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