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B-SC in Applied Cyber Security at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Applied Cyber Security at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Applied Cyber Security program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with crucial skills to defend digital assets and infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. With India''''s rapid digital transformation, there''''s an immense demand for skilled cyber security professionals. This program emphasizes practical application, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in vulnerability assessment, incident response, and forensic analysis to prepare students for the challenging Indian cyber landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 graduates with a keen interest in computer science and a strong aptitude for problem-solving. It''''s suitable for individuals aspiring to build a career in network security, cyber forensics, ethical hacking, or security operations. Working professionals in IT looking to transition into the specialized domain of cyber security or upskill their existing knowledge will also find this curriculum beneficial, provided they meet the foundational prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India as Security Analysts, Penetration Testers, Cyber Forensic Experts, SOC Analysts, or Information Security Officers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals commanding upwards of INR 10-15 LPA in top-tier Indian and MNC companies. The program aligns with industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP, boosting career growth and employability.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Programming Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand Python, C/Java programming, and data structures. Practice coding problems daily on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode to build logical thinking and algorithm implementation skills, which are crucial for security scripting and analysis.
Tools & Resources
CodeChef, GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank
Career Connection
Strong programming skills are foundational for developing security tools, automating tasks, and understanding vulnerabilities in code, directly impacting roles in secure development and analysis.
Build a Strong Network & OS Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, delve deeper into networking concepts (TCP/IP, routing, switching) and operating system internals (Linux, Windows). Use virtual machines (VirtualBox, VMware) to experiment with different OS setups and network configurations, understanding how they interact at a fundamental level.
Tools & Resources
Cisco Packet Tracer, Wireshark, VirtualBox
Career Connection
A deep understanding of networks and operating systems is essential for identifying vulnerabilities, performing forensic analysis, and configuring secure environments, paving the way for network security and SOC roles.
Cultivate Critical Thinking & Problem Solving- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, solve conceptual problems, and engage in logical puzzles. Join technical clubs within the institution and take on mini-projects to apply theoretical knowledge, fostering an analytical mindset vital for incident response and threat intelligence.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses for foundational subjects, University technical clubs
Career Connection
These skills are paramount for dissecting complex security incidents, identifying root causes, and devising effective mitigation strategies, making graduates valuable in any cyber security domain.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Hands-on Experience with Security Tools- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond lab assignments, actively explore and practice with industry-standard security tools like Kali Linux, Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and various vulnerability scanners. Set up personal labs with vulnerable applications to safely practice ethical hacking techniques.
Tools & Resources
Kali Linux, OWASP ZAP, Metasploit Framework, TryHackMe
Career Connection
Proficiency with these tools is a direct requirement for roles such as Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Analyst, and Security Analyst, enhancing employability in the Indian market.
Pursue Industry Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Start preparing for foundational cyber security certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or CCNA Security. These certifications validate skills to potential employers and demonstrate a commitment to the field, offering a significant edge in job applications.
Tools & Resources
Official certification study guides, Udemy/Coursera courses
Career Connection
Certifications are highly valued by Indian IT companies and MNCs, often being a prerequisite for entry-level and mid-level cyber security positions, leading to better opportunities and higher starting salaries.
Engage in Security Competitions & Bug Bounties- (Semester 3-5)
Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, hackathons, and explore bug bounty programs on platforms like HackerOne or Bugcrowd. This real-world exposure hones practical skills, provides unique learning experiences, and builds a reputable portfolio.
Tools & Resources
CTFTime.org, HackerOne, Bugcrowd
Career Connection
Success in these activities demonstrates practical skills and initiative, making candidates highly attractive to recruiters looking for hands-on experience, often leading to direct placements or recognition.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Execute Major Projects- (Semester 6)
Identify a specific area of interest (e.g., Cloud Security, IoT Security, Malware Analysis) and undertake a significant final year project. This involves in-depth research, development, and presentation, showcasing expertise to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
GitHub for project collaboration, Academic research papers
Career Connection
A well-executed specialization project serves as a powerful portfolio piece, demonstrating expertise and problem-solving abilities directly relevant to advanced roles in specialized cyber security domains.
Intensive Internship and Networking- (Semester 6)
Secure an internship with a reputable cyber security firm or an IT company''''s security department. Focus on gaining practical experience, networking with industry professionals, and understanding organizational security postures. Convert the internship into a full-time offer where possible.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Career fairs, Company career pages
Career Connection
Internships are often the gateway to full-time employment in India, providing invaluable experience and professional connections that are crucial for career launch and long-term growth.
Refine Communication & Professional Skills- (Semester 6)
Develop strong technical writing skills for security reports, and public speaking abilities for presentations. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions to enhance soft skills, which are critical for client interactions, team collaboration, and leadership roles in the Indian corporate environment.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International, University career services, Online communication courses
Career Connection
Excellent communication skills are vital for conveying complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders, leading to promotions and management positions within cyber security teams.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 or its equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) / Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) / Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science (PCC) as subjects and a minimum aggregate of 50% in the qualifying examination.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCC23101 | Technical English | Core | 3 | Communication Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Writing Technical Reports, Presentation Skills |
| UCC23102 | Environmental Science | Core | 3 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Sustainable Development, Climate Change Issues |
| UCC23103 | Foundations of Computer Science | Core | 4 | Computer System Basics, Hardware and Software, Operating System Concepts, Data Representation, Basic Algorithms |
| UCC23104 | Principles of Digital Security | Core | 4 | Security Concepts, Threats and Vulnerabilities, Cryptography Fundamentals, Network Security Basics, Access Control Mechanisms |
| UCC23105 | Programming in Python | Core | 4 | Python Syntax and Data Types, Control Structures, Functions and Modules, Object-Oriented Programming, File Handling |
| UCC23106 | Digital Security Lab | Lab | 2 | Basic Security Tools, Vulnerability Scanning, Cryptography Implementation, Access Control Configuration, Security Policy Application |
| UCC23107 | Python Programming Lab | Lab | 2 | Python Program Development, Data Structure Implementation, Debugging Techniques, Algorithm Implementation, File Operations in Python |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCC23201 | Advanced English Language Skills | Core | 3 | Professional Communication, Report and Proposal Writing, Presentation Design and Delivery, Group Discussion Techniques, Interview Preparation |
| UCC23202 | Mathematics for Cyber Security | Core | 4 | Discrete Mathematics, Number Theory, Probability and Statistics, Boolean Algebra, Set Theory |
| UCC23203 | Data Structures and Algorithms | Core | 4 | Arrays and Linked Lists, Stacks and Queues, Trees and Graphs, Sorting and Searching Algorithms, Algorithm Analysis |
| UCC23204 | Operating Systems and Security | Core | 4 | OS Concepts, Process and Memory Management, File Systems, OS Security Mechanisms, User Authentication and Authorization |
| UCC23205 | Database Management Systems | Core | 4 | Data Models, SQL Queries, Database Design, Normalization, Database Security Principles |
| UCC23206 | Data Structures Lab | Lab | 2 | Implementation of Data Structures, Algorithm Design and Analysis, Problem Solving using Data Structures, Performance Evaluation, Debugging Data Structure Programs |
| UCC23207 | Database Management Systems Lab | Lab | 2 | SQL Query Writing, Database Creation and Manipulation, Stored Procedures and Triggers, Access Control Implementation, Data Backup and Recovery |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCC23301 | Computer Networks and Protocols | Core | 4 | OSI and TCP/IP Models, Network Devices, Routing and Switching, Network Protocols (HTTP, FTP, DNS), Network Security Architectures |
| UCC23302 | Cryptography and Network Security | Core | 4 | Symmetric and Asymmetric Ciphers, Hashing and Digital Signatures, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), VPN and Firewalls, Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems |
| UCC23303 | Object Oriented Programming in Java | Core | 4 | Java Basics and Syntax, Classes, Objects, Inheritance, Polymorphism and Abstraction, Exception Handling, Collections Framework |
| UCC23304 | Web Technologies and Security | Core | 4 | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Web Servers and Clients, Server-Side Scripting, OWASP Top 10, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection |
| UCC23305 | Ethical Hacking Concepts | Core | 4 | Hacking Phases, Footprinting and Reconnaissance, Scanning Networks, System Hacking Techniques, Malware and Viruses |
| UCC23306 | Network Security Lab | Lab | 2 | Firewall Configuration, VPN Setup, IDS/IPS Deployment, Packet Analysis using Wireshark, Cryptography Tool Usage |
| UCC23307 | Web Technologies Lab | Lab | 2 | Web Page Development, Client-Side Scripting, Server-Side Programming, Web Application Security Testing, Database Integration for Web |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCC23401 | Cyber Law and Forensics | Core | 4 | Indian IT Act 2000, Cybercrimes and Penalties, Digital Evidence Handling, Forensic Tools and Techniques, Incident Response Legal Aspects |
| UCC23402 | Cloud Security | Core | 4 | Cloud Computing Models, Cloud Security Architecture, Cloud Threats and Attacks, Data Privacy in Cloud, Cloud Security Best Practices |
| UCC23403 | Scripting for Security | Core | 4 | Shell Scripting, Python for Security Automation, PowerShell Scripting, Log Analysis with Scripts, Exploit Development using Scripts |
| UCC23404 | Vulnerability Analysis and Penetration Testing | Core | 4 | VAPT Methodology, Reconnaissance and Scanning, Vulnerability Assessment Tools, Exploitation Techniques, Reporting and Remediation |
| UCC23E01 | Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Security | Elective | 4 | AI and ML Basics, ML for Threat Detection, Anomaly Detection, Malware Analysis with AI, AI in Security Automation |
| UCC23405 | Cyber Forensics Lab | Lab | 2 | Forensic Imaging, Data Recovery Tools, Evidence Analysis, Reporting Digital Forensics, Mobile Forensics |
| UCC23406 | VAPT Lab | Lab | 2 | Penetration Testing Tools (e.g., Metasploit), Vulnerability Scanning, Web Application Pentesting, Network Penetration Testing, Reporting Findings |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCC23501 | Security Operations and Incident Response | Core | 4 | Security Operations Center (SOC), SIEM Technologies, Incident Handling Process, Threat Intelligence Lifecycle, Playbooks and Runbooks |
| UCC23502 | Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering | Core | 4 | Malware Types, Static and Dynamic Analysis, Reverse Engineering Tools, Sandboxing Techniques, Anti-Malware Solutions |
| UCC23503 | Big Data Analytics for Cyber Security | Core | 4 | Big Data Concepts, Hadoop and Spark, Log Management and Analysis, Security Analytics Frameworks, Threat Hunting with Big Data |
| UCC23E02 | Data Privacy and Protection | Elective | 4 | GDPR and Indian Data Laws, Privacy by Design, Data Anonymization, Data Masking, Privacy Enhancing Technologies |
| UCC23504 | Malware Analysis Lab | Lab | 2 | Static Analysis Tools (e.g., IDA Pro), Dynamic Analysis (e.g., Cuckoo Sandbox), Reverse Engineering Exercises, Identifying Malware Behavior, Creating Malware Signatures |
| UCC23505 | Mini Project | Project | 2 | Project Planning and Design, Requirement Analysis, Implementation and Testing, Technical Report Writing, Project Presentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCC23601 | Cyber Threat Intelligence | Core | 4 | Threat Intelligence Lifecycle, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Threat Actors and Campaigns, Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), CTI Platforms and Tools |
| UCC23P01 | Project | Project | 6 | Comprehensive Project Development, Problem Identification and Scope, Research and Literature Review, System Design and Implementation, Testing, Evaluation, and Documentation |
| UCC23I01 | Internship / Industrial Training | Project | 8 | Real-world Industry Exposure, Application of Academic Knowledge, Professional Skill Development, Networking and Mentorship, Internship Report and Presentation |
