What is Cyber Security?: Course Fees 2026, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Cyber security basically refers to protecting systems and software from threats or damage online. It has a lot of more verticals and specialized areas. Nowadays online cyber threats are increasing. This is the reason there is increase in the demand for cyber security professionals. 

The eligibility for an online cybersecurity program is mentioned below -

• Preferably pass class 12 with science and CS background
• Basic computer skills
• Basics of languages like Python, Java, etc
• Basics of networking and OS

One of the major reasons could be the career prospects. With so much emphasis on data and security going on these days. One needs to understand the job market need for cybersecurity professionals. The entry-level pay is decent. Remote opportunities are usually unlocked for experienced professionals who are making in Lacs per month. Ofcourse the specific profile and package largely depend on the recruiter.

With most data stored online either on servers, database and increasing cyber-threats, the demand of cyber security is growing. With news of major breaches making headlines almost daily, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. If you are an aspiring ethical hacker or want to make a career in the cybersecurity domain; Id strongly advise you to keep updating your knowledge and skills. Cybersecurity jobs are a part of Information Technology and the IT industry is mainly driven by the private sector in both India and abroad. 

Please note that foreign companies might need you to fulfill some extra criteria to fit the country norms. The research for the respective companies' criteria should be done beforehand.

 The NFSUs are premier national institutions with a separate school for Cyber Security & Digital Forensics. Some cyber security courses offered by NFSU are given below:

• MTech Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• MSc Digital Forensics and Information Security
• MSc Cyber Security
• PG Diploma in Web and Mobile Security
• PG Diploma in Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering

Some popular cyber security degree courses are offered as distance course and their respective time duration are mentioned in the table given below -

Data source - multiple external/official sites on the web, may vary.

BSc Cyber Security is a 3-years, full-time programme offered by prestigious universities across India. It aims at making a student competent in both theoretical and functional aspects of Cyber Security. You can pursue the course after completing your Class 12 in the PCM stream and computer science.
BE/BTech Cyber Security is a 4 years, full-time programme offered by renowned universities all over India. It focuses on an extensive understanding of Cyber Crime, Network Security, Intrusion, Detection, and Prevention applications, along with the Design and Evaluation of Algorithms. 

 Some of the top platforms that offer courses in Cyber Security are mentioned in the list below -

• Cloud Security Basics on Coursera
• Manage Cloud Security and Risk on PluralSight
• Check Point Jump Start: Cloud Security on Coursera
• Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things on Coursera
• The Complete Ethical Hacking Course: Beginner to Advanced on Udemy
• Certified Ethical Hacker Certification by EC Council 
• Ethical Hacking: An Introduction on FutureLearn

Source - Multiple external/official sites, data may vary.

Some common Cybersecurity Threats are mentioned in the table below -

The cybersecurity course teaches one to use advanced skills and knowledge to apply in various IT fields in cybersecurity roles to ensure their employability. The online cybersecurity program lets you to enrol in programs offered by some of the best institutions overcoming the location and time constraints. 

Ethical hacking mainly works on the offensive side and teaches about how to hack into systems legally to test vulnerabilities. Ethical hacking is best for students who already know the basics of Networking, Linux, and Coding. Ethical hacking courses are usually certification-oriented. The career scopes of Ethical Hacking include Penetration Tester, Bug Bounty Hunter, and Security Analyst.

Now, when it comes to Cyber Security, it broadly focuses on the defensive side, including concepts like firewalls, cryptography, incident response, and offensive aspects. It is best for the students who have little to no background. Cyber Security can also be pursued as a degree (BSc/ BTech) or certification. A cybersecurity Career path includes Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, Risk Manager, and Security Consultant.

If you're just starting, a Cyber Security course is the safer option because it gives you the foundation (networking, security basics, defense strategies). Once you're comfortable, you can specialize in Ethical Hacking as a subfield.

The syllabus for Cyber Security varies for different courses. Take a look at the generic course curriculum for online Cyber Security courses.

Source - Multiple external/official sites, data may vary.

Cybersecurity works by the integration of different processes mentioned below -

• Firewalls - Security systems that look after incoming and outgoing network traffic.
• Encryption - Transforms readable data into an unreadable format for unauthorized elements.
• Access Control - Implement strong password and authentication systems.
• Security Information - Provides alerts by system with regard to security.
• Backup - Regularly backing up data and having recovery options.

These are just the major concepts. Cybersecurity is a lot more vast than these operations.

Experience, skills, specializations, company and Industry affect the salary of a cybersecurity professional. The average salary of a cybersecurity professional based on work experience is mentioned below -

0 to 2 years - INR 3.5 - 6 LPA

3 to 7 years -  INR 8 - 20 LPA

8 or more years -  INR 25 LPA and above

Source - Multiple external/official sites, data may vary.

Some of the most popular colleges for BSc Cyber Security Courses in India are mentioned in the table given below -

Source - Multiple external/official sites on the web data may vary.

Some of the popular colleges offering B.Tech in Cyber Security in India are mentioned in the table below -

Source - Multiple external/official sites on the web, data may vary.