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

About How To Start A Career in Cyber Security In India?

1. What qualifications do I need to start a career in cybersecurity in India?

In India, you typically require a combination of credentials to begin a career in cybersecurity: Although a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a similar discipline is frequently favored, it is essential to have a solid background in networking, operating systems, particularly Linux, and simple programming/scripting languages like Python.

2. Is a computer science degree mandatory for cybersecurity jobs?

Although it might be very helpful, a computer science degree is not required for all cybersecurity positions.

3. Which certifications are best for beginners in cybersecurity?

The best certifications for those new to cybersecurity are usually the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, CompTIA Security+, and (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).

4. Can I start a cybersecurity career without any coding knowledge?

Yes, you may begin a career in cybersecurity without knowing how to code because many positions concentrate on topics that don’t require a lot of programming, such as risk management, compliance, security awareness, and incident response.

5. How long does it take to become a cybersecurity professional in India?

Depending on the route taken, being a cybersecurity expert in India can take anything from a few months for certifications and short-term courses to two to four years for a bachelor’s degree.

6. Are online courses recognized by employers in the cybersecurity field?

Yes, firms in the cybersecurity sector are beginning to accept online courses more and more, particularly if they come from respectable universities or offer certifications that are accepted by the industry.

7. What are the most in-demand roles in cybersecurity in India?

The following are the most in-demand roles in cybersecurity in India:

Cybersecurity Analyst,
Ethical Hacker/ Penetration Tester,
Cloud Security Engineer,
Security Architect, and
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

8. What is the average salary for entry-level cybersecurity jobs in India?

In India, entry-level cybersecurity positions usually pay between ₹3,00,000 and ₹6,00,000 (₹3 to ₹6 lakhs) per year.

9. How can freshers gain practical experience in cybersecurity?

In the following ways, freshers gain practical experience in cybersecurity:

Setting up home labs,
Participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions,
Undertaking personal projects,
Applying for internships,
Volunteering, and
Bug bounty programs.

10. Is cybersecurity a good long-term career choice in India?

Yes, given the country’s rapidly developing digitization, rising cyberthreats, severe skill shortages, and steady demand across all industries, cybersecurity is a great long-term career choice in India.