Hackers are hijacking thousands of PCs to spy on users, shake down online businesses, steal identities, and send millions of pieces of spam. If you think your computer is safe, think again.
Stanly Community College offers an Information Systems Security (ISS) degree. Increasing occurrences of viruses, scanning, and hacking attempts have forced companies to really examine their security situation. In fact, most IT magazines and sources see security personnel and services as the big thing in information technology.
What will the ISS graduate learn?
The Information Systems Security degree is designed for students who want to obtain an in-depth understanding of how to secure a network. Classes focus on everything from perimeter security with Cisco PIX firewalls and routers to server security in Windows and Linux.
What is the job outlook?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor at www.bls.gov, “The computer systems design and related services industry grew dramatically throughout the 1990s, as employment more than doubled. Despite recent job losses in certain sectors, this remains one of the 25 fastest growing industries in the nation. Wage-and-salary employment is expected to grow 40 percent by the year 2014, compared with only 14 percent growth projected for the entire economy. Given the rate at which the computer systems design and related services industry is expected to grow and the increasing complexity of technology, job opportunities will be favorable for most workers.”
According to the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina at www.ncesc.com, estimated entry-level state wage is $59,959, while estimated average state wages are $89,705.
Do you have the skills necessary?
Candidates should possess strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. You may be analyzing vulnerabilities, managing firewalls, or providing protection against intrusion and software viruses. Candidates for this position need to possess integrity and be able to keep sensitive information confidential.
With rapidly expanding e-business development and terrorist threats, companies have been forced to reprioritize and refocus their budgets. The current demand for cyber-security jobs will ensure the need for this talent and skill level.
If you are interested in becoming a cyber security expert, contact Kelly Caudle, Program Head, Information Systems Security at (704) 991-0346 or kcaudle5282@stanly.edu.