Online Degree Programs by Subjects

Online Information System Security Degree Programs

As our dependency of technology increases, so too is the vulnerability of information systems to attacks from individuals who try to infiltrate other individual s' computer systems. Over the years, we have even seen the trend of unscrupulous software thathas created a business of designing harmful viruses with the sole aim of being paid to deliver an antidote for its cure. This results in a continuous cat and mouse game between anti-virus companies such as Kaspersky, Norton and ESET who labor tirelessly to give us antivirus programs to keep information on our computers from being exposed.

Education Opportunities for Information System Security Professionals

As the demand for qualified information systems security personal continue to increase, several online colleges are designing accredited online courses to train students to continue the fight against unauthorized access of information from computer systems. Online degrees are available at various levels and range from:

  • Certificate in Information Systems Security: An online certificate in information system security is a hands-on training program that addresses specific areas within the profession. Many professionals use these programs to sharpen their skills and gain updated information about changes within the industry. Many of these online certificate courses are sponsored by software development companies who want to expose individuals to improvement of their products.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Information System security: The Bachelor degree in information system security is a solid foundation on which students can launch their career in the field. The course combines both theoretical and practical training that focuses on computer science, technology trouble shooting, communications and programming. Students will gain skills that enable them to seek out viruses and worms that are used to infect computers to render them vulnerable.
  • Post Graduate Degrees in Information Security Systems: After gaining some years of work experience after the completion of a Bachelor degree in information security systems, individuals will be ready to take on the challenge of a Master degree and subsequently a PhD in information system security. Degrees at this level act as a key to opening the door to significant job growth and the opportunity to make significant contribution to the development of information systems security. Students specialize in specific areas of the profession where they dedicate two to five years of academic studies to develop executive level technical skills, maximize their problem solving skills and understand sophisticated technologies to protect against attacks.

Licensing for Information System Security Professionals

Several professional associations have been formed to distinguish the level of training achieved by information system security professionals. These association receive support from both governmental and industry professionals where they are readily accepted. Each of these accreditations has their respective requirement ranging from examinations or direct qualification after the successful completion of a degree in the subject area. Some of these licensing and accreditation include:

  • System security certified practitioner (SSCP)
  • Certified Information systems security professional (CISSP)
  • Certified information security manager (CISM)
  • Certified information Systems auditor (CISA)

Other companies, such as Symantec, also offer accreditation programs based on standers they establish to suit their information systems security development programs.