As we have come to rely more and more on computer systems for our daily lives, the issue of security has become a more widespread problem. From the original fear over a "Y2K" bug that could wipe out entire financial records when the calendar changed to the rising concern over a variety of terror threats, our country is on the search for highly trained cyber-experts that protect our precious computers from whatever ills might befall. The result is a growing demand for cyber-security training – a challenge that many community colleges across the country have been more than happy to accept.
The Role of Community Colleges
According to a blog on Bank Info Security last year, community colleges are beginning to offer cyber-security training in hopes of tapping into funds President Obama has released to spend on strengthening IT security. While this blog has voiced concern over the quality of training some students may receive, other reports are attesting to the fact that community college education in this area can be high quality, affordable and practical.
Finding the Best Schools
To help students find the best schools for their needs, the National Security Agency has designated a few institutions as National Centers for Academic Excellence, according to a report in the Baltimore Business Journal. When an institution boasts this label, students can rest assured the cyber-security training program has been sanctioned by federal agencies.
Currently, there are 106 colleges and universities across the country that are Centers for Academic Excellence, including the U.S. Naval Academy and Anne Arundel Community College in the Baltimore area. Community colleges receive the distinction with a high-quality, two-year Information Assurance program.
What is Cyber Security?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are many options for using your cyber-security training, including:
- Vulnerability detection and assessment
- Cyber incident response
- Cyber risk and strategic analysis
- Networks and systems engineering
- Intelligence and investigation
In addition to the various government jobs available in this area, employment in the private sector is also an option. Cyber-security experts might work in the following:
- As security experts for companies that have their own computer networks
- In banks and health care institutions to protect sensitive information on patients and customers
- As forensic experts that investigate a cyber crime after it occurs and track down the perpetrators
Some cyber-security experts work as contractors, helping companies safeguard new computer systems or tracking down problems after they arise. In other instances, companies may place a cyber-security guard on staff to protect network systems and the sensitive information they contain.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lumps network security experts with network and database administrators and predicts a faster rate of job growth than the national average over the next few years in this field.
The job is typically handled in a comfortable office environment, although some aspects of the job may take place in other areas as well. The typical cyber-security expert may work more than the standard 40-hour work week in some situations, and he or she may be on call at times to handle emergencies as they arise.
This video examines the efficacy of earning a cyber-security diploma or cyber-security certification.
Finding a Program
If cyber-security sounds like the right field for you, there are many training options available. Community colleges across the country are beginning to offer cyber-security training programs, allowing you to earn an associate's degree in just two years. In addition to classes in information security technology, students will gain a background in computer science and program and technical management.
One community college currently offering a cyber-security program is Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer, New York. This program is available to students who can demonstrate computer literacy and who want to pursue a career in the field or use the two-year program as a springboard to a bachelor's degree. At Herkimer, the entire training program can be completed online, making it an easy option for working adults and students who live too far away to commute to campus daily.
This video offers a roadmap for anyone contemplating a career in cyber-security.
Cyber-security is a career path that is constantly growing and evolving. When you complete a training program in this field, it opens the door to a job with the federal government or in the private sector in a wide range of industries. The starting salary is competitive, and the job outlook is good.. Contact the community colleges in your area to find out about the cyber-security programs it offers. Then get started on an exciting career in the area of network security and information management.
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