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With an increasing in the use of technology, the demand for professionals with expertise in Cyber Security and Data Science has been on the rise. Both these fields are somewhat similar but there are certain significant differences. Hence it is important for people to have in-depth knowledge of these domains. In this article, we discuss about the relation, differences, career and salary prospects of these fields.
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What is Data Science?
Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful insights for business. It helps to bring to light actionable insights, which can be used to guide decision making and strategic planning, hidden in an organization’s data. It is one of the most promising and in-demand career paths for skilled professionals.
Data scientists analyze large amounts of data with the help of principles from the fields of mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, and computer engineering. This analysis helps them to comprehend and generate insights which business users can translate into palpable business value. They have to master the full spectrum of the data science and possess flexibility and understanding to perform tasks.
What is Cyber Security?
1: Which of the following algorithms is most suitable for classification tasks?
Cyber security, also known as information technology security or electronic information security, is the technology, practice or method of defending systems, networks, and programs from malicious cyber attacks These attacks are aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information to extort money from users or to interrupt normal business.
Cyberattacks have the power to disrupt, damage or destroy businesses. It has become very common and sophisticated, hence a variety of cyber security solutions are required to mitigate corporate cyber risk. Cyber security helps protect an organization and its employees and assets against cyber threats by the application of technologies, processes, and controls. It protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data against unauthorized exploitation of systems, networks, and technologies.
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How is Data Science and Cyber Security Interrelated?
Our online lives are at stake due to the growing surge in cyberattacks. Nearly 5 quintillion bytes of data are being created daily. With the rise in data creation, there has also been an alarming rise in data breaches as well. It has become a cause of concern for organizations and individuals worldwide. These attacks take place through all possible mediums ranging from electronic devices to household appliances. As technology advances, the opportunities for hackers also increases.
Cyber security and data science are inter related as it helps in resisting fraudulent activities. Data Science uses Machine Learning tools to predict the likelihood of an intrusion or attack or the vulnerability in a system and prevent the potential risk of breach by taking appropriate measures. It involves developing algorithms to deduce patterns from previous attacks and give warning about the reliability of the system in use. This has helped a lot in minimizing the chances of making wrong decisions, as most of the judgments are facts based. The data-driven tools have made the jobs of cybersecurity analysts easier by increasing their scope of resources, which in turn helps them to sketch out better security plans.
Data science also needs the help of cyber security to get clean and uncompromised data to ensure that their processed information is secured. So, while data science relies on cyber security for data integrity and protection, cyber security relies on data science to gather meaningful, actionable information to help better secure systems, networks, and data.
Differences Between Data Science and Cyber Security
Although data science and cyber security are interrelated, there are significant differences between the two.
| Data Science | Cyber Security | |
| Role | Data science professionals function as data analysis conductors who perform data analysis, build models etc.
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Cyber security professionals develop strong security systems to protect networks and the data stored on them, audit policies, monitor security infrastructure, etc. |
| Expertise | They deal with statistical and computational methods to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. | They protect computer systems and networks from unwanted access or assault. |
| Skills | Cyber security requires problem-solving, incident response, intrusion detection, network security, risk management, continuous upskilling, and an interest in keeping current with the latest trends | Data science professionals are required to be skilled in data mining and tools such as Python, R and SQL. They should also have an understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques along with an interest in mathematics and statistics.
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| Educational Qualification | A bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Technology is required. It is preferable to have a master’s degree. Additionally, they need relevant certifications like CISA, CISSP, CEH, etc.
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A bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a closely related discipline is required. A master’s degree in data science or any discipline or a doctorate is desirable.
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Data Science vs Cyber Security Career Path and Growth
Cyber security and data science offer incredible opportunities for individuals with technological skills and knowledge and those who want to get involved in exciting and active IT fields.
Cyber Security
These experts typically start with a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, computer science, information technology, or a related field. They should also have skills in core topics like programming, cloud computing, and networks and systems administration. After graduating, they can join a company in an entry-level role. After gaining a few years of experience, they will be eligible for a senior position, which typically requires a master’s degree and certification in several different cyber security-related disciplines.
These specialists are in high demand across businesses and can follow career paths like:
- Chief Information Security Officer
- IT Security Consultant
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
There are specialized cybersecurity teams at several significant firms and fields like banking, healthcare, retail, and government organizations.
Data Science
Data scientists require more formal education than cyber security experts. Most data science positions require a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, or another related field of study. After a couple of years in an entry-level position, they should pursue a master’s degree in Data Science, along with a few certifications, and try for a senior data analyst position.
Data science experts typically follow career paths such as:
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Product Manager
- Data Leader
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts, which includes cybersecurity, has a predicted growth rate of 35% from 2021 to 2031. On the other hand, the outlook for computer and information research science, which includes data science, may increase by 21% from 2021 to 2031. The bureau attributes the growth in opportunities to businesses’ increasing reliance on technology and the rise in cybersecurity threats.
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Data Science and Cyber Security Salary Expectations
Both Cyber Security and Data science professionals enjoy a handsome pay, but the salaries of the latter are typically higher than that of the former. Salaries can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and education. Research shows that cyber security experts in the United States can earn a yearly average of $94,794, while in India, a similar position fetch an annual average of ₹110,597. According to Indeed, US-based data scientists earn an average of $124,074 per year, while their counterparts in India make a yearly average of ₹830,319.
Cyber Security and Data Science are fields that are very much in demand and companies recruiting these experts are ready to pay a handsome remuneration. It depends on various factors and whether to choose data science or cyber security should be based on individual interests, skills, and goals.
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