.png&w=1920&q=75)
PG-DIPLOMA in Cyber Security at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Cyber Security at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This Cyber Security PG Diploma program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills to combat evolving cyber threats. Given India''''s rapid digital transformation and increasing cyber-attack surface, this program is designed to meet the critical demand for skilled cyber security experts, covering areas from ethical hacking to cloud security and digital forensics, making it highly relevant for the Indian industry landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering or science graduates looking to enter the high-demand cyber security field. It also caters to IT professionals seeking to upskill and specialize in defensive and offensive security, or career changers aiming to transition into cyber security roles. Aspiring ethical hackers, security analysts, and incident responders with a basic understanding of computer networks will find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as Security Analysts, Cyber Security Consultants, Ethical Hackers, Incident Responders, or Digital Forensic Investigators in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with industry certifications like CEH, CompTIA Security+, and prepares students for roles in both Indian startups and large MNCs operating within the country.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Networking and OS Concepts- (Semester 1)
Before diving deep into security, solidify your understanding of TCP/IP, operating systems (Linux, Windows), and virtualization. These are the bedrock for understanding vulnerabilities and defenses. Dedicate extra hours to practical labs and command-line interfaces.
Tools & Resources
Cisco Packet Tracer, VirtualBox/VMware Workstation, Linux Command Line Tutorials, Network+ study guides
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures you grasp advanced security concepts quickly and excel in technical interviews for security analyst roles.
Develop Hands-on Lab Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the Cyber Security Lab (DCY105). Beyond assigned tasks, explore tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Metasploit on your own virtual lab environment. Practice attacking and defending vulnerable applications. Document your findings and steps.
Tools & Resources
Kali Linux VM, Damn Vulnerable Web Application (DVWA), OWASP Juice Shop, Hack The Box (free tier)
Career Connection
Practical skills are paramount in cyber security. Early mastery leads to better project work, internship opportunities, and makes you job-ready.
Engage with Cyber Security Communities- (Semester 1-2)
Join online forums, local meetups, and student clubs related to cyber security. Discuss concepts, share challenges, and learn from peers and professionals. Participating in CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions is an excellent way to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
OWASP Local Chapters, Null Community (India), Discord/Telegram groups for cyber security enthusiasts, CTFtime.org
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities. Community engagement keeps you updated on industry trends and builds a professional network.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Vendor-Neutral Certifications- (After Semester 1, target completion by end of Semester 2)
Supplement your academic learning with industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. These validate your foundational knowledge and show commitment to potential employers in India.
Tools & Resources
CompTIA official study guides, Coursera/edX for certification prep, Practice exams
Career Connection
Certifications significantly boost your resume for entry to mid-level security roles and demonstrate a proactive approach to skill development.
Undertake Mini-Projects and Case Studies- (Semester 2 (parallel with coursework))
Apply concepts from Cryptography, Web Application Security, and Cloud Security to build small security projects. Analyze real-world cyber attack case studies (e.g., WannaCry, NotPetya) and understand their impact and mitigation strategies in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
GitHub for project collaboration, Academic journals and security blogs for case studies, Local news on cyber incidents
Career Connection
Portfolio projects demonstrate practical application of knowledge, critical for showcasing your abilities during interviews and internships.
Focus on Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensics Practice- (Semester 2)
Leverage specialized subjects like Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensics by practicing continuously. Set up forensic labs to analyze disk images, network traffic, and mobile data. Participate in mock incident response scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Autopsy, FTK Imager, Volatility Framework, SANS Reading Room, CyberDefenders.org
Career Connection
Developing these niche skills makes you highly valuable for roles in penetration testing, incident response teams, and forensic investigation units within Indian companies.
Advanced Stage
Execute a Capstone Cyber Security Project- (Semester 2 (Project Work))
For your final project (DCY205), choose a complex, real-world problem statement in cyber security. This could involve developing a security tool, conducting a comprehensive vulnerability assessment, or designing a secure system architecture. Focus on documentation and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Python/Java for scripting, Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) for secure deployments, Jira/Trello for project management
Career Connection
A robust capstone project is your biggest asset for placements, demonstrating your ability to independently tackle significant security challenges and deliver solutions.
Prepare for Placements and Mock Interviews- (Mid-Semester 2 onwards)
Start preparing for campus placements well in advance. Brush up on core security concepts, practice coding for technical rounds, and conduct mock interviews with peers or faculty. Focus on soft skills and communication relevant to security roles.
Tools & Resources
LeetCode/HackerRank for coding, Glassdoor/LinkedIn for company-specific interview questions, Career Services cell at Vels University
Career Connection
Proactive and structured preparation significantly increases your chances of securing desirable job offers from top recruiters in India.
Build a Professional Online Presence- (Throughout the program, continuous update)
Create a strong LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills, projects, and certifications. Contribute to open-source security projects or write blogs on security topics. This establishes your personal brand and attracts recruiters.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, GitHub, Medium/personal blog platforms
Career Connection
A professional online presence enhances visibility and credibility, leading to more inbound opportunities and making you stand out in the competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any U.G. Degree Examination recognized by UGC / VELS University shall be eligible for admission to the respective PG Diploma course.
Duration: 1 Year / 2 Semesters
Credits: 42 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCY101 | Cryptography and Network Security | Core | 4 | Classical Encryption Techniques, Symmetric Key Cryptography, Asymmetric Key Cryptography, Network Security Applications, E-mail Security, IP Security |
| DCY102 | Cyber Laws and Ethics | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Cyber Law, Digital Signatures, Cyber Crimes, Electronic Commerce, Intellectual Property Rights, Ethical Hacking and Law |
| DCY103 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Core | 4 | Ethical Hacking Concepts, Footprinting and Reconnaissance, System Hacking Techniques, Malware Threats and Social Engineering, Sniffing and Denial of Service |
| DCY104 | Web Application Security | Core | 4 | Web Application Concepts, OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities, Injection Flaws (SQL, Command), Authentication and Session Management, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Access Control Vulnerabilities |
| DCY105 | Cyber Security Lab | Lab | 2 | Network Scanning (Nmap, Nessus), Vulnerability Assessment Tools, Password Cracking (John the Ripper), Web Application Attack Tools (SQLmap), Metasploit Framework Usage, Cryptography Tools (OpenSSL) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCY201 | Cloud Security | Core | 4 | Cloud Computing Fundamentals, Cloud Security Challenges and Risks, Data Security and Privacy in Cloud, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Virtualization Security, Cloud Security Best Practices |
| DCY202 | Digital Forensics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Digital Forensics, Evidence Collection and Preservation, Disk Forensics and File Systems, Network Forensics, Mobile Device Forensics, Forensic Report Writing |
| DCY203 | Security Operations Center (SOC) and Incident Response | Core | 4 | Introduction to SOC Operations, Security Monitoring and Log Management, Threat Intelligence Lifecycle, Incident Response Planning and Execution, Malware Analysis Fundamentals, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) |
| DCY204 | Big Data Security and Privacy | Core | 4 | Introduction to Big Data Ecosystems, Big Data Security Challenges, Hadoop Security Mechanisms, Data Privacy Techniques in Big Data, Data Governance and Compliance, Secure Data Analytics |
| DCY205 | Project Work and Viva Voce | Project | 8 | Project Proposal Development, Literature Review and Research, System Design and Architecture, Implementation and Testing, Project Report Documentation, Oral Presentation and Viva Voce |
