Degree Overview: Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Information Security
Majors Overview January 27, 2014The role of information security professionals is to implement and create security programs for industries, organizations, government, and businesses whose information systems are susceptible to security breaches and cyber attacks. Students will be prepared to institute disaster recovery plans, recover forensics data, and develop security programs. Graduates will also be prepared to take CompTIA’s network and security certification examinations.
A.S. Programs in Information Security
Students enrolled in an associate of science degree program in information security are trained to tackle the various threats faced by information systems, including cyber threats to the security of financial information, databases and networks. Coursework in the 2-year program includes basic security courses and computer science courses and security courses including computer forensics, which represents a retrieval mode to access information hidden in the hardware drive of a computer. Prosecutors in cyber crime cases can use computer forensic evidence in the course of their work.
Classroom coursework is completed by students who are trained on computers in student laboratories where they are taught modes of improving system security, in addition to operating systems and programming languages. By the time they complete the program, students will become adept at setting up firewalls, securing networks and developing action plans for use in the event of attacks and security threats. Admission criteria in these programs typically require applicants to hold GED certificates or high school diplomas.
Coursework
Enrolled students can expect to become adept at employing various security measures, software applications and operating systems, by completing coursework that combines hands-on training and classroom lectures. Coursework includes topic areas such as:
•Intrusion recovery
•Linux operating system
•Windows operating system
•Security policies
•Internet protocol (IP)
•Viruses and spyware
•Virtual private networks
Career Choices
Those who successfully complete the program can seek entry-level jobs in education, information technology, government, and business among other environments. They can choose from various career options including:
•Programmer
•Information security manager
•Technical support specialist
•Network administrator
•Information security technician
Certification and Continuing Education Choices
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers various certification exams, including the CompTIA A+ examination that graduates can take. Entry-level IT technicians can take the CompTIA A+ certification exam that many IT organizations make mandatory for their employees.
 Degree in Information Security on http://educationcareerarticles.com "Pin It")
