Information security professionals manage
hardware, software, networking and computing policies in order to
protect data and computer systems from being compromised. Systems
administrators, IT professionals and managers in technical fields can
pursue an online certificate program in information security.
An information security certificate program trains managers and
information technology (IT) professionals to protect their networked
computing systems. Most coursework is in the area of computer science,
though programs also include classes in business and public policy.
Certification programs generally presume that students have a good
working knowledge of computers and networking from previous education or
on-the-job experience. Graduates of an online information security
program might work as system administrators or other IT professionals in
homeland security or at a private corporation.
Online information security certificate programs are generally
designed with working professionals in mind, so they tend to offer
flexible scheduling options. Most programs offer all courses and related
materials online, with no in-person work required. Depending on the
scope of the required coursework, and on the amount of time students can
devote to their classes, a program might take anywhere from a few
months to several years to complete.
Students should have a modern computer with high-speed Internet access to take advantage of the online course materials.
Information security courses mainly require technical work in areas
of computer science. However, some more theoretical classes also
introduce principles from business management, law and public policy.
A computer security course generally covers the hardware and software
requirements for securing data on networked computers and protecting
systems from attack. Particular areas of focus include encryption,
authentication, firewalls and operating system security.
Enterprise Security Course
An enterprise security course focuses on the particular challenges of
maintaining secure systems for very sizable networks, such as those
used by government agencies and large corporations. In addition to
systems administration, programs often discuss business strategies for
planning and implementing technology policies.
Security Policy Course
Drawing from history, law, and technology, a security policy course
explores the operations of business and government from an IT
perspective. Laws and case studies are examined in order to establish
the best practices for business IT policies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment
for information security professionals and other network administrators
is expected to increase much faster than the national average, at a rate
of about 30% between 2008 and 2018 (
www.bls.gov). The median yearly salary of network administrators as of May, 2008 was $66,310.
Graduates of an online information security certificate may pursue
professional certification from private hardware and software vendors,
including Microsoft and Cisco Systems. Vendor certification is a
standard qualification in the information technology industry, with
employers often valuing professional certification over formal
education. Students who are interested in further study might choose to
earn an online master's degree in information security.
No comments:
Post a Comment