Due to the increased instance of cyberattacks over the past few years, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at the peak. Every organization whether private or government, is willing to allocate a massive budget for cybersecurity. According to PwC, IT companies have increased the budget for cybersecurity by 71%. They are also willing to pay an annual package of Rs 1.5 crores to Rs 4 crores to the talented applicants.
As the economy begins to be more reliant on cyberspace, it has made the companies more vulnerable to malicious attacks. It has thus become imperative for organizations to ramp up the protection of their digital assets, hence the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there would be 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings by 2021. Amongst these, some of the jobs that would witness high demand are:
1- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
A Chief Information Security Officer is considered as one of the topmost positions in the Cybersecurity industry. It is a senior-level designation whose primary motive is to make sure that the company’s cybersecurity policy is aligned with the overall vision of the company. The role of the CISO entails streamlining business operations, setting up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), designing risk mitigation strategies, and implementing procedures.
According to PwC, more than 80% of the companies now have a CISO in their top leadership panel. This makes it evident that the organizations now lay enough emphasis on the presence of a senior level executive to oversee the implementation of cybersecurity policies while realizing the overall corporate goal. In India, the CISO earns an average salary of Rs. 23 lakh approximately per annum. (Source- Payscale)
The Narendra Modi government has created a cyber-security chief’s position under the Prime Minister’s Office and has appointed Gulshan Rai as the 1st Chief Information Security Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst
A cyber security analyst is involved in planning, implementation, and upgrade of security measures and controls. Such an analyst constantly keeps an eye on security access and performs internal and external audits. A cyber security analyst has to ensure that there aren’t any security lapses. For this he may have to conduct vulnerability testing, risk analyses, network mapping, and security assessments. A cyber security analyst also has to impart necessary training to other employees, and team members about the various security procedures. He also has to ensure that the best practises to circumvent security breaches must be followed strictly. In India, the Cyber Security Analyst earns an average salary of Rs. 5.5 lakh approximately per annum. (Source- Payscale)
3. Network Security Engineer
The main responsibility of Network Security Engineer includes maintenance of systems, identifying the risk factors, enhancing automation. They must ensure that the organization implements the security system as well as counter any possible risks. Network Security Engineer also manages the maintenance of firewalls, switches, routers, VPNs (virtual private networks), and various network monitoring tools. Network Security Engineer also analyzes the document of the security of the system and looks for areas vulnerable to attacks. This is an entry level job and earns a package of Rs 6 lacs per annum.
4. Security Architect
A security Architect is the one who designs the network and computer security architecture for the company. The personnel is involved in every detail including researching, planning, and designing elements of the security. A security Architect first understands the specific needs of the company, designs the architecture and then collaborates with the programming team to create the final result. Besides designing the security network, one of the critical responsibilities of the Security Architect is to monitor how the employees use the security systems in the company. Hence the Security Architect develops policies and procedures about the same and ensures that everyone adheres to these norms. On an average, a Security Architect draws an annual package of Rs 22 lacs in India. (Source- Payscale)
5. Cyber Security Manager
Cyber Security Managers is primarily responsible for upholding security protocols across every level in an organization. They manage a team of highly specialized IT professionals to ensure the highest data security standard. Cyber Security Manager also formulates strategies to enhance network and internet security for each of the unique projects in the organization. He is also responsible for reviewing the existing security policies and ensuring whether they are strong enough to avert new threats. A Cyber Security Manager also regularly checks all the servers, switches, and routers to ensure a foolproof security plan. This is also a senior level position and the salary is upto Rs 12 lakhs per annum.
Conclusion
These are five of the highly demanded cybersecurity job profiles in India presently. However, there are many other profiles also that are in demand such as security device developers, firewall & antivirus manager, cryptologists, risk auditors, intrusion detectors as well as vulnerability assessors. Most of the companies across industries such as banks, manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, and education are rapidly onboarding skilled cybersecurity professionals. Thus the demand for these experts will rise at a higher pace. It is one of the biggest challenges to fulfil this demand-supply gap by training the cybersecurity professionals with the most advanced curriculum. Once they are equipped to handle complex roles and avert critical risks, sky is the limit for growth.
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