M-SC in Cyber Security at Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is Cyber Security at Manipal University Jaipur Jaipur?
This M.Sc. Cyber Security program at Manipal University Jaipur focuses on developing highly skilled professionals capable of addressing complex cyber threats. It provides a robust curriculum covering cryptography, network security, ethical hacking, cloud security, and digital forensics. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts in the Indian IT landscape, emphasizing practical skills and real-world application.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering or science graduates with a background in mathematics, aspiring to build a career in cybersecurity. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry-level positions in security analysis or consultancy, and working professionals looking to upskill in advanced areas like malware analysis or cloud security. Career changers with a strong analytical foundation can also transition into this rapidly expanding industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India, including roles such as Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Incident Responder, Cyber Security Consultant, or Forensic Investigator. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns with industry certifications like CEH, CompTIA Security+, and CISSP, fostering strong growth trajectories in leading Indian and global companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Security Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicating extra time to understand fundamental concepts like cryptography, network protocols, and secure coding principles is crucial. Utilize online courses on Coursera or NPTEL for deeper dives and clear any doubts with professors promptly.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, NPTEL, MIT OpenCourseWare
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is indispensable for all advanced cybersecurity roles and helps crack technical interviews for entry-level positions.
Hands-on Lab Practice and CTFs- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all lab sessions and experiment beyond the curriculum. Engage in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges on platforms like HackerRank or TryHackMe to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
TryHackMe, Hack The Box, OverTheWire
Career Connection
Practical skills gained through labs and CTFs are highly valued by employers and demonstrate real-world competence in cybersecurity operations.
Join Cyber Security Clubs and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Become an active member of the university''''s cybersecurity club or form study groups. Collaborative learning helps clarify concepts, discuss emerging threats, and prepare for competitions or certifications together.
Tools & Resources
University Cyber Security Club, Discord/Telegram study groups
Career Connection
Networking with peers and mentors builds a support system, fostering knowledge sharing and opening doors to collaborative projects and opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Industry-Relevant Certifications- (Semester 2-3)
Work towards professional certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate. These validate specialized skills and enhance employability in the Indian market.
Tools & Resources
Official certification study guides, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning
Career Connection
Certifications significantly boost your resume, demonstrate commitment to the field, and often serve as prerequisites for certain job roles in India.
Engage in Internships or Minor Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Seek out internships in cybersecurity firms or IT departments of Indian companies. If internships aren''''t available, undertake significant minor projects focusing on specific security areas like web penetration testing or SIEM implementation.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Internshala, Company career pages
Career Connection
Practical industry exposure provides invaluable real-world experience, helps build a professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers.
Contribute to Open-Source Security Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Identify and contribute to open-source cybersecurity tools or projects on platforms like GitHub. This showcases your coding skills, understanding of security principles, and ability to collaborate in a distributed team environment.
Tools & Resources
GitHub, GitLab, OWASP projects
Career Connection
Open-source contributions are excellent portfolio builders, demonstrating practical application of skills and a passion for cybersecurity, highly regarded by hiring managers.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Deep Dive in a Niche- (Semester 3-4)
Based on your interest and career goals, choose elective subjects that allow for deep specialization (e.g., cloud security, blockchain security, malware analysis). Focus your major project on this niche to become an expert.
Tools & Resources
Advanced textbooks, Research papers, Industry reports
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a valuable asset in niche areas, leading to higher-paying jobs and opportunities for research and development within Indian companies or startups.
Develop Advanced Soft Skills and Presentation Abilities- (Semester 3-4)
Refine communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through project presentations, seminars, and group assignments. Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely for diverse audiences.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International, University communication workshops
Career Connection
Strong soft skills are critical for roles requiring client interaction, team leadership, or conveying security risks to non-technical stakeholders in any organization.
Strategic Placement Preparation and Mock Interviews- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in placement cell activities, resume building workshops, and mock interview sessions. Practice technical, behavioral, and case study-based questions relevant to cybersecurity roles. Network with alumni for insights.
Tools & Resources
University Placement Cell, Glassdoor, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Thorough preparation for placements significantly increases your chances of securing desirable job offers from top-tier companies in the competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation in any discipline with Mathematics as a compulsory subject at 10+2 level or at Graduation level and minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCY1001 | Applied Cryptography | Core | 4 | Classical Cryptography Techniques, Symmetric Key Cryptography Algorithms, Asymmetric Key Cryptography (RSA, ECC), Cryptographic Hash Functions and MACs, Digital Signatures and Key Exchange |
| MSCY1002 | Computer Systems and Network Security | Core | 4 | Network Security Fundamentals and Attacks, Authentication, Authorization, Access Control, Network Layer Security (IPSec), Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS), Application Layer Security (Email, Web), Wireless Network Security |
| MSCY1003 | Secure Software Development | Core | 4 | Secure Software Development Lifecycle, Threat Modeling and Risk Assessment, Secure Coding Practices and Principles, Web Application Security Vulnerabilities, Database and Mobile Application Security |
| MSCY1004 | Data Privacy and Governance | Core | 4 | Introduction to Data Privacy Concepts, Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs), Global and Indian Data Protection Laws (e.g., DPDP Act), Privacy Frameworks and Standards, Data Governance and Compliance Requirements |
| MSCY1005 | Applied Cryptography Lab | Lab | 2 | Implementation of Symmetric Key Ciphers, Implementation of Asymmetric Key Algorithms, Practical Hash Function Applications, Digital Signature Schemes Development, Key Exchange Protocol Simulations |
| MSCY1006 | Computer Systems and Network Security Lab | Lab | 2 | Network Scanning and Enumeration Tools, Firewall and IDS/IPS Configuration, VPN Implementation and Testing, Web Server Hardening Techniques, Wireless Network Security Setup and Audit |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCY1007 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Core | 4 | Introduction to Ethical Hacking Phases, Footprinting, Reconnaissance, Scanning, System Hacking and Privilege Escalation, Malware Threats and Countermeasures, Web Application and Wireless Hacking, Mobile Platform Security Assessment |
| MSCY1008 | Cloud and IoT Security | Core | 4 | Cloud Computing Security Architecture, Cloud Security Risks and Controls, Identity and Access Management in Cloud, IoT Security Challenges and Ecosystem, IoT Security Protocols and Standards, Blockchain for IoT Security Applications |
| MSCY1009 | Cyber Forensics and Incident Response | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Digital Forensics, Cybercrime Investigation Process, Digital Evidence Acquisition and Analysis, Network and Malware Forensics, Incident Response Planning and Execution, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery |
| MSCY1010 | Security Operations and Management | Core | 4 | Security Operations Center (SOC) Functions, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Threat Intelligence and Vulnerability Management, Risk Management Frameworks, Compliance, Audits, and Security Policies |
| MSCY1011 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Lab | Lab | 2 | Hands-on with Kali Linux Tools, Vulnerability Scanning using Nessus/OpenVAS, Exploitation with Metasploit Framework, Web Application Penetration Testing, Wireless Network Exploitation Techniques |
| MSCY1012 | Cyber Forensics Lab | Lab | 2 | Digital Evidence Collection using Forensics Tools, Disk Imaging and Data Recovery, File System Analysis and Data Carving, Network Traffic Analysis with Wireshark, Memory Forensics and Registry Analysis |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCY2001 | Advanced Persistent Threats and Malware Analysis | Core | 4 | APT Concepts and Attack Lifecycle, Malware Characteristics and Classification, Static Malware Analysis Techniques, Dynamic Malware Analysis and Sandboxing, Reverse Engineering Malware Binaries, Anti-Analysis and Evasion Techniques |
| MSCY2002 | Blockchain Security | Core | 4 | Blockchain Fundamentals and Architecture, Cryptographic Primitives in Blockchain, Consensus Mechanisms and their Security, Smart Contract Security and Vulnerabilities, Blockchain Applications in Cyber Security, Attacks on Blockchain Networks |
| MSCY2003 | Minor Project / Industrial Training | Project Work | 2 | Problem Identification and Scope Definition, Literature Review and Gap Analysis, System Design and Methodology, Implementation and Testing, Project Report Writing and Presentation |
| Elective 1 | Program Elective I (Choose one from list) | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective from Quantum Cryptography, AI/ML in Cyber Security, Biometric Security, Secure DevSecOps, Digital Watermarking & Steganography, Critical Infrastructure Security, Information Security Audit |
| Elective 2 | Program Elective II (Choose one from list) | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective from Quantum Cryptography, AI/ML in Cyber Security, Biometric Security, Secure DevSecOps, Digital Watermarking & Steganography, Critical Infrastructure Security, Information Security Audit |
| MSCY2004 | Quantum Cryptography | Elective Option | 3 | Quantum Mechanics Basics, Quantum Key Distribution Protocols, Quantum Cryptanalysis, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Safe Algorithms |
| MSCY2005 | AI/ML in Cyber Security | Elective Option | 3 | ML Fundamentals for Security, Anomaly Detection using AI, Threat Prediction Models, AI for Malware Analysis, Adversarial AI in Security |
| MSCY2006 | Biometric Security | Elective Option | 3 | Biometric Authentication Systems, Physiological and Behavioral Biometrics, Biometric System Attacks, Liveness Detection, Privacy in Biometric Systems |
| MSCY2007 | Secure DevSecOps | Elective Option | 3 | DevSecOps Principles, Automated Security Testing, CI/CD Pipeline Security, Container Security, Infrastructure as Code Security |
| MSCY2008 | Digital Watermarking & Steganography | Elective Option | 3 | Information Hiding Principles, Digital Watermarking Techniques, Steganography Algorithms, Attack on Watermarking/Steganography, Forensic Applications |
| MSCY2009 | Critical Infrastructure Security | Elective Option | 3 | Critical Infrastructure Systems, SCADA/ICS Security, Smart Grid Security, Industrial Control Systems Threats, Resilience and Contingency Planning |
| MSCY2010 | Information Security Audit | Elective Option | 3 | Auditing Principles and Standards, IS Audit Process, Risk-based Auditing, Audit Reporting, Compliance Audits (ISO 27001, PCI DSS) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCY2011 | Cyber Security Research and Innovations | Core | 4 | Research Methodologies in Cyber Security, Advanced Cyber Security Concepts, Emerging Threats and Technologies, Security Best Practices and Frameworks, Ethical Considerations and Regulations |
| MSCY2012 | Major Project | Project Work | 10 | Advanced Problem Identification and Analysis, System Design and Architecture, Extensive Implementation and Testing, Comprehensive Documentation and Thesis Writing, Research Contribution and Presentation |