What is Cyber Security?
Cyber Security is the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attack. The key features of a strong security system consist of multiple layers of protection in a company’s computers, programs and networks. Firewalls, antivirus software, anti-spyware software and password management tools should all work together to outsmart innovative cyber criminals.
The principles of Cyber Security are confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA). Every element of a Cyber Security program should be designed to meet one or more of these principles.
Confidentiality – Ensure that private information is remained disclosed and can be accessible to individuals who require the information to fulfil their task
Integrity – This principle is designed to ensure that data can be trusted, accurate and that it has no unauthorized modifications of data.
Availability – This principle ensures that the information is available to authorized users when it is needed and such access is not affected by system failure or cyber-attacks.
Video credit: Simplilearn
Importance of Cyber Security
In the era of digital globalization, the rise of internet use and technological advancement has also increased the vulnerability of cyber attacks if proper security systems are not installed. Over the years, Cyber Security practice is becoming an important focus for governments and also organizations across the globe. Government, military, corporate, financial, and medical organizations possess sensitive data stored in computers and other devices, which are highly confidential and not intended for the public view. A small portion of the data breach could result in a disastrous effect on the company and also the country.
Besides that, individuals also face many cyber threats as well. Identity theft is a global issue, where hackers steal an individual’s personal information and sell it for cash rewards. Hackers use various approaches to steal individual identity and demand ransom. Camera devices are vulnerable for hackers to invade individuals’ household privacy, which is also a major concern for our society.
Types of Cyber Security
Application security
Application security uses software and hardware methods to prevent malicious threats that can enter during the development stage of an application. Antivirus programs, firewalls and encryption programs are examples of application security
Network Security
Network security is used to prevent unauthorized or malicious users from accessing data inside the network. Common examples of network security include extra logins and new passwords.
Cloud Security
Cloud security is used by the majority of businesses moving in cloud computing as part of the IT solutions. Cloud security secures the usage of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and the users access privileges by preventing cloud accounts from unauthorized access.
Internet Security
Internet security protects information that is found in browsers and also network security involving web-based applications. The protection is designed to alert malware as well as unwanted traffic. Examples of protections are firewalls, antimalware, and antispyware software.
Types of Cyber Security Threat
Phishing
Phishing attacks use fake communication such as text message or email to trick a victim in opening it and steal the victim data such as credit card numbers and login information. This results in identity theft, funds robbery, or unauthorized purchases for the victim.
Malware
Malware is a type of code that is made to affect a computer system without the users’ consent to gain access to personal information or to damage the device. Examples of malware include spyware, viruses and worms.
SQL Injection
Structured Query Language (SQL) injection employs malicious code to exploit backend databases to access undisclosed information. This may include numerous items including private customer details, user lists, or sensitive company data.
Denial of Service (DoS)
Denial of service (DoS) floods a targeted computer or network with information that triggers a crash, causing it to be inaccessible for users. DoS attacks often target web servers of organizations such as trade organizations, media companies, commerce, and banking.
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
Advanced persistent threat (APT) uses sophisticated hacking techniques in which an intruder accesses a network and remains anonymous for a prolonged period of time. APT attacks are initiated to steal data from organizations such as national defence, manufacturing and the financial industry.
What do you study in a Cyber Security Degree & Courses?
A Cyber Security degree helps students to gain practical and theoretical knowledge in this critical aspect of IT. Students will learn with the latest technologies to develop skills in programming and hacking and strengthen their understanding of security and privacy. A typical degree in Cyber Security takes 3-4 years to complete, including work placement to gain experience and prepare for the job market.
Common subjects offered for a Cyber Security degree are as follows.
- Programming
- Discrete Mathematics
- System Security
- Cyber Security Analytics
- Digital Forensics
- Secure Networking
Career Opportunities with a Cyber Security Degree
Cyber Safety specialist
Cyber Safety specialists provide security during the development stages of software systems, networks and data centres. They look for any opening of cyber attacks in both hardware and software, as well as responsible for building firewalls in network infrastructures.
Data security analyst
Responsible for implementing and testing various security programs such as firewalls and data encryption technology to protect the company’s sensitive data. They also are updated to remove bugs and add new features.
Security analyst
Security analysts analyze security policies and procedures to identify flaws in the company’s security system. They also make the necessary precautions for potential flaws by assessing new firewall technology to protect your systems.
Cyber intelligence
Cyber intelligence analysts work in network administration or network engineering to assist in countering the activities of hackers and developers of malicious software. They gather information on malware-related criminal activities and predict their future activities based on what they gathered.
General Entry Requirement for Cyber Security Degree in Australia
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STPM |
A minimum grade of B best 5 subjects |
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A-Level |
A minimum grade of BCC |
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UEC |
Average of B4 from the best 5 academic subjects. |
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ATAR |
An average score of 75 or above |
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International Baccalaureate (IB) |
Minimum of 28 points |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
English Requirement for Cyber Security Degree in Australia
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IELTS |
6.0 overall with 6.0 in each sub-bands |
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TOEFL |
70 overall, Reading:18, Writing:18, Listening:17, Speaking:17 |
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PTE |
Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub-bands. |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Top Universities to study Cyber Security degree in Australia
#1 University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Image credit: University of Technology Sydney
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Program |
Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) (Cyber Security and Privacy) |
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Intake (2021) |
February & July |
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Duration |
4 years (Full time) |
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Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $44,832 |
#2 Edith Cowan University
Image credit: Edith Cowan University
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Program |
Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security) |
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Intake (2021) |
February & July |
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Duration |
3 years (Full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $34,050 |
#3 Deakin University
Image credit: Deakin University
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Program |
Bachelor of Information Technology (Cyber Security) |
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Intake (2021) |
March & July |
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Duration |
3 years (Full time) |
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Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $34,400 |
#4 University of Wollongong (UOW)
Image credit: University of Wollongong
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Program |
Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) |
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Intake (2021) |
February & July |
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Duration |
3 years (Full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $16,920 |
#5 Western Sydney University
Image credit: Western Sydney University
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Program |
Bachelor of Cyber Security and Behaviour |
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Intake (2021) |
March & July |
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Duration |
3 years (Full time) |
|
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) |
AUD $26,240 |
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About the Author
Sasvin Ravi
I am a freelance content writer, writing on a weekly basis while discovering my true passion..