Cybersecurity expert RAHUL TYAGI speaks with MUSBA HASHMI about the growing field and how students can make it a lucrative option

• How important it is to have an in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity?

For an individual, it’s good to know the basic do’s and don’ts when it comes to cybersecurity. If you see an individual’s daily routine there are n number of instances where a person is using a smartphone and or a laptop to engage in an activity where the money is involved. From buying things to transferring money every thing has  now become online. This further increases the need to have an in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity to avoid becoming a victim of cyber crimes.

• What is the scope?

For every student or a person who is looking for a career in cybersecurity, if we go with stats and recent surveys according to Cyber Security Ventures — Cybercrime will more than triple the number of job openings to 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021, and the cybersecurity unemployment rate will remain at zero per cent.

Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world, and one of the biggest problems with mankind. The impact on society is reflected in the numbers. Hence there is no brainer its a huge market and its already paradise for information security community in the world when it comes to career opportunities. In India especially The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) estimated that India alone will need a million cybersecurity professionals by 2020 to meet the demands of its rapidly growing economy. It’s been seven years in Lucideus we are producing cybersecurity workforce for the community by training students and corporate professionals who are looking to have a career in cyber security.

• What is the right course?

Students often get confused with whether to go for online cybersecurity course or physical training. My way of answering this question is  think cybersecurity programme like doing an operation. You can’t learn  to do a heart surgery while watching a video on YouTube. But for sure once you have seen and done a few surgeries with your mentors being doctors then watching videos of surgery will help you tweak your technique and enhance it. The same goes for cybersecurity.

This is a sensitive field so you have to take training from industry people instead of enroling yourself in  online courses as a beginner.

• What are the important Internet security tips to stay safe?

Few of them are: Always use HTTPS based websites while doing any payment. Never download any pirated software — there is a high probability that that executable will have malware hidden in it which can damage your computer files and give remote access of your computer to a hack anywhere in the world.

Avoid saving credit card details on websites which are not popular. There is a high probability that once you save your card details the hackers will save the same in their database and later use it for any payment or other financial fraud.

Avoid Torrent sites and online free movie sites. These sites are nowadays not only distributing the malware but also helping criminals to generate money from your hardware usage which is known as crypto jacking. Having anti-virus is a must even if it’s a free one. It is better than nothing. It’s your first line of defense when it comes to securing your system from cybercriminals.

• What are the points should keep in mind while surfing the net?

First, do not run behind followers on social networking sites. While making your profile public you are inviting anyone to see your personal life which can lead to some dangerous cyber attacks like identity theft and others.

Use social media socially; differentiate between what to put and what not. Always enable two-step verification on all your accounts like Instagram, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter Snapchat and others. Do not use common or simple passwords.

• What advice would you like to give?

Work on your technology basics. Before starting cybersecurity course, one should have an in-depth knowledge of technology. Focus on at least one programming language — preferrably Python as it is the most loved language in our world because of various reasons.

Last but not the least, one must have a good command on Linux (Kali Linux) and should be well-versed with all in and outs about the platform. Later on, the students get enrol themselves in a certifacte cousre to acquire more knowledge.

• What response did you get from the students of Ansal University after the counseling session?

It was a great experience and all the students present during the session had a spark in them. They had the zeal to know more. The kind of high-level questions they came up with, came as a surprise to me. They are the upcoming cybercrime warriors for our industry.