While the government’s recent demonetization move, brings with it a huge opportunity for digital commerce, it throws up new challenges. As India moves slowly towards the goal of a cashless economy, there is bound to be a large numbers of “fi rst timers” whose lack of familiarity with technology, might result in security compromises and data leakages.
We need to be equipped to handle the eventuality. With the recent escalation of threats from neighbouring countries and incidents of ATM/debit card data breach, the Government is setting up a cyber security research and development fund of `1,000 crore to be spend over the next fi ve years. It will be administered by a Committee headed by the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
Why it Matters
The Ponemon Institute, which conducts independent research on privacy, data protection and information security, recently reported that the average cost of global cyber breach has reached as much as $3.8 million. With reports of data breaches every other day, most of them leading to grave fi nancial losses, it’s time to sit up and take note of the threat. People and organizations are nowadays becoming increasingly concerned about the rampant use of IT networks for spying, data leakage, or other similar threats, capable of putting their reputation at stake. To combat this, there is today, a growing demand for trained IT security professionals. Data security is fast becoming a promising career option and training in this fi eld is growing hugely in importance.
Growing Specialisation
With cybercrime on the rise, the need for qualifi ed professionals to protect data is on the rise. In fact, data security is one of the fastest growing specializations in IT. You have chances of growth opportunities after just a few years of experience. When it comes to remuneration, cyber security specialists make almost 10% more money than their IT peers, states a recent job intelligence report. However, salaries may vary according to individual skill sets, experience, and geographic location of the employer.
Opportunities and Prospects
Data security is among the most sought-after professions in the tech sector, outpacing demand for other ITrelated jobs. CompTIA’s International Trends in cyber security research reveals that nearly 8 out of 10 managers responsible for network data protection expect data security to become a higher priority for their companies soon. Persons interested in a career in this field may pursue their job profile as an ethical hacker, security administrator, cyber policy analyst, information security architect, data security analyst or specialist, information technology offi cer, or even cyber security consultant. Reach Out:
www.comptia.org