| The vast network of cyber-space presents - or, can | | | | office computers for low or no cost. Security |
| harbor -- major threats to the security of personal | | | | professionals on IT repair teams might be trained in the |
| computers; LAN and WAN networks; and wireless | | | | use of this software. Some professionals might |
| Internet networks. Trained computer networking | | | | provide security consulting services to businesses and |
| specialists who are experts in cyber-security are | | | | individuals, as well. |
| needed to secure networks and computer systems | | | | Skilled cyber-security professionals also know how to |
| for effective data storage and retrieval. Just as | | | | install and maintain firewalls. These pieces of software |
| importantly, they are needed to secure the privacy and | | | | or computer appliances are security devices that |
| integrity of personal and corporate identities. These | | | | monitor activity between networks - usually, networks |
| professionals can find work in private firms, in | | | | with different levels of security and access. Firewalls |
| consulting, or at the state and federal government | | | | might restrict permissions to various Internet activities |
| levels. Most individuals complete at least a bachelor's | | | | or Web sites. The level of security firewalls provide on |
| degree before working in the cyber-security field. | | | | large business networks can be changed or altered by |
| Hackers pose special threats to computer network | | | | security administrators. There exist many types of |
| security. These technology and networking experts | | | | firewalls, including network layers and proxy servers. |
| use their insider information to grant themselves | | | | Understanding what each type of firewall does, and |
| access to computer networks, without permission. Our | | | | when it should be applied are main responsibilities of a |
| modern computing environment is an open one, and | | | | cyber-security student; typically, he or she will take |
| individuals with systems and software knowledge - or, | | | | several classes about firewalls to complete a network |
| even, persons with the gumption to steal data or | | | | security degree. |
| computing devices - can easily get their hands on very | | | | Design and evaluation of secure computer network |
| sensitive information. | | | | systems are special skills, in which cyber-security |
| Much information should be kept private, and serious | | | | information systems professionals must be proficient. |
| damage can ensue if this information falls into the | | | | Secure network architecture is imperative in preventing |
| hands of hackers. One of the greatest risks to | | | | hacking and threats to information integrity. Some |
| business computer and personal computer users who | | | | cyber security professionals will be employed as |
| are working on unsecured networks is identity theft. A | | | | business consultants, routinely evaluating system |
| cyber-thief can use a personal or company address; | | | | security software, and creating and testing secure |
| financial and credit card information; or even a personal | | | | network systems. |
| social security number to steal money from individual | | | | Finally, some cyber-security professionals might be |
| or corporate accounts. This is a serious crime - one | | | | employed to work on major projects and contracts |
| with far-reaching consequences, including ruined credit | | | | where information privacy and integrity is vital. The U.S. |
| records -- and increasingly easy to commit in today's | | | | Department of Defense or the Office of Management |
| open-computing, technology-heavy environment. | | | | and Budget (OMB) in Washington, D.C., for example, |
| Cyber-security professionals who are adept at | | | | need cyber-security specialists to create networks |
| designing secure, hack-proof information systems and | | | | that will protect highly sensitive or classified data. |
| networks are needed to win the fight against identity | | | | Similarly, cyber-security specialists are needed in |
| theft. | | | | biology and scientific research centers, such as those |
| Spyware and viruses pose another threat to the | | | | found in universities and hospitals, to make sure data |
| integrity and security of computer data. Spyware is | | | | and findings remain secure. Specific federal regulations |
| installed on a computer without the user knowing, and | | | | outline how these findings should be secured, so |
| can collect personal data or interfere with computer | | | | specialists can help these research centers stay |
| applications or run-time. Viruses are computer | | | | compliant. |
| programs that replicate themselves to infect the | | | | The field of cyber-security is a constantly evolving and |
| machines, often damaging files or even hard drives in | | | | important area of information systems science. |
| the process. There now exist several types of | | | | Individuals pursuing an education in this challenging and |
| anti-virus and anti-spyware software that can be | | | | lucrative field will be sure to find fascinating work and a |
| installed on a personal computer or on networked | | | | lifetime of learning throughout their careers. |