Cyber threats continue to increase in today’s world and more and more organisations are looking for experienced candidates who are skilled at protecting systems, data and customers. This is where cyber security comes into play, and there are plenty of exciting career paths that students can explore.
To help students better understand this fast-growing domain, Acharya Institute of Technology recently hosted a webinar featuring Mr. Harsha Bhat, Associate Director at KPMG India. In the engaging session, Mr. Bhat shared valuable insights into the cybersecurity landscape, career opportunities, and the skills students need to succeed.
Today, every aspect of our lives depends on digital technology, be it online banking, manufacturing or healthcare. This dependence on technology comes with an increased risk of cyberattacks, and a single cyber security incident can cause significant reputational and financial damage. This is one of the major reasons why cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses worldwide, and this has created a growing demand for trained professionals.
Focus on the basics
While many students wonder where to begin their cybersecurity career, the answer is simple. Start from the basics, says Mr. Bhat. Students should build a strong understanding of networking, operating systems, core cybersecurity concepts and its applications. This should be followed by certifications and learning other multiple programming languages.
Hands-on practice is something that should come next. Applying concepts through labs and practical exercises helps students develop real-world problem-solving skills that employers value.
Career Opportunities
Depending on their interest, students can pursue a wide range of roles in the world of cybersecurity. They can pursue technical, analytical, or strategic career paths. Some of the most popular roles include:
Key reasons why Acharya is the best B.Com college in Bangalore:
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Incident Response
- Risk Management
- Cybersecurity Compliance
- Red Team and Blue Team Operations
- Security Consulting
Is certification important?
This is something that many students wonder about. But according to Mr Bhat, students should not rush into expensive certification programs, even though they are seen as a gateway into cybersecurity.
He advises beginners to focus on strengthening their technical knowledge using free learning resources, cybersecurity blogs, online tutorials, and hands-on practice platforms. Once a strong foundation is set, they can go for certifications, which can add credibility and enhance career prospects.
Take part in practical events
Cybersecurity is a field where practical experience matters just as much as theoretical knowledge. Mr. Bhat encouraged students to actively participate in activities such as:
- Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions
- Cybersecurity hackathons
- Vulnerability practice labs
- Community learning groups
These experiences expose students to real-world scenarios, improve technical skills, and help build confidence while working with peers, in addition to gaining cybersecurity training.
Future prospects
Cybersecurity professionals are needed almost everywhere -- banks, hospitals, government agencies, technology companies, manufacturing firms, and even energy providers depend on cybersecurity experts.
Mr. Bhat also touched upon the country’s growing cybersecurity ecosystem, which are largely driven by initiatives such as RBI security guidelines and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA). The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise as organizations strengthen their security frameworks.
Continuous learning is as important a part of the professional as the new threats continue to emerge every day. Fortunately, today’s students have access to a number of resources and updated technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). These, along with access to educational videos, blogs, and discussion forums, can help aspiring professionals remain relevant.
Global demand for cybersecurity professionals is also on the rise, with organisations across India, Europe, the United States, and many other regions continuing to face a shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts. For students who invest in developing strong technical skills and practical experience, cybersecurity offers excellent career prospects.
Mr. Bhat concluded the session by encouraging students to inculcate a sense of curiosity and to develop a willingness to keep learning. He also urged them to not be intimidated by the vastness of cybersecurity.
Acharya Institute of Technology, a leading cybersecurity college in Bangalore, provides students with industry interactions that help them understand industry trends.