Technology has done a great deal for changing the way we live and do business today. While the benefits are numerous, however, there have been challenges that come with that development. Here’s a look at some of the information security issues we all face.

Awareness
A blog post by Rik Ferguson for Trend Micro says awareness and education are key issues surrounding information security today. People must understand and accept the risks that come with using technology and the Internet in particular. By knowing threats are present, they can learn to use these luxuries carefully, and not blindly accept that someone will have the solutions for any problems they may face.

Complacent Businesses
We place considerable faith in businesses to safeguard our personal information. However, some companies are not always as proactive about defending files as they could be, Ferguson suggested. In fact some don’t strengthen protective measures already in place until information breaches or near-breaches occur. Customers want to know their information is protected, and businesses often have a legal obligation to plan ahead and monitor their client files as much as possible.

A Wealth of Online Possibilities
Online banking, smart phones, credit cards, bill pay, and countless other Internet options open individuals to numerous hacking risks and opportunities for criminals to try stealing personal information. Careful selection of account passwords, safeguarding Social Security numbers, and being absolutely certain that companies are reputable will help individuals handle some of these risks.

Recognizing Problems
Not every threat can be avoided, but being able to recognize the warning signs of identity theft might keep a problem from escalating as much as it could have if left unchecked. Unauthorized account changes or withdrawals, unexplained denials of credit, and letters or phone calls about services or products you haven’t requested are all good indicators that you might have a problem on your hands and that steps should be taken to stop these issues.

Risk Management
Companies and individuals are responsible for managing the risks associated with keeping personal information in computer files. People and businesses should know what information is in their files, and keep only what is absolutely necessary. Then, plans must be made to keep those essential files safe.

What You Can Do
If you’re interested in joining the ranks of qualified professionals who work daily to keep information and technology safe and secure, consider attending college for information technology training. You’ll learn how to prevent cyber attacks and teach people how to protect their important files. Many colleges and universities offer this degree; start checking for schools if this sounds like the right profession for you.


About the Author:

This guest post has been provided by Philip J Reed on behalf of Westwood College. Westwood offers degrees in many programs, including information technology training. They have an extensive online course catalogue, and are always available to answer any questions you may have about the degrees they offer.


Talkback and comments are most welcome

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Software security is a highly technical and vital skill in today's evolving technological marketplace. Even so, programs specializing in this area are quite rare. In fact, it's more common to find a professional in this field with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, than it is to find experts who have achieved a certification in software security.


Software Security Degrees Are on the Rise

More institutions are providing programs and degrees focused on the security aspect of information technology than ever before. Part of the reason for this is the significant projected increase in the number of jobs available in the field. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the industry will grow by 36%.

The growing technology and ever-expanding number of applications are a significant contributing factor. As new technology appears and grows, so does the risk of system vulnerabilities and the need for specialists to mitigate and protect against them using penetration testing tools and other preventative procedures. .


What to Expect in a Software Security Degree Program

If you're interested in a software security degree program, you'll find a healthy interest in technology and solving intricate problems will help a lot. By the time you've received your degree, however, you'll have a detailed understanding of the challenges involved in securing network and computer systems, and be able to use technological tools and protocols to minimize risks. You'll feel confident knowing you can restore various systems after an attack and be comfortable providing security for mobile and software management.

You'll have the basics in software engineering, telecommunication network fundamentals and have the option to include additional classes such as business management and managerial economics. Just because this program focuses on software security, doesn't mean there's no variety.

Some programs such as the Master of Science in Information Technology – Information Security designation (MSIT-IS degree program) from INI Pittsburgh-Silicon Valley offers focuses in Mobility, Information Security, or Software Management. You're not confined to standard classroom learning either. Some programs offer an internship while many classes are available online, which is perfect for students who may otherwise be unable to take this kind of program.

Certifications in this area can be attained in as little as two years, although the education can take up to four. Most potential employers will consider applicants who combine a degree with practical experience, and this is where internships can make a significant difference.


Where Can You Work With a Software Security Degree?

The job titles currently available to those with a software security degree can include information technology specialist, data security administrator and computer security specialist, among others. Applications can involve the health care industry, financial businesses, or any business that requires any sort of computer program to function. This leaves the field wide open to those who wish to specialize in this fast-growing career choice. The money isn't bad either; annual salary starts at an average of $50K per year and goes up from there.

With the need for software security experts on the rise, and everyone getting online, you can still work in almost any industry. Combine you degree with other interests, and you may just find the career you've always dreamed of.


This is a guest post by Fergal Glynn. Fergal is the director of product marketing and a frequent writer for Veracode. The Veracode platform helps websites of all kinds avoid cross site scripting vulnerabilities. Fergal has spent the last decade working primarily in online security and software development


Talkback and comments are most welcome

Computer hackers and cyber-terrorists can wreak havoc on information systems (IS). Because of this looming threat, the demand for cyber-security specialists – and information security training – is on the rise.

Trained and certified IS security professionals are needed to combat these threats and vulnerabilities, which can be incredibly costly to organizations. In fact, a Reuters special report noted that the market that the IS security market is estimated to be between $80 billion and $140 billion a year worldwide.


IS Security Opportunities

Industry experts suggest that that there is a tremendous need for IS security specialists in both the commercial sector and government. National Public Radio (NPR) recently interviewed James Gosler, a veteran cyber-security specialist who has worked at the CIA, National Security Agency and Energy Department.

Gosler estimated that there are only about 1,000 people in the United States that have the necessary skills to tackle the most challenging IS security tasks – but noted that some 20,000 to 30,000 highly trained security professionals are needed to meet the needs of corporations and government agencies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in this field will grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with an increase of 20% or more between 2008 and 2018.


Career Options, Salaries and Job Duties

If you’re considering a career in IS security, you’ll find job openings in a variety of related areas. Security specialists may be found in each of the following BLS occupational groups, and often enjoy salaries in excess of $100,000 per year:*

• Computer Specialists: $41,680 – $115,050
• Database Administrators: $40,780 – $114,200
• Computer Systems Analysts: $47,130 – $119,170
• Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts: $42,880 – $116,120
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: $69,900 – $166,400

IS security specialists with industry certification typically earn salaries at the higher end of the range. For example, a 2009 salary survey Certification Magazine found that professionals with the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) credential earned an average annual salary of $108,630.

As an IS security professional, your work might involve encrypting data transmissions, implementing firewalls and developing a formal strategy to protect computer files from unauthorized access. You may also be charged with policing violations of security procedures, and taking corrective or punitive measures.

Other duties include controlling, granting or restricting access to files as required by user; tracking and proactively addressing potential computer virus threats; and performing risk assessments and tests to ensure that security protocols are functioning as intended.


Education and Training

Most IS security jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer information systems, information technology or engineering. Experience in software or computer hardware design is also beneficial. Candidates with specialized information security training will enjoy the best prospects.

To help meet the demand for government IS security personnel, the Department of Justice sponsors the Federal Cyber Corps Program. College juniors or first-year graduate students who are pursuing a relevant degree and planning on a career in the IS security field are eligible to apply.

Participants receive a monthly stipend of about $1,000 plus tuition, room and board, and travel to conferences. In return, students are expected to complete a summer internship with a federal agency.

Working professionals can pursue information security training through continuing education programs. Online security training is a great way to develop the knowledge and skills required to practice in this specialized field.

Some online security training programs even prepare participants to earn salary-boosting certifications, such as the CISSP®, SSCP® and CAP® designations from (ISC)2® and the CompTIA Security+™ certification.

Do you think you have what it takes to succeed in this challenging field? Employers and government agencies are actively seeking cyber warriors to safeguard critical information infrastructures against security threats. With a computer-related degree and relevant information systems security training, you’ll find yourself in high demand for rewarding, high-paying IS security jobs.



This is a guest post by Claudia Vandermilt. Claudia works in conjunction with Villanova University and University Alliance to promote professional training materials. She’s currently taking Advanced Information Assurance and Security and looks for exciting security news in her daily RSS.


Talkback and comments are most welcome

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Last week I attended the official IT Service Management (ITILv3) Foundations training. The training is a 3 day boot camp, which covers the processes in the following ITILv3 areas

• Service Strategy
• Service Design
• Service Transition
• Service Operation
• Continual Service Improvement

The training is an excellent tutorial for everyone who wish to advance their career into IT management. The topics touch both IT as well as business aspects of IT services. Anyone ever working in implementation or service maintenance (like ISP's or Internal IT) will find himself on familiar ground.
What's new is the excellent structure of the ITIL processes, starting from understanding customers and market needs, via preparing the service and appropriate quality levels, to actual installation, testing and operational maintenance of the service.
Usually, the trainees start relating their expiriences and find the gaps where they could have done things differently.

As I found on the Internet, the list price of the course is substantial (more then 2000 USD), but the knowledge is valuable. There are subsidised courses for those with a lower income, but you need to look for them.
Also, the boot camp usually includes the official certification exam. I would definitely recommend taking the certification.