Information Security Suffers in Seattle

Network and computer security jobs are charted to grow in the next decade, as businesses and government agencies strive to keep their information safe. A Seattle hospital just suffered a loss of $150,000 due to a hacker's successful breach of their network security.

Bot Network Attack

A bot is an automated program that enlists the use of hundreds and even thousands of computers to complete an action, or in some cases, an attack. A California man used bots to launch an attack on the computer network at Northwest Hospital in Seattle, as well as networks at a number of universities.

Computer Conspiracy

Two years ago, the hacker joined forces with other attackers and created a conspiracy, strategizing about how to attack the computer security of the hospital and universities. They installed adware on hospital computers through the use of a bot network, and stole over $100,000 in commissions. (The cost to the hospital to repair this damage: $150,000).

When these bot programs installed the adware on system computers, network traffic became overloaded and began causing problems in the hospital's communication system. The hospital then became aware of the breach in information security.

Jobs in Information Security

Information security technology is a huge field within the computer industry. Where there are networks, there are network gates, and these gates must be guarded. Computer security jobs have among the highest growth rates, but these jobs require education: a degree, diploma, certification, training, or combination of these is necessary to enter the industry. Educated professionals will have excellent job prospects in information security technology.

Sources
CNET