Cybersecurity Course Syllabus: Fees, Duration, & Eligibility

Find the complete cyber security course syllabus and curriculum for the 2024-2025 academic session in India. I have covered branches such as B.Tech, M.Tech, BCA, and more.

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Cybersecurity Course Syllabus and Curriculum

Here’s a cyber security course syllabus at a glance:

Module 1: Advanced Network Security

Network architecture and design

• Network topology and protocols
• Network segmentation and isolation
• Network virtualization and SDN

Network protocols and vulnerabilities

• TCP/IP protocol suite
• DNS and DHCP security
• IPv6 security considerations
• Network protocol vulnerabilities (e.g. DNS amplification attacks)

Firewalls and intrusion detection systems

• Firewall types (packet filtering, stateful inspection, application-layer)
• Firewall configuration and management
• IDS/IPS systems and signatures
• Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)

Network security policies and procedures

• Network security policy development and implementation
• Network access control (NAC) and authentication
• Network segmentation and isolation policies
• Incident response and disaster recovery planning

Secure communication protocols

• SSL/TLS protocol and certificate management
• IPsec protocol and implementation
• Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
• Email security protocols (e.g. PGP, S/MIME)

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Configure a firewall to block specific traffic patterns using a tool like pfSense or Cisco ASA.
• Implement a Network Access Control (NAC) system using a tool like Cisco ISE or ForeScout.
• Conduct a network vulnerability scan using a tool like Nessus or OpenVAS.

Module 2: Cryptography and Access Control

Cryptosystem fundamentals

• Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography
• Hash functions and digital signatures
• Cryptographic algorithms (e.g. AES, RSA, ECC)
• Key management and exchange

Cryptography algorithms and deployment

• Block ciphers and modes of operation
• Public-key cryptography and certificate authorities
• Digital certificates and public key infrastructure (PKI)
• Cryptographic protocols (e.g. SSL/TLS, IPsec)

Digital signatures and certificates

• Digital signature schemes (e.g. RSA, ECDSA)
• Certificate authorities and trust models
• Certificate revocation lists (CRLs) and online certificate status protocol (OCSP)
• Code signing and digital rights management

Access control models

• Mandatory access control (MAC)
• Discretionary access control (DAC)
• Role-based access control (RBAC)
• Attribute-based access control (ABAC)

Identity and access management

• Identity management systems (e.g. LDAP, Active Directory)
• Authentication protocols (e.g. Kerberos, NTLM)
• Authorization and access control mechanisms
• Identity and access management in the cloud

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Implement a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) using a tool like OpenSSL or Microsoft Certificate Services. 
• Configure a VPN using a tool like OpenVPN or Cisco AnyConnect. 
• Implement role-based access control (RBAC) using a tool like Active Directory or LDAP.

Module 3: Web Application Security

Web communication fundamentals

• HTTP and HTTPS protocols (SSL/TLS encryption, certificate management, handshake, validation, and security best practices)
• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript security considerations
• Web application architecture and design

Web application vulnerabilities

• OWASP web application security risks
• SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS)
• Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) and clickjacking
• Input validation and sanitization

Secure coding practices

• Secure coding guidelines and best practices
• Input validation and error handling
• Secure coding for web applications (e.g. OWASP ESAPI)
• Code reviews and secure coding assessments

Web application firewalls and security information and event management

• Web application firewall (WAF) configuration and management
• Security information and event management (SIEM) systems
• Log analysis and incident response
• Web application security monitoring and analytics

Secure web development frameworks and libraries

• Secure web development frameworks (e.g. Ruby on Rails, Django)
• Secure web development libraries (e.g. OWASP ESAPI)
• Web application security testing and validation

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Conduct a web application vulnerability scan using a tool like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite.
• Implement a web application firewall (WAF) using a tool like ModSecurity or AWS WAF.
• Develop a secure web application using a framework like OWASP ESAPI or Spring Security.

Module 4: Cloud Security

Cloud computing fundamentals:

• Cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid)
• Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Cloud security architecture and design

Cloud security risks and threats:

• Data breaches and unauthorized access
• Malware and ransomware in the cloud
• Denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
• Cloud security risks and threats (e.g. AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Cloud security controls and compliance:

• Cloud security controls and compliance frameworks (e.g. CSA, NIST)
• Cloud security auditing and assessment
• Cloud security governance and risk management
• Cloud security standards and regulations (e.g. PCI-DSS, HIPAA)

Cloud security monitoring and incident response:

• Cloud security monitoring and logging
• Cloud incident response and disaster recovery planning
• Cloud security analytics and threat intelligence
• Cloud security incident response and remediation

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Configure a cloud security group using a tool like AWS Security Groups or Azure Network Security Groups. 
• Implement a cloud access security broker (CASB) using a tool like Netskope or Skyhigh Networks.
• Perform a cloud security assessment using a tool like AWS IAM Access Analyzer or Azure Security Center.

Module 5: Endpoint Security

Endpoint security overview

• Definition and importance of endpoint security
• Types of endpoints (laptops, desktops, mobile devices, servers)
• Endpoint security architecture and components

Endpoint security threats

• Malware (viruses, Trojans, spyware, adware)
• Ransomware (types, attack vectors, and mitigation strategies)
• Phishing (types, tactics, and defense mechanisms)
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and targeted attacks
• Zero-day exploits and unknown threats

Endpoint security solutions

• Antivirus software (signature-based, behavioral, and cloud-based)
• Anti-malware tools (detection, removal, and prevention)
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions
• Host-based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS)
• Endpoint security suites and integrated solutions

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Configure a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) using a tool like OSSEC or Samhain.
• Develop a custom endpoint security policy using a tool like Group Policy or PowerShell.

Module 6: Incident Response and Digital Forensics

• Incident response methodologies (NIST, SANS)
• Incident response planning and preparation
• Digital forensics fundamentals (data acquisition, analysis, reporting)
• Incident response and digital forensics tools (EnCase, FTK, X-Ways)
• Incident response and digital forensics in the cloud

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Build an incident response plan using a framework like NIST 800-61 or SANS Incident Response. 
• Practice incident response techniques using a tool like Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)’s Cybersecurity Exercises.

Module 7: Security Operations and Log Management

• Security operations center (SOC) design and implementation
• Log collection, filtering, and analysis
• Security information and event management (SIEM) systems
• Log management and analysis tools (Splunk, ELK Stack)
• Security operations and log management in the cloud

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Implement a security information and event management (SIEM) system using a tool like Splunk or ELK Stack. 
• Configure log collection and analysis using a tool like Logstash or Graylog. 
• Develop a security operations center (SOC) use case using a tool like Phantom or Demisto.

Module 8: Identity and Access Management

• Identity and access management (IAM) fundamentals
• Identity management systems (LDAP, Active Directory)
• Access control models (MAC, DAC, RBAC)
• Identity and access management in the cloud (AWS IAM, Azure AD)
• Identity and access management best practices and compliance

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Implement an identity and access management (IAM) solution using a tool like Okta or Azure Active Directory. 
• Configure a single sign-on (SSO) solution using a tool like OneLogin or Ping Identity.

Module 9: Mobile Device Security

• Mobile device security overview (Android, iOS)
• Security threats (malware, unauthorized access) for mobile devices
• Security solutions (MDM, MAM)
• Mobile device security monitoring and incident response

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Implement a mobile device management (MDM) solution using a tool like Microsoft Intune or VMware Workspace ONE.
• Configure a mobile application management (MAM) solution using a tool like AppDynamics or Citrix Endpoint Management.
• Develop a custom mobile device security policy using a tool like Apple Configurator or Android Enterprise.

Module 10: Security Frameworks and Compliance

• Security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, COBIT)
• Compliance and regulatory requirements (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR)
• Security frameworks and compliance in the cloud
• Security frameworks and compliance best practices
• Security frameworks and compliance auditing and assessment

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Implement a security framework like NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISO 27001.
• Conduct a compliance assessment using a tool like HIPAA Security Rule or PCI DSS.
• Develop a custom security policy using a tool like PolicyStat or ComplianceForge.

Module 11: Defensible Network Architecture

• Defensible network architecture design and implementation
• Network security architecture and design
• Network security risks and threats (data breaches, unauthorized access)
• Network security controls and compliance
• Network security monitoring and incident response

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Design a Defensible Network Architecture: Create a comprehensive network architecture diagram for a hypothetical organization. Include segmentation, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and access controls, while applying principles of least privilege and zero trust.
• Implement Network Security Controls: Set up a small-scale network using virtual machines to simulate a defensible architecture. Implement security controls such as firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS. Test the effectiveness of these controls against simulated attacks to evaluate their performance.
• Network Monitoring and Incident Response Simulation: Use tools like Wireshark or Snort to monitor network traffic in your simulated environment. Create incident response playbooks for various scenarios (e.g., detecting a data breach) and practice executing these plans based on real-time alerts and logs.

Module 12: Protocols and Packet Analysis

• Network protocols and vulnerabilities
• Packet analysis fundamentals (tcpdump, Wireshark)
• Protocol analysis and troubleshooting
• Network protocol security risks and threats
• Network protocol security best practices and compliance

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Network Traffic Analysis with Wireshark: Capture live network traffic using Wireshark, apply filters to isolate specific protocols (like HTTP or DNS), and analyze the data to identify anomalies or vulnerabilities.
• Packet Capture and Analysis: Utilize tcpdump to capture packets from a specific interface, then analyze the captured data using Wireshark to understand the packet flow and identify potential security risks.
• Protocol Troubleshooting Simulation: Create a simulated network environment where you intentionally misconfigure protocols (e.g., incorrect DHCP settings) and use packet analysis tools to troubleshoot and resolve the issues.

Module 13: Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management

• Risk Assessment Methodologies: NIST 800-30, FAIR, OCTAVE, and other risk assessment methodologies, including their strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
• Threat Modeling: Identifying and analyzing potential threats to an organization’s assets, including threat actors, attack vectors, and vulnerability exploitation.
• Vulnerability Management: Identifying, classifying, prioritizing, and remediating vulnerabilities in systems, applications, and networks, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
• Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: In-depth analysis of specific regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and NIST 800-171, including their requirements, controls, and audit procedures.
• Cybersecurity Frameworks: In-depth analysis of specific cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT, and ISO 27001, including their components, implementation, and integration.
• Risk Analysis and Evaluation: Quantitative and qualitative risk analysis techniques, including risk matrices, heat maps, and Monte Carlo simulations, to evaluate and prioritize risks.

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Risk Assessment Project: Conduct a risk assessment for a hypothetical organization by identifying assets, threats, and vulnerabilities, and then develop a risk management plan that includes mitigation strategies.
• Governance Framework Implementation: Choose a cybersecurity governance framework (like NIST or ISO 27001) and create a mock implementation plan, detailing policies, roles, and responsibilities for compliance.
• Cloud Security Assessment: Evaluate the security posture of a cloud service provider by reviewing their compliance with governance standards and best practices, and propose enhancements based on identified gaps.

Module 14: Cybersecurity Analytics and Intelligence

Cybersecurity Analytics and Intelligence Fundamentals:

• Definition and importance of cybersecurity analytics and intelligence
• Cloud-based analytics and intelligence architectures
• Data collection, processing, and analysis techniques
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity Analytics
• Threat hunting and proactive defense strategies

Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence and Analysis:

• Types of threat intelligence (strategic, tactical, operational, technical)
• Threat intelligence lifecycle (collection, analysis, dissemination, feedback)
• Threat actor analysis (motivations, tactics, techniques, and procedures)
• Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and threat indicator management
• Threat intelligence feeds and platforms such as LevelBlue, Federal, Bureau of Investigation, Anomali, VirusTotal, Malware hashes, etc.

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Threat Intelligence Analysis: Collect threat intelligence data from various sources (like VirusTotal or Anomali) and analyze it to identify trends, threat actors, and potential indicators of compromise (IOCs).
• Machine Learning Application: Develop a simple machine learning model to classify network traffic as benign or malicious based on labeled datasets, and evaluate its effectiveness in detecting anomalies.
• Threat Hunting Exercise: Simulate a threat hunting scenario where you proactively search for hidden threats within a dataset of network logs, using techniques learned in previous modules.

Module 15: Cybersecurity Incident Response and Disaster Recovery

• Cybersecurity incident response methodologies (NIST, SANS)
• Cybersecurity incident response planning and preparation
• Incident response and disaster recovery in the cloud

⭐ Hands-on projects to practice: 

• Incident Response Plan Development: Draft an incident response plan for a specific type of cybersecurity incident (e.g., ransomware attack), detailing steps for detection, containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Disaster Recovery Simulation: Create a disaster recovery scenario where you simulate a data breach and execute the recovery plan, testing the effectiveness of backup systems and recovery procedures.
• Tabletop Exercise: Conduct a tabletop exercise with a team to simulate a cybersecurity incident, discuss roles and actions to be taken, and evaluate the response effectiveness based on predefined metrics.

B.SC Cybersecurity Syllabus

B.Tech CyberSecurity Syllabus

Here is the B.Tech Cybersecurity syllabus semester-wise.

M.Tech Cyber Security Syllabus

Here is the M.Tech Cybersecurity syllabus semester-wise.

Semester 1:

Semester 2:

Semester 3:

Semester 4:

PG Diploma in Cyber Security Syllabus

The Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security (PGDCS) is a 1-year program designed for graduates with a technical or science background, requiring a minimum of 60% marks.

The Cybersecurity Diploma course syllabus varies by institution, but here’s a structured overview of a typical Cybersecurity syllabus organized by semester and topics covered:

Cyber security course subjects and topics to learn

Understanding of Networking and Advanced Network Security

To become a cybersecurity expert, you first need to understand how data is transmitted over the internet and a few networking threats. It includes learning TCP/IP, DNS, network topologies, and OSI models. Also, you must know the network devices like routers, switches, and firewalls. 

When you have the basic knowledge of networks, understanding network security becomes easy. You need knowledge of network protocol vulnerabilities like DNS amplification attacks, IPv6 security considerations, firewall and intrusion detection systems, network security policies and procedures, and different secure communication protocols. These security measures ensure the prevention of unauthorized access to the network, the detection of malicious activities, and secure communication within the network. 

Cryptography and Access Control 

Cyber security experts must have the fundamental knowledge of cryptosystems including symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, hash functions, cryptography algorithms key management and exchange, and cryptography protocols. With cryptography you can encrypt your files and other crucial information efficiently and add confidentiality, thus, reducing the risk of exposing vital data to cyber attackers. 

Knowledge of Access Control is also important and it allows you to determine who will have access to sensitive data. This includes learning Mandatory Access Control, Discretionary Access Control, Role-based Access Control, and Attribute-based Access Control.

Additionally, you must learn about identity management systems, authentication protocols, authorization and access control mechanisms, and identify and access management in the cloud.

Web Application Security 

Knowledge of web application security helps cyber security experts secure different web applications from common vulnerabilities and threats. They first need to learn about web communication fundamentals including HTTP and HTTPS protocols, SSL/TLS encryption validation, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript security measures, and web application architecture and design. 

The next thing to learn are the web application vulnerabilities including OWASP web application security risk, SQL injection and cross-site scripting, and input validation and sanitization. Additionally, you must have knowledge of secure coding guidelines and best practices, input validation and error handling, secure coding for web applications, device encryption, and more. 

Cloud Security 

As most organizations rely on the cloud to store their vital data, security concerns are getting high. Cyber security experts must have a scheme to manage cloud environments from cyberattacks like ransomware attacks, data breaches, and denial of service attacks.

You need to start with Cloud computing fundamentals including different deployment models, Cloud service models, and Cloud security architecture and design. Additionally learn about Cloud security risks and threats, different controls and compliance frameworks, security standards and regulations, and cloud security analytics and threat intelligence. 

Endpoint Security

Endpoint security practices protect endpoints or entry points of end-user devices like mobile devices, desktops, and laptops from malicious activities and safeguard data and workflow associated with these devices.

You must learn the types of endpoints, and endpoint security architecture and components before understanding different endpoint security threats like malware, ransomware, phishing, zero-day exploits, and unknown threats, and the use of tools and solutions to prevent them.  

Cybersecurity Analytics and Intelligence 

With knowledge of cybersecurity analytics, you can collect and gather data for finding evidence and analyzing capabilities to perform and design effective cybersecurity strategies to detect, analyze, and mitigate cyber threats. Common use cases for cyber security analytics include monitoring user behavior, identifying attempts at data exfiltration, detecting accounts that have been compromised, and identifying insider threats.

Additional Concepts of Cybersecurity 

You need to learn additional concepts of cyber security like protocols and packet analysis, defensible network architecture, security frameworks and compliance, and mobile device security, to acquire better skills in preventing systems and confidential data from cyber attacks.

Additionally, you learn about incident response and management including forensic investigation and post-incident analysis, threat intelligence, and risk management and compliance.

Specialized Cybersecurity Concepts

Once you understand the core and advanced cyber security concept you need to learn the specialized areas of cyber security. This includes penetration testing and ethical hacking, industrial control system security, cyber security for IoT, artificial intelligence in cyber security, and blockchain and cryptocurrency security.

Any Programming Language 

Having knowledge in any one programming language like Python, Java, and C++ is good. It helps you write scripts, automate tasks, and understand how cyberattacks can happen on systems. 

Linux Basics

Besides understanding Windows and MacOS, you must also learn to use and manage LINUX operating systems. This is because Linux is widely used in servers and cyber security tools. Some of the basic things to learn include common line interface, file system hierarchy, package management, and basic shell scripting. 

Related read:

• Key differences between ethical hacking and cyber security 
• Cybersecurity vs Computer Science Career

Cybersecurity Course Fees and Duration 2024

What is the course fee for Cybersecurity courses?

The course fee of cyber security courses ranges between ₹15,000 to ₹3,00,000. This may vary depending on several factors mainly the type of course and the course offerings. For example, if you are doing a diploma or certificate cybersecurity course, it will cost you less than a degree course like a UG or PG level course.

Similarly, the institution’s offerings have a great impact on the fees. A course having interview preparation, resume building, live project work, access to the latest resources, etc., charges more than ordinary courses. 

Cybersecurity Course Duration

Most cyber security certificate courses range from 4 months to 1 year while degree courses may go beyond 2 years. The course duration varies depending on the type of course and the curriculum. While online or offline degree and certificate courses take longer to complete, a self-paced course gives you the flexibility to complete it within your time and learning pace. 

Who is eligible for Cyber Security courses?

If you want to enroll in any online training course for cybersecurity, there is no such criteria or eligibility. However, knowing the basics of computers, cyber networking and the internet will be helpful.

For academic courses in India: Students are eligible for cybersecurity courses after completing their 12th grade, with specific criteria depending on the course type:

• Diploma in Cyber Security: Open to any stream with 10+2 completion.
• BTech in Cyber Security: Requires 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, along with a minimum of 50% marks.
• BSc in Cyber Security: Eligible for students who have completed 10+2 with Mathematics, also need at least 50% marks.
• Postgraduate Courses: A bachelor’s degree in IT or related fields is necessary, with a minimum of 50% marks required.

Somrita Shyam

Somrita Shyam is a content writer with 4.5+ years of experience writing blogs, articles, web content, and landing pages in multiple domains. She holds a master’s degree in Computer Application (MCA) and is a Gold Award winner at Vidyasagar University. Her knowledge of the tech industry and experience in crafting creative content helps her write simple and easy-to-understand tech pieces for readers of all ages. Her interest in content writing began after helping PhD scholars in submitting their assignments. Later in 2019, she started working as a freelance content writer at Write Turn Services, and has worked with numerous clients, before joining Experlu (An UK based accounting firm) in 2022 and working as a full-time content writer in GigDe (2022-2023).