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What Are Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks? How Are These Different from Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern, with two of the most commonly discussed being Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks. For the development of practical cyber defence strategies against these attacks, it is essential to understand the differences between them. 

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This blog post will look at how MITM attacks and DoS attacks operate, the consequences of each one, mitigation strategies to be used, and the right cybersecurity course that can be taken up to learn more!

How do MITM attacks work?

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks are carried out by disrupting communication between two parties, such as a client and a server, and by posing as a “man in the middle.” The attacker can then monitor, manipulate and even steal the sensitive data transferred between the two parties. MITM attacks can be carried out in several ways, including eavesdropping on an unsecured Wi-Fi network or using malware that infects a device and stops its communications.

Examples of MITM attacks 

Some common examples of MITM attacks include: 

  1. Credential theft: An attacker can hijack credentials such as usernames and passwords by impersonating a legitimate website and tricking users into entering their credentials on a fake login page. 
  2. Interception of financial transactions: An attacker can intercept and process financial transactions, such as bank transfers or credit card purchases, and steal sensitive information such as credit card numbers or bank account information. 
  3. Session hijacking: An attacker can hijack an established session between a user and a server and use the stolen session to access the user’s information and perform unauthorised actions on behalf of the user.

Consequences of MITM attacks 

The consequences of MITM attacks can be severe and far-reaching. Victims may suffer financial loss, identity theft, reputational damage, and other adverse consequences. For businesses and organisations, MITM attacks can result in security breaches, loss of intellectual property rights, regulatory fines, and legal liability.

Mitigation strategies to avoid MITM attacks 

Individuals and organisations can implement a variety of mitigation strategies to prevent MITM attacks, including 

  1. Implement two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data. 
  2. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks or use a VPN (virtual private network) to protect your communications. 
  3. Update software and firmware regularly to avoid vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. 
  4. Train employees and users to recognize and avoid phishing scams and other manipulation techniques that can lead to such attacks.

How do DoS attacks work?

A denial-of-service (DoS) attack is a cyberattack in which an attacker attempts to block a website, service, or network from its intended users by overwhelming them with traffic or exploiting a system vulnerability. A DoS attack aims to prevent legitimate users from accessing a targeted resource by making it unavailable.

Examples of DoS attacks

  1. DDoS Attack: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are one of the most common types of DoS attacks. In a DDoS attack, many malware-infected computers are used to flood a website or server with traffic that overwhelms it and renders it unusable. 
  2. Botnets: A botnet is a network of compromised computers called “robots” controlled by a remote attacker. An attacker can use these bots for DDoS attacks, among other things. 
  3. Application-level attacks: These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in specific applications, such as web servers or databases. An attacker sends a large number of requests to the application, causing it to crash or stop responding.

Consequences of DoS attack

DoS attacks can have serious consequences for businesses and individuals, such as lost revenue, reputational damage, legal and regulatory violations, and financial penalties. To protect against them, businesses and individuals should use firewalls, intrusion detection systems and regularly update software and security protocols.

Mitigation strategies to avoid DoS attack

Several mitigation strategies can be used to prevent DoS attacks:

  1. Firewalls are network security systems that help prevent unauthorised traffic and protect against DoS attacks.
  2. Enable traffic throttling on the servers to limit the number of requests the server can accept, which can prevent the server from becoming overloaded.
  3. Anti-DDoS services can help prevent and mitigate DDoS attacks by filtering traffic and blocking malicious traffic.
  4. Regularly updating your software and security protocols can help prevent vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

Difference between MITM and DoS attacks?

MITM Attacks DoS Attacks
Intercepting and potentially altering communications Making websites, services, or networks unavailable
The attacker positions themselves in between two parties Overwhelming the target with high traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities
ARP spoofing, DNS spoofing, or SSL stripping are common techniques Ping Floods, SYN Floods, and UDP Floods are common techniques
The attacker aims to steal sensitive information or gain unauthorised access The attacker may be motivated by political, ideological, or financial gain
MITM attacks are often designed to be stealthy and may not be immediately noticeable DoS attacks are more overt and immediately noticeable
Hackers often carry out MITM attacks Hacktivists or cybercriminals may carry out DoS attacks
The effects of MITM attacks are usually not immediately noticeable The effects of DoS attacks are immediately noticeable
MITM attacks may be used for identity theft, fraud, or espionage DoS attacks may be used for extortion or as a form of protest
Protection against MITM attacks involves implementing secure communication protocols and using encryption Protection against DoS attacks involves implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-DDoS services

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks are two different types of cyber-attacks, each with its characteristics and motivations. Organisations must take steps to protect against both attacks to ensure the security and availability of their systems and data.

Cloud Security and Network Security: Definitions and Best Practices

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

What Is Cloud Security?

Security measures implemented to safeguard data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud computing are called cloud security. It encompasses several security aspects like access control, data privacy, and regulatory compliance.

As cloud computing services gain popularity, safeguarding cloud security is crucial in preventing data breaches and unauthorised access.

Solutions for cloud security provide real-time threat detection, regulatory compliance, and control over cloud environments, protecting data and assets from potential loss or theft. 

Cloud Security Challenges

Cloud computing transformed business operations and data storage and presented unique security obstacles. Some of these challenges include:

  • Data breaches: Cloud data can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, such as malware and phishing, leading to data breaches. 
  • Data loss: Regularly backing up data and storing backups can help prevent data loss due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or natural disasters. 
  • Shared responsibility: Security in cloud computing is shared between the service provider and the customer, requiring clear understanding and compliance from both parties. 
  • Lack of visibility: Tracking and controlling access to data and resources in cloud computing can be challenging due to their complexity and dynamic nature. Visibility and control are crucial. 
  • Compliance: Compliance with regulations and standards is crucial for cloud security. Both providers and customers must ensure data and systems are compliant.

What Is Network Security? 

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Network security guards against unauthorised access, modification, or destruction of computer networks and their components.

It includes various hardware and software technologies and rules and regulations. These policies aid in the prevention of unauthorised network access and misuse.

Firewalls, anti-virus software, VPNs, access control policies, and encryption are examples of network security measures.

Satisfactory network security assures transmitted data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It helps prevent security issues such as cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Network Security Challenges

  • Insider threats: Insider threats pose a risk to network security as employees or other insiders with access to the network can intentionally or unintentionally compromise network security. 
  • Bring Your Device (B.Y.O.D.) policies: With the growing trend of remote work, employees use personal devices to access corporate networks, posing a security risk. 
  • Network complexity: Networks are complex and consist of multiple devices, making monitoring and securing them difficult. 
  • Lack of network visibility: Lack of visibility into network traffic and devices can make detecting and responding to security incidents challenging. 
  • Lack of employee education: Many security breaches are caused by human error, such as weak passwords, social engineering, or failure to follow security protocols. Lack of employee education on network security best practices can leave a network vulnerable to attack.

Differences Between Cloud Security and Network Security

Aspect Cloud Security Network Security
Focus Protects data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments. Focuses on protecting network infrastructure, devices, and communication channels.
Deployment Deployed and managed within a cloud environment, which may be accessed from many locations. Often implemented on-premises or at a specific physical location.
Ownership Responsibility for security is often shared between the cloud service provider and the customer. The responsibility of the organisation that owns the network infrastructure.
Scale Security measures must scale to accommodate the dynamic nature of cloud environments, which may involve many users, applications, and services. Security measures may be more static and focused on protecting fixed assets.
Compliance Must follow regulatory standards and frameworks, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and G.D.P.R. It must also comply with regulatory standards and frameworks.
Threats Threats include data breaches, unauthorised access, and insider threats. Threats include malware, phishing attacks, and denial-of-service attacks.
Technologies Includes access controls, encryption, and vulnerability assessments. Includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-virus software.
Visibility Must provide visibility into cloud environments, including logs, audit trails, and security events. It may also need visibility into network traffic and activity.

Best Practices for Cloud Security

Understand your cloud environment

A clear understanding of your environment is crucial for identifying the necessary security measures to protect it. It includes knowing the types of services and applications used, the stored data, and potential risks and vulnerabilities.

Install access control

Strong authentication and authorisation controls are crucial for securing your cloud environment. Use multi-factor authentication to limit access to sensitive data and resources.

Encrypt your data

Data encryption is an important security measure to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information. Ensure that all data at rest and in transit is encrypted, and keep encryption keys secure.

Install network security

Utilise network security technologies such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to safeguard your cloud environment. Optimise their configuration to ensure optimal protection without compromising performance.

Maintain compliance

Compliance requirements vary depending on your industry and geography. Ensure your cloud environment complies with regulations and standards like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and G.D.P.R.

Update and patch your systems

Keeping your systems and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches is crucial in preventing vulnerabilities from being exploited. Regularly update and patch your systems to ensure maximum protection.

Best Practices for Network Security

Some of the best practices for network security are as follows:

Install a strong firewall

Firewalls are essential to network security. Providing a barrier between your internal network and the outside world. Implement a strong firewall with appropriate rules to restrict access to your network.

Use strong passwords and authentication 

Strong passwords and authentication methods are essential for securing your network. Use multi-factor authentication to add extra security.

Update and patch your systems

Keeping your systems and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches is important in preventing vulnerabilities from being exploited. Regular updates and patches can improve the security posture of your organisation.

Install intrusion detection and prevention systems

Using intrusion detection and prevention systems is crucial to identifying and stopping unauthorised access to your network. Ensure you optimise the configuration of these tools for the best protection with a minimal performance impact.

Use network segmentation

Network segmentation can help isolate critical assets and prevent attackers from moving within your network. Segment your network into smaller, more manageable subnetworks.

Regularly track and audit your network

Regular tracking and auditing can help you detect and respond to security incidents. Use tools that provide real-time monitoring and alerts.

Educate your employees

Employee awareness and education are critical for network security. Train your employees on security best practices, including identifying and responding to potential security threats.

Conclusion

I.T. security encompasses cloud and network security; mitigating risks and preventing cyber threats is crucial. Best practices like strong firewalls, regular updates, intrusion detection, prevention strategies, and employee education can help.

Enrol in a cyber security certification course, like Imarticus Learning’s Advanced Certification Program in Cyber Security (Master Cyber Security from IIT Roorkee), to gain comprehensive training and hands-on experience.

Obtaining this IIT cyber security course shows your expertise and increases your career prospects in the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry.

4 different ways of social media marketing that yield results

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Social media has become integral to a successful marketing strategy in this digital age. Social media platforms give businesses a large audience to connect with and promote their brands. Effective methods for social media marketing for small businesses are essential in achieving measurable outcomes, particularly when mastering social media advertising. 

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Social media platforms and channels such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have changed how businesses interact with their target audience. With most people spending time online, SMM has become critical to any digital marketing strategy.

Social media advertising will cost 230 billion dollars in 2022, which is anticipated to reach $300 billion by 2024.

In this blog post, we will explore four different ways of social media marketing that generate leads.

What are effective social media marketing methods?

One of the best channels for marketing your company is social media. But the social media landscape has transformed due to increasing competition and the development of social media algorithms. 

Some effective social media marketing methods:

  • Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is a type of (SMM) social media marketing in which companies work with influencers to market their services or goods. Influencers have a massive following on social media and are seen as experts in their niche. Businesses can reach a broader audience by partnering with influencers. The primary key to successful influencer marketing is to find the right influencer who aligns with your brand values and target audience.

  • Social Media Advertising

Social media advertising allows businesses to reach a specific target audience through paid advertising. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have sophisticated targeting options enabling companies to target users based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Social media advertising drives website traffic, increase brand awareness and generates leads. To see results from social media advertising, you must clearly understand your target audience and create compelling ad creative.

  • Social Media Contests

Social media contests are an engaging and fun way to increase brand awareness and drive engagement. By hosting a social media contest, businesses can encourage their followers to participate by sharing user-generated content or tagging their friends. The key to a successful social media contest is a clear goal and an exciting prize that resonates with your target audience.

  • Video Marketing

Video marketing has become increasingly popular on social media, with platforms like YouTube and TikTok dominating the space. Video marketing allows businesses to tell their brand story creatively and engagingly. Whether it’s a product demo or a behind-the-scenes look at your business, video marketing can help companies build trust and connect with their audience.

How Do You Set Digital Marketing Goals that Yield Results?

While implementing different social media marketing strategy, it is essential to track your progress and measure the effectiveness of your efforts. To do this, you must set clear digital marketing goals and regularly track your progress. 

Here are four different types of reports that can help you stay on track:

  • Daily Dashboard: A daily dashboard allows you to track your key metrics and monitor your progress in real-time. This report should include metrics like website traffic, social media engagement, and leads generated.
  • Weekly KPI Report: A weekly KPI report provides a snapshot of your performance over the past week. This report should include key performance indicators (KPIs) and highlight improvement areas.
  • Monthly Roll-up Report: A monthly roll-up report provides a more in-depth analysis of your performance over the past month. This report should include your KPIs, as well as any insights or trends that you’ve noticed.
  • Quarterly Strategy Review: A quarterly strategy review allows you to reflect on your performance over the past quarter and adjust your digital marketing strategy. This report should include a review of your goals, KPIs, and any changes you’ve made to your system.

The Final Words

Social media marketing help businesses reach their audience and digital marketing goals. Companies can effectively promote their brand and engage with their audience by combining the different ways of SMM we’ve discussed – influencer marketing, social media advertising, contests, and video marketing. 

However, it’s crucial to track your progress and measure the effectiveness of your efforts to see tangible results. Businesses can stay on track by setting clear digital marketing goals and using the different reports we’ve discussed – daily dashboards, weekly KPI reports, monthly roll-up reports, and quarterly strategy reviews – to adjust their strategy as needed.

Incorporating different social media marketing strategy into your overall digital marketing plan can help you reach a wider audience and achieve your business goals. 

Discover the digital marketing course at Imarticus learning and start taking advantage of the vast audience on social media and use these different marketing strategies to connect with their target audience and promote their brand. By setting clear digital marketing goals and regularly tracking their progress, businesses can stay on track to see tangible results.

A Guide to Investment Banking Interview Preparation

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A career in investment banking is emerging as one of the most sought-after, with finance graduates increasingly opting for an MBA specialising in this field. As for every job role, candidates need to land an interview before securing the job.  

Investment Banking Course

An investment banking interview typically includes quantitative and qualitative questions covering the basics of accounting, valuation, and finance. It also tests your knowledge in mergers and acquisitions and LBO modelling, to name a few.

Investment banking as a career in finance in India is growing in demand amongst both recruiters and applicants. This guide will explore the sample questions and answers one can expect in an investment banking interview including tips on researching and preparing for the final stage.

Uncovering the potential of investment banking

Investment banking typically involves many services, including public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, private placements, underwriting, and trading under its subject. With the global investment banking industry hitting $166.62 billion in 2023, the market growth has confirmed the need for more investment bankers.

Further, investment bankers can assist companies with financial strategies while reviewing their capital raising and overall structure. Investment bankers also offer their services to investors by conducting research and analysis occasionally. 

Overview of investment banking interview preparation 

Preparation 

Research the company for which the interview is scheduled: When going for an interview, it is ideal to know about the company’s history, mission, and primary and secondary initiatives. Having the necessary knowledge about the business model and the competitive landscape would be an advantage. 

  • Prepare for case studies: Going through multiple case studies can form a basis for one’s expertise in investment banking. An alternative option would be to opt for an investment banking course. For instance, if a candidate opts for JP Morgan, then he/she must know how the leading investment bank generated an 8% market share globally.
  • Practice communication skills and network well: Prepare to effectively communicate the answers to the interviewer. Also, networking is paramount as it allows people to be known for their abilities and upscale. With a career in finance in India, it is ideal to network well to see the industry’s reach. 

Common interview questions

Questions can differ in multiple settings, including a personal round where the interviewee has to introduce himself/herself and defend his/her choice of this job role. The later part would be solely technical, with live simulations of projects given to understand the candidate’s ability better.

Listed below are the most common questions asked in an investment banking interview. 

  • What effect will the sale of a factory for $80 assume on the company’s balance sheet, cash flow statement, and income statement, considering the presence of a 40% tax rate?

Balance sheet:

The factory sale will increase the company’s cash account by the net proceeds of $48 (80 x (1-0.4)). This amount will be offset due by the company’s decrease in the fixed asset account.

Income statement:

The factory sale will result in a one-time gain of $32 (80 x 0.4), reported as income on the company’s income statement. 

Cash flow statement:

The factory sale will increase cash by $48 (80 x (1-0.4)), reflecting the company’s cash flow statement. It will be reported as an inflow from the sale of the factory. The cash outflow of $32 (80 x 0.4) will be put towards tax payment.

  • What might immediately affect a company’s present value (PV)?

External factors like economic changes, interest rates, and market conditions, both short- and long-term, can affect PV. Internally, factors such as the company’s financial performance, including sales, cash flow, and profitability, can affect the cash flow by increasing or decreasing it. Changes in the debt or equity structure can also equally affect PV. 

  • How is DCF analysis valuable to the company?

Discounted Cash Flow analysis aids companies in evaluating their current and potential investments wilfully. It helps companies accurately measure the possible return on investments, paving a path for determining the most valuable option.

Other plausible questions may include the following:

  • Define goodwill in finance.
  • What is the need for a deferred tax rate?
  • Take me through the components of a cash flow statement.
  • How can a buyout model be leveraged for the company?

Conclusion

Investment banking is perfect for individuals looking for a challenging career in finance. It requires a careful combination of problem-solving abilities and an analytical understanding of the financial market and instruments involved. 

The Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP) certification from Imarticus offers a comprehensive understanding of the investment banking industry. The investment banker course covers industry-specific topics like risk management, derivatives market, trade life cycle, etc. Bag jobs at globally acclaimed companies with Imarticus’ investment banking certification today! 

Visit our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, or cochin, or get in touch via the chat support system.

Creating a Discounted Cash Flow Model for Investment Analysis

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Companies before taking on new investment plans have to understand if their investment is going to be financially rewarding. Various evaluation methods are used to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the financial well-being, and potential for growth of a business. One such valuation method is the Discounted Cash Flow analysis which is used to make profitable investment decisions. 

So, what is a Discounted Cash Flow analysis?

Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis is a versatile method that can be utilised to assess the value of various assets such as stocks, companies, and projects. A DCF model is widely used in both the investment industry and corporate finance management to arrive at appropriate investment decisions. 

Usually certified management accountants are responsible for advising firms on investments. With a certified Management Account course one can master the skill of efficiently analysing an organisation’s financial decisions through a DCF model. 

What Is a Discounted Cash Flow Model?

Discounted Cash Flow or DCF is a method of valuation that involves predicting the future cash flows an investment will produce. It uses these predictions to arrive at the investment’s present value. A Discounted Cash Flow analysis aims to determine what an investment is worth currently based on the predictions of its future earnings. 

Who Can Use a Discounted Cash Flow Model?

As discussed earlier, before going ahead with any investment an investor has to discount and project the anticipated cash flow to arrive at suitable investment decisions. A discounted cash flow model is ideal for companies that are comparatively larger and less volatile. The real estate industry widely uses the Discounted Cash Flow model. Seeking employment in industries that employ the DCF technique will be easier with the CMA USA training that will help you establish yourself as a Certified Management Accountant.

How Is Discounted Cash Flow Calculated?

The calculation of Discounted Cash Flow comprises three fundamental steps.  The first step is to estimate the anticipated cash flows from the investment made by the organisation. 

The second phase is to choose a discounted rate. This discounted rate is usually based on either the cost of financing the asset or the opportunity cost associated with other potential investments. 

The final step is to discount the projected cash flows back to the present day using either a financial calculator or a manual calculation.

The formula for calculating a discounted cash flow is:

DCF Formula =CFt /( 1 +r)t

Here, CFt denotes cash flow.

R denotes the rate of interest. 

T stands for the lifetime of the asset being valued. 

How Does a Discounted Cash Flow for Investment Analysis Work?

Pricing a deal can be difficult because of the many variables involved, and investors and transaction advisors often use different types of valuation models, including DCF analysis, to help them make decisions. An accurate valuation is important because it tells you how much your investment is worth and whether a deal is worth pursuing or not.

When performing a DCF analysis, one has to make several assumptions about a company’s projected sales growth, profit margins, cost of capital, discounted rate, and potential risks. These assumptions are used to create a discounted cash flow model that provides insight into a company’s future cash flows. 

There are various challenges associated with calculating the DCF of an investment. For example, choosing from the huge financial information available about the company for a DCF analysis might be very tedious. 

However, with the right training and experience, even this challenging task can be significantly easier. For instance, preparing for the US CMA exam and cracking it can grant significant career benefits to the ones aspiring to get into management accounting. 

Benefits of a Discounted Cash Flow Analysis 

There are numerous benefits of analysing investments with the help of a Discounted Cash Flow. Here are a few pros of using a DCF model of analysis:

  • The DCF method is very detailed in its approach. It uses particular figures, such as predictions for cash flow, growth rate, and other indicators. Considering these indicators are critical for a business to decide on the value of its investment. 
  • Using a DCF model gives organisations insight into whether they should merge with or acquire another company. 
  • A DCF model allows decision-makers to evaluate various situations and adjust their assumptions of an investment efficiently. This gives them a more nuanced understanding of whether the investment will be profitable.  
  • A DCF analysis helps in arriving at the intrinsic value of an asset or business. 

Disadvantages Of a Discounted Cash Flow Model

Although a Discounted Cash Flow model has several advantages, there are numerous disadvantages too. Here are some of the cons that one must consider:

  • Working on a Discounted Cash Flow Model is time-consuming.
  • A huge amount of data needs to be collected to calculate a Discounted Cash Flow. Sometimes it is very difficult to gather so much data and analyse it quickly.
  • It is not easy to estimate factors like capital expenditure. Therefore, a slight error in its estimation can lead to faulty outcomes which can lead to wrong investment decisions.  

Conclusion

Accurately valuing companies and assets takes rigorous training and experience. One needs to be adept in finance and accounting to work on a model like DCF which is full of complexities and likely to cause errors. Usually, management accountants are in charge of conducting the DCF analysis. 

If you want to establish yourself as a successful management accountant and conduct challenging DCF analyses with ease, the Certified Management Accountant course by Imarticus Learning is the right choice for you. The US CMA course is considered the most sought-after certification in the accounting and finance field. 

Imarticus Learning has a record of placing its students at the top organisations across the world with lucrative pay packages that range from 6.5 to 10 LPA for freshers. Take the CMA USA course today to unravel the best employment opportunities globally!

Benefits of Having a Financial Certification

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Financial certification indicates the level of expertise in a specific area of finance. It is typically earned by passing a rigorous examination and meeting other requirements, such as educational and work experience qualifications.

Financial certifications can cover various areas within finance, such as financial planning, accounting, investment management, risk management and others. 

Capital Market Course

Some examples of popular financial certifications include the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, Chartered Accountancy (CA), Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA), Company Secretaryship (CS), Actuary, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Economics, Statistics, Chartered Alternate Investment Analyst (CAIA), Financial Risk Management, Financial Modelling and Investment Banking programmes.

Earning an IIM Financial services certification course can demonstrate a professional’s knowledge, skills and credibility to potential employers and clients. It may also lead to career advancement opportunities and higher earning potential.

Capital market and its need 

A capital market is a financial marketplace where individuals, companies and governments buy and sell long-term financial instruments such as stocks, bonds and other securities. Capital markets facilitate the flow of capital from investors with surplus funds to those needing capital for long-term investments, such as companies or governments.

Capital markets can be divided into two types: primary markets and secondary markets.

In the primary market, newly issued securities are sold for the first time through an initial public offering (IPO). In this market, companies can raise capital by issuing new stocks or bonds, and investors can buy these new securities.

In the secondary market, existing securities are bought and sold among investors. In this market, securities are traded on stock exchanges or over-the-counter markets, and the price of securities is determined through supply and demand.

Capital markets are important for economic growth because they allow companies and governments to access long-term financing. They also offer investors an opportunity to invest in long-term securities and receive a return. The capital market is closely monitored by regulatory bodies to ensure transparency, fairness and stability.

A detailed knowledge of capital markets is essential if you want a career in finance. All finance programmes cover capital markets in their curriculum.

Ten benefits of a financial certification

A financial certificate can go a long way in landing the desired finance job. Here’s how it can add value:

  • Increased credibility: Earning a financial certification indicates that you have met rigorous education and experience requirements enhancing your professional credibility.
  • Higher earning potential: Employers highly value financial certifications, which can result in higher salaries, bonuses and other financial incentives.
  • Career advancement: A financial certification can open doors to career advancement opportunities, such as promotions, leadership roles and higher-level positions.
  • Specialised knowledge: Each financial certification focuses on a specific area of finance, providing you with specialised knowledge and expertise, putting you ahead of others in the field.
  • Improved job performance: The knowledge and skills gained from a financial certification can enhance your job performance, making you more effective in your role and providing greater value to your organisation.
  • Continuing education opportunities: Maintaining a financial certification requires ongoing education, which can keep you up-to-date on the latest developments in your field.
  • Professional networking: Financial certifications provide opportunities for professional networking with other certified professionals, which can lead to new career opportunities, mentorship and knowledge sharing.
  • Career flexibility: It can provide transferable skills that can be applied to various roles and industries, providing greater career flexibility.
  • Increased client trust: Financial certifications can give clients confidence in your knowledge and expertise, leading to stronger client relationships and increased business.
  • Personal satisfaction: Earning a certificate can be personally satisfying and can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in your professional achievements.

Future of financial certification

The future of financial certification is likely to be influenced by several factors, including technological advances, changing regulatory requirements and shifts in industry trends.

One trend likely to continue is the increased use of technology in financial certification programs. This could include using online learning platforms, AI and virtual reality to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences for candidates.

Another important factor is the evolving regulatory landscape. As financial regulations evolve and become more complex, an increased demand for professionals with specialised knowledge and certification in compliance, risk management and cybersecurity will likely be seen.

In addition, as the financial industry becomes more globalised, there may be a growing need for standardised certification programs, recognised and valued across different countries and regions.

Overall, the future of financial certification is likely characterised by a greater emphasis on specialised knowledge and skills, and more flexible and innovative approaches to learning and credentialing.

Conclusion

The IIM financial services certification courses are highly regarded in the industry and provide participants with a strong foundation in financial management that can help them advance their careers in this field.

Imarticus Learning offers a comprehensive course for a better understanding of capital markets in collaboration with IIM Lucknow.

Advance your financial services and capital markets career with the IIM Lucknow capital market certification course.

Best Practices For Visualising Data with Python

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

In the era of globalisation, a lot of data is produced daily. However, analysing and extracting information from raw data can be very challenging. Data visualisation with Python is a way to overcome this hurdle. 

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Data visualisation is a process that makes it easier to analyse, comprehend and observe the data by providing a better and more representative depiction of the data. It means the process of transforming complex data into easily understandable visual representations. Data visualisation helps in analysing specific trends and patterns for overcoming challenging situations.  

Read along to know the multiple best practices when using Python to visualise data.

7 best practices through which data can be visualised with Python

No matter how necessary it is to create visualisations of complex data, there are some points that one should always keep in mind. Here are some of the best practices one cannot miss out on when visualising data with Python.

Select a suitable tool for data visualisation

Choosing the right tools after establishing the objectives of visualisation is important. There are several code libraries and no-code platforms that help in presenting data in a user-friendly format. 

The most common and popular low-code data visualisation tools are Tableau, and Power BI. Tableau is a popular visual analytics platform that allows the designing of representative charts, graphs and dashboards. Power BI is a business intelligence platform enabling users to create multiple interactive representations. 

If you’re directly working with Python code, ‘Jupyter Notebook’ might be the best tool for you.

Cleanse the data properly

Cleaning and processing the data is an integral step as it frees it from anomalies. However, many things are done to make the data error-free, such as standardising it, removing missing or duplicate figures, deleting unpaired data etc.

Let’s say that you have a table consisting of ‘date’, ‘products’, ‘product_id’, ‘number of units sold’ and the ‘name’ of the person who bought the product. You’re analysing the sales on a particular date. You can go ahead and remove the ‘name’ category, as it does not correlate to the outcome you’re trying to achieve through your analysis.

Choose the right visualisation type

One of the most important aspects of data visualisation is choosing the right chart or graph to represent your data. Python has many libraries like Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Plotly that provide a wide variety of chart types to choose from. Choose the one that best represents the data you are trying to convey.

The most used and easily readable type of data visualisation can be in the form of pie charts, line graphs, bar graphs, heatmaps and so on. The linear regression technique is best suited when you want to represent the data consisting of two continuous variables.

Employ brief titles and labels

The visualisation should have proper titles and labels that make the data easier to understand. Make sure to label your charts and graphs clearly so that your audience can understand what they are looking at. Using titles, axis labels, and legends makes data more accessible.

Try to make the visualisation more interactive

Python visualisation libraries like Plotly allow you to create interactive charts and graphs that can be more engaging for your audience. Consider adding interactive elements like hover-over text or clickable buttons to make your visualisation more engaging.

Consider using other interactive elements like sliders, dropdown menus, or zooming features. These can make your visualisation more dynamic and allow the audience to explore the data in more detail. 

Make use of annotations

Annotations can be a powerful way to draw attention to specific parts of your visualisation. Use them to highlight important data points, provide additional context, or explain unusual or unexpected trends. Using clear and concise language in your annotations is a must, along with placing them in a way that does not clutter the visualisation.

Test your visualisation

In the process of creating data visualisation with Python, it is important to adopt an iterative approach that involves testing the visualisation as you go along. To refine your visualisation, use tools like Jupyter Notebook or Spyder to explore and manipulate the data in minute detail.

Once you have created your visualisation, it is important to thoroughly test it to identify potential issues or errors. This might involve checking the data for outliers, ensuring that the visualisation accurately represents the data, and making sure that any labels or annotations are clear and accurate.

Conclusion

The need for data visualisation can never be overlooked. Python is widely used for data visualisation in data science and machine learning fields. A data science course with job interview guarantee can help you understand the concepts of data visualisation with Python in the best way. 

Python contains numerous data visualisation libraries that you can choose from depending on the requirements of your project. A postgraduate degree in data analytics can arm you with the requisite knowledge. Register for the Postgraduate Program In Data Science And Analytics by Imarticus and enrich your knowledge to lead a successful professional life in this field.

Full-stack development program: Get a job-interview assistance or get your money back.

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

No doubt you’ve heard the term “full stack developer” before. While it’s become something of a buzzword in recent years, there is still some confusion about what it actually means.

In short, a full-stack developer is a web development professional who works with both the front end as well as the back end of a website or application. Full-stack developers have a detailed or in-depth understanding of how web applications work and are able to work with all the technologies and tools involved in the development, from HTML and CSS to server administration.

There is no agreed-upon definition of a full-stack developer; there are certain skills and knowledge that are essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career in this field. So, if you’re thinking about becoming a full-stack developer or are simply curious about what they do, read on for an overview of the skill set and knowledge you’ll need to get started. Plus, we will also cover your best learning option to become a Full-Stack Developer.

Skills and knowledge you need to get started

As a full-stack developer, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of numerous programming languages and web technologies. While the exact technologies you’ll need to know will vary depending on the project or company you’re working with, there are some core skills that are essential for all full-stack developers.

Some of the most important skills and technologies you’ll need to learn include:

  • HTML/CSS: These are the foundation technologies of the web, and all full-stack developers need to be proficient in them.
  • JavaScript: JavaScript is a must-have for any full-stack developer as it’s used for both frontend and backend development.
  • Data structures and algorithms: A strong understanding of data structures is crucial for any developer, but it’s essential for full-stack developers who need to optimize web application performance.
  • Server administration: Full-stack developers often need to be able to set up and maintain servers, so a good understanding of server administration is essential.
  • Git/GitHub: Full-stack developers must be proficient in using Git and GitHub for version control.

These are just some of the skills and technologies you’ll need to learn as a full-stack developer. Of course, the exact skills and technologies you’ll need will vary depending on the project or company you’re working with.

Best learning option to become a Full-Stack Developer

While there is no single agreed-upon answer to this question, the best way to learn the skills and technologies you require to become a full-stack developer is by enrolling in a full-stack development program.

Full-stack development programs are designed to offer you the skill set and knowledge base you need to pursue a career in this field. Plus, most programs offer a job interview guarantee, so you can be assured that you’ll be able to get job-interview opportunities after completing the full-stack developer program.

So, if you’re serious about becoming a full-stack developer, enroll in a full-stack development program today. With the right program, you’ll be on your path to a successful career in no time.

Discover Full-stack developer certification with Imarticus Learning.

Our Full-Stack Developer online course teaches students database architecture and algorithms. During this six-month training, students will learn both the technical aspects of frontend and backend programming—as well as data structures.

Course Benefits for Learners:

  • As part of our Full-stack developer certification course, students will learn to build a full-stack application.
  • This Java full-stack development course offers learners a chance to build a solid foundation in programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
  • Our course offers learners the guaranteed job interviews that they deserve. Our instructors are experts in their field, and they have years of experience teaching programming courses.

Contact us through the chat support system, or visit our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, or Ahmedabad.

A Guide To Effective Supply Chain Network Design

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Introduction

Let us start by explaining What Is Supply Chain Management? In simple words, supply chain management overlooks the entire flow of products, data, and finances related to any service or goods. The supply chain management is responsible for the procurement of raw materials up till the delivery of the final product to its destination.

best advanced certification program in digital supply chain management course

Supply Chain Network Design as a whole is the strategic planning of the supply chain operations that ensure long-term benefits. It involves measuring cost, time, location, production facilities, logistics, and the best mix of suppliers, for optimum product manufacturing and distribution. Furthermore, Supply Chain Network Design also takes into account the sources to procure raw materials, transportation of finished products, storage, warehousing, and ways for delivering goods to consumers.

Supply Chain Network Design, thus is a complex and ever-evolving process that uses mathematical models, algorithms, linear programming, and other software to create supply networks for any enterprise and ways to optimise them.

Key Benefits of Effective Supply Chain Network Design

An effective supply chain network design helps a company or an enterprise in visualising and planning their supply chains to derive the maximum profit. It plays a key role in reducing overall costs, reducing risk, enhancing service, and delivering speed-to-market. Below is a list of the key benefits:

Identifying parts that are potential cost savers

Reduction in inventories and purchase costs

Reduction in transport costs

Reduction in both fixed costs (equipment, facilities) and variable costs (labour, handling charges)

Discerning routes for reducing fuel costs and transit time

Optimisation of services, delivery dates, and customer satisfaction

Transparency in the overall process and cost across the supply chain network

Providing opportunities for the performance of the overall supply chain network by evaluating the costs incurred against set benchmarks

Factors that ensure an effective Supply Chain Network Design

As an organisation, you must focus on the planning of the following key areas to build a strong and effective network design in the supply chain:

Gather supporting data

To design an effective supply chain network you need fool-proof data to back up the decisions. This is one of the most crucial and time-consuming parts of the design process. However, the good news is that a lot of details and data can be obtained from the company’s ERP or legacy system. Some intricacies of the data include the type and quality of raw material, source of raw material, warehousing cost, transport container type, transport cost, and inventory cost.

Procurement costs and processes

The cost of the entire process needs to be carefully analysed. This includes the source to procure raw materials, time, distance, location, and shipping method. Other typical information like capacity, flexibility, and lead time must be finalised. Furthermore, the number of manufacturers and suppliers also needs to be identified.

Logistics and transportation

One of the key aspects of effective planning includes transporting raw materials and delivering finished goods. The planning must include route scheduling, optimising logistics, and ensuring timely and systematic transportation of products or goods. This operational procedure determines the smooth functioning of the entire supply chain process.

Inventory management and planning

This is one of the trickiest factors in managing an effective Supply Chain Network Design. The ideal inventory level needs to be identified that will be transported and stored. Also, the response time to fulfil the demand for goods needs to be chalked out.

Placement of warehouses and distribution centres

Supply chain nodes must be defined accordingly for accurate locations. This also includes finalising the optimum number of distribution centres and warehouses that will assist a strong supply chain network.

Implement and refine

The design of the supply chain network is an ongoing process. It needs to be implemented, analysed, and adjusted to changes for increased cost savings. Changes like a large and new customer base, new location, increased demand, increased production capacity, or a swing in prices of raw materials must be considered. Thus, like all efficient planning processes, supply chain network design should be revisited regularly.

Carve A Path-breaking Career In Digital Supply Chain Management with Imarticus Learning

Supply chain management (SCM), review, and design are gaining a lot of traction. To effectively cope with the challenges and rapid changes in this sector, enterprises globally are looking for experts and Supply Chain Management professionals. Imarticus Learning brings an innovative digital Supply Chain Management Course that is backed by IIT Guwahati. This course is designed to teach What Is Supply Chain Management, design modules, modern digital SCM, defining the models of the supply chain, and so much more! Not only that, but through this Supply Chain Management Course learners will get hands-on experience and exposure to managing real-world business operations through case studies.

Wrapping Up

The supply chain network design segment is emerging as a tremendous career growth that comes with ample job opportunities to drive professionals to enter big companies. Sign up for Supply Chain Management Course to learn skills of higher management levels and reap monetary benefits as you contribute massively to your organisation.

5 Reasons Why an Online MBA Program is the Best Way to Advance Your Career

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Pursuing higher education has become an essential first step for job progression in today’s fast-paced and dynamic professional environment. The Online MBA program stands out among the plethora of possibilities as a game-changer. 

Students may enter industries like banking, railways, teaching, information technology, agriculture, sports, airlines, healthcare, and more with an MBA Salary ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 a year after finishing the online MBA programs.

An online MBA program has become the preferred option for ambitious individuals looking to further their careers. This is due to its distinctive combination of flexibility, accessibility, and academic rigor. Join us as we set out on an exciting trip to discover the five compelling reasons why completing an online MBA program is the surest path to success in the contemporary business world. 

Why an Online MBA is the best investment for your career?

mba in fintech course

There is a rising demand for professionals with Online MBA degrees. Employers appreciate the flexibility and value that an online MBA program offers, enabling students to advance their knowledge and abilities while juggling job and personal responsibilities. Companies seek people with the strategic thinking, leadership skills, and specific knowledge that an online MBA gives as sectors grow more competitive and worldwide.

Unleashing Your Potential: The Five Compelling Reasons to Pursue an Online MBA

  • Flexibility and convenience

Studying at your speed and schedule without sacrificing your career or personal responsibilities is one of the online MBA benefits. Source materials are also accessible to anyone with an internet connection at any time. 

You can select from various electives and specializations to tailor your education to your objectives and interest. Distance Learning MBA programs may benefit working people who wish to further their professions but have full-time obligations. 

Most online MBA programs feature thoroughly thought-out curricula that achieve the ideal mix between synchronous (live courses held at a defined time with attendance) and asynchronous (archived classes that students may finish whenever they’re ready) learning sessions. As a result, the timetables for online MBA courses are quite flexible and adjustable to fit your personal and professional obligations.

  • Quality and credibility

In reality, many online MBA programs offer the same curriculum and staff as their on-campus counterparts and are approved by respected bodies. You can count on receiving a top-notch education accepted and acknowledged by employers and peers.

The new age tools, technology, and concepts are introduced to you in online MBA courses, but they also teach you how to use them in practical situations. Because of this, online MBA programs are a great way to support academic learning and hands-on training. 

  • Networking and collaboration 

Online MBA programs don’t isolate or make you feel alone. Instead, they provide many chances to get to know your classmates and teachers, who can be from other backgrounds, professions, or nations. You may learn from their viewpoints and experiences and create enduring professional and interpersonal bonds.

Anyone from any professional or educational background can choose to enroll in online MBA courses from anywhere globally. Students, therefore, get to interact and connect with a large network of people from all backgrounds. Online courses promote peer-to-peer learning just like those in traditional classroom settings.

  • Cost-effectiveness and affordability

As they do not need travel, lodging, or other costs related to on-campus instruction, online MBA programs are often less expensive than traditional ones. Since many online MBA schools provide qualifying students with financial aid, scholarships, and grants, you can also reduce tuition costs.

Online MBA courses are ideal if you want to upskill on a tight budget! It is common knowledge that online MBA schools have substantially lower tuition than traditional MBA programs. 

Candidates that enroll in online MBA programs primarily gain the same knowledge as their on-campus counterparts when comparing the two options (classroom and online courses).

  • Career advancement and satisfaction

 You may develop your career after MBA program in several ways. You may improve your CV, highlight your abilities and expertise, and show dedication to lifelong learning. 

As an online MBA program may prepare you for leadership roles in various sectors and industries, it can also help you increase your career prospects. Additionally, you can improve your job satisfaction by pursuing your passions and realizing your potential with an online MBA program.

Online MBA programs feature a large and diversified peer group that frequently comes from different nations worldwide. The blending and mixing of many cultures, intelligent systems, and experiences happen naturally. 

Students have the opportunity to be open to new options and possibilities. You start to think about adopting unconventional ways of thinking when you meet people from all ages, job trajectories, and country backgrounds. On-campus courses hardly ever offer this type of diversity and intercultural exposure.

The Final Words

Your career may be redefined, your horizons can be expanded, and a world of opportunities can be unlocked with the help of the online MBA program. Accept the life-changing path ahead, and watch your career goals come true.

Why then wait? Take the chance, grasp the moment, and let the online MBA program serve as the engine that drives you toward your ideal job. 

Take advantage of Geeta University and Imarticus Learning’s comprehensive course to learn the fundamentals of the fintech industry and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, the internet of things, and big data.

Here’s to the amazing road ahead of you and your limitless success in business. May your time spent doing your Online MBA be nothing short of remarkable.

We wish you luck in the future and all the opportunities an online MBA program may provide!

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