The importance of cyber security is increasing by the decade. And it’s even more important to have cyber security experts in the field. The movie Imitation Game represents the strong, innovative mind of Alan Turner who applies his theory to cyber security.
If you are someone that wants to use your knowledge of computers to safeguard the nation from potential threats and breaches, this heroic career might just be for you!
In this blog, we’ll explain who is a cyber security expert, how to become a cyber forensic expert. The courses and colleges in India and abroad that offer them, the job preparation required, and the salary insights.
Who is a Cyber Forensics Expert?
Computer forensics experts/ Cyber Security experts use investigation and analytical tools to collect and preserve evidence from specific computing equipment in a way that it can be presented in court. Computer forensics is a subfield of Digital Forensics.
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How to Become a Cyber Forensics Expert
Individuals who take up these positions in Institutions play a crucial role in safeguarding the information. The position demands a person with excellent knowledge of computers, coding, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to gain the right kind of experience to harbor those skills.
Step 1: Stream to select
One will have to choose the science stream after school and continue to pursue an engineering degree or equivalent. Followed by which a few years of experience and a post-graduate degree.
Step 2: Certification Courses & Project Courses
Various certificate courses are offered online for niche topics in cyber security. Few of these courses offer professional certifications. However, most of these courses demand the learner have completed Grade 12 or have some knowledge of cyber security.
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Here are a few certificate courses you can try:
Name of the course | Duration |
Introduction to Cybersecurity by New York University | 3- 6 months |
IBM Cyber Security Analyst | 1- 3 months |
Python for Cybersecurity by Infosec | 3 – 6 months |
Introduction to Cyber Security and Risk Management by University of California | 3 – 6 months |
Cyber Security Leadership and Management | 1- 3 months |
Step 3: Educational Qualifications to become a Cyber Forensic Expert
People with excellent communication, technical skills, and attention to detail are best for the field. During the program, you will learn about ethical hacking, penetration testing, malware analysis, footprinting techniques, etc.
How to become a Cyber Forensic Expert after 10th
It is necessary to choose the science stream after the completion of Grade 10 to become a cyber security specialist. It would also be a good time to enrol in certificate courses that offer niche skills like knowledge of data analytics, coding, etc.
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How to become a Cyber Forensic Expert after the 12th
For both diploma and undergraduate courses, a minimum of 55% is the eligibility criteria in 10 + 2 or equivalent from a recognized board or university. Candidates who had PCM (Physics, chemistry, mathematics) would be preferred.
Additionally, there would be merit-based admission or university-specific entrance exams like JEE mains, BITSAT, etc.
To become a Cyber Forensic Expert In India after 12th
There is a range of degrees that one can opt to become a cyber security expert. Bachelors in computer science, commuter application, computer hardware engineering, IT, or related fields.
- Diploma courses in India
Name of the course | Duration |
Diploma in Cyber Security | 1 year |
Diploma in Cyber Security (Ethical Hacking) | 1-year |
Diploma in Cyber Security and Network Security | 1 year |
- UG courses in India
Name of the course | Duration |
B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering: Digital Forensics and Cyber Security | 4 years |
B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering: Cyber Security | 4 years |
BTech CSE in Networking and Cyber Security | 4 years |
BSc in Cybersecurity | 4 years |
B. Electronics and Communication Engineering: AI and Cybernetics | 4 years |
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- Top colleges
Name of the College | Location |
VIT | Bhopal |
Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management | Hyderabad |
JIS University | Kolkata |
NIMAS | Kolkata |
Sharda University | Noida |
K.R. Mangalam University | Gurgaon |
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology | Patiala |
VIT | Vellore |
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | Dehradun |
University of Madras | Chennai |
To become a Cyber Forensic Expert abroad
Abroad colleges or universities offer undergraduate courses in Cyber Security that teach topics such as cryptography, security design principles, computer networks, Systems, etc.
The eligibility criteria for the courses are
- Minimum of 55% in 10 + 2 or equivalent in science stream from recognized universities and boards.
- TOFEL score of minimum 78/120.
- IELTS score of 6/9
- PTE score of min. 48/90
- UG courses Abroad
Name of the course | Duration |
BSc in Cyber Security | 3- 4 years |
Bachelors in Information Systems and Cyber Security | 3- 4 years |
BSc. (Hons) in cybersecurity | 3- 4 years, |
BSc in applied Computing (Cyber Security) | 3- 4 years |
BSc (Hons.) in Digital forensics and Cyber Security | 3- 4 years |
- Top colleges abroad
Name of the College | Location |
Arizona State University | USA |
London Metropolitan University | UK |
New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich |
ECPI University | Virginia |
Glasgow Caledonian University | UK |
Buckinghamshire New University | UK |
IU International University of Applied Sciences | Germany |
University of Derby | England |
Manchester Metropolitan University | England |
Temple University | USA |
Also read: How to become a Forensic Expert
Step 4: Job Prep required to become a Cyber Security Expert
- Internships
A Cyber Security Expert is a higher position in the hierarchy of Cyber Security job roles. Therefore it is essential to gain the experience and knowledge required to reach that position. One way of getting closer is through internships.
Cyber security internships are crucial to implementing the theoretical knowledge acquired during the undergraduate program. The evidence of which can be included in the portfolio.
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- Portfolio creation
A portfolio of a cyber forensic engineer should include the relevant experience, and certifications like CISM, CISSP, etc. that are required by potential recruiters for authentication purposes.
- Freelance
Though freelance positions are possible, however, due to the nature and confidentiality expected of the job, full-time recruitments are offered.
Skills to become a Cyber Forensics Expert
- Technical Aptitude
- Attention to details
- Analytical skills
- Cyber security legalities
- Organization skills
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
Salary for Cyber Forensics Experts
The salary of a Cyber Security Expert differs based on the role assigned to them. It is a high-paying job, with a certain amount of stress and pressure attached to it due to the responsibilities.
Salary in India for Cyber Forensic Expert
Salary of cyber forensic experts based on their roles:
Role | Cyber Security Engineer | Cyber Security Analyst | Cyber Security Investigator |
Avg. Salary p.a. | ₹ 6.0 Lakhs | ₹11,31,084 | ₹ 8.8 lakhs |
Salary abroad for Cyber Forensic Expert
Salary of Cyber Security Experts around the world.
Country | US | UK | Japan | Russia | Malaysia | France |
Avg. Salary p.a. | $109,632 | £55,000 | JPY 9,851,077 | RUB 1,597,688 | MYR 165,484 | 55,900 EUR |
Top recruiters in India
- Cyberops Infosec LLP
- eSec Forte Technologies
- Hicube infosec
- K7 Computing Pvt. Ltd.
- Quick Heal Technologies Ltd.
- Skylark Information Technologies Private Limited
- Wi-Jungle
- Positive Software Pvt Ltd
- Hike QA
- The VP Techno Labs International
Top recruiters abroad
- McAfee
- Huntress
- Nuance
- Palo alto Networks
- DNSFilter
- Deepwatch
- CrowdStrike
- Gp Guardian
- Proofpoint
- Duo Security
With 3.5 million job vacancies in 2021 alone, the number is expected to increase further. It will take time to reach the position of an Expert, but even then it is a well-paying, reputed position. It is a highly satisfying job that demands an excellent technical skill set.
FAQs about how to become a Cyber Forensics Expert
Who is a Cyber Security Forensic Expert?
Computer forensic experts/ Cyber Security experts use investigation and analytical tools to collect and preserve evidence from specific computing equipment in a way that it can be presented in court.
Are Computer Forensics and Digital Forensics the same?
Computer forensics is a subfield of Digital Forensics.
Why should I become a Cybersecurity Expert?
With 3.5 million job vacancies in 2021 alone, the number is expected to increase furthermore. It will take time to reach the position of an Expert, but even then it is a well-paying, reputed position.
Which stream should I choose to become a Cyber Forensic Expert?
It is necessary to choose the science stream with PCM combination after the completion of Grade 10 to become a cyber security specialist.
How much does a Cybersecurity Forensic Expert get paid in India?
The average annual salary of a Cybersecurity Forensic Expert in India is ₹11,31,084
What are the skills required to become a Cybersecurity Forensic Expert?
Technical Aptitude, Attention to detail, Analytical skills, Cyber security legalities, etc.