Information Security Degrees
The spring of 2011 saw a rash of carjacking on the information superhighway. Hackers manipulated PBS' and Citibank's websites, stealing 360,000 credit-card accounts from the latter. Both Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sega exposed more than 1 million user accounts apiece to unidentified hackers.
And Sony's PlayStation online network was compromised to the tune of 77 million people's personal information, with details including names, street and email addresses, usernames and passwords and possibly credit-card numbers. The New York Times described the breach by saying, "PlayStation suffered a catastrophic failure through a hacking attack."
These are just a sampling of the many intrusions that cause large companies, local businesses and individual PC users to invest significant resources and dollars into protecting the valuable information stored in the filing cabinets of cyberspace. For IT professionals who decide that keeping computer users safe from enemy attacks is their career of choice, information security training is the first step in establishing a future.
Earning an information security degree
As described by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts plan, implement, upgrade and monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and data. They ensure that appropriate security controls are in place to safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure, and respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Security professionals may also gather the evidence needed to prosecute cyber-crimes.
Most employers of computer security specialists require potential employees hold at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. However, because of the increasing complexity of online attacks, many employers may prefer a specialized degree such as a B.S. in information system security or advanced information security training, such as that leads to CISSP or CEH certifications. While in school, students can expect to take courses covering the following topics:
- Network monitoring software
- Authentication server software
- Transaction security and virus protection software
- Communications and media
- Business administration and management
- Telecommunications
Ensuring security for mobile and wireless devices is a particularly hot topic in the wake of the consumerization of IT and the flood of users bringing their own iPhones, Android phones and iPads into the enterprise. As a company's list of approved or managed platforms increases, so do its security responsibilities.
Information security training: Online or classroom based?
When pursuing a degree in information security, many students have the option of choosing to enroll in online, Web-based degree programs or traditional campus-based programs. Both offer benefits and conveniences depending on students' needs; however, it is important to keep in mind that online programs will have certain hardware and software requirements.
It is essential that students have a clear picture of the technical requirements necessary to meet all of the program's expectations. For those participating in campus-based programs, access to the institution's computer equipment may be included in enrollment fees.
Information security: Working in the field
In 2008, 340,000 people were employed as computer security specialists; in 2009, their median annual wage was $67,710 per year. For its 2010 listings, the BLS combined information security analysts with Web developers and computer network architects in a category with mean annual wages of $79,370. More than 135,000 additional job openings are projected to become available between 2008 and 2018 for this career category -- a number that reveals much faster job growth than the average.
Computer security specialists can expect to work a standard 40-hour work week, in addition to time spent addressing problems which may occur off hours, on weekends or holidays. However, as computer networks expand and become more sophisticated, security personnel may be able to access necessary equipment and information from remote locations. Daily tasks may include:
- Encrypting data transmissions and building firewalls
- Deploying patches or security updates to operating systems and antivirus solutions
- Working with network users to educate them regarding behaviors that pose risk
Today's dangerous online environment and the need for cyber-cops guarantees a vital future for information security graduates.
Information Security Degrees Schools
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University of Phoenix
- Elk Grove, CA
- 12 miles
- Other Locations:
- Chula Vista, CA
- Beale AFB, CA
- El Centro, CA
- More...
DeVry University
- Palmdale, CA
- 20 miles
- Other Locations:
- Anaheim, CA
- Alhambra, CA
- Palmdale, CA
- More...
Heald College
- Rancho Cordova, CA
- 9 miles
- Other Locations:
- Milpitas, CA
- Hayward, CA
- Concord, CA
- More...
- Programs:
- Network Security
- More...
Charter College
- Oxnard, CA
- 10 miles
- Programs:
- Certificate - Network Security
- More...
ABCO Technology
- Los Angeles, CA
- 16 miles
NetCom Learning
- Los Angeles, CA
- 65 miles
- Programs:
- (ISC)2 - CISSP
- CompTIA - Security+
- More...
Katana Infotech
- Torrance, CA
- 23 miles
- Programs:
- Cisco CCNA-Security
- CompTIA Security +
- More...
Additional Information Security Degrees Training Schools & Courses
Northeastern University
Boston, MAwww.northeastern.edu
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SCwww.sc.edu/
Howard University
Washington, DCwww.howard.edu
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FLwww.nova.edu
Iowa State University
Ames, IAwww.iastate.edu
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MIwww.ferris.edu/
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MNwww.stcloudstate.edu
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NEwww.unomaha.edu
St. John's University-New York
Queens, NYwww.stjohns.edu
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NYwww.buffalo.edu
