Monday, February 20, 2012

Information Assurance Degree - Learn How to Track Down Criminals With Computers

Information assurance is the process of protecting information from misuse by people inside or outside a business, corporation or other organization. This misuse may come from a hacker or corporate spy, but it can also be the work of a current or former employee who might want to sabotage a database. It is the responsibility of the information assurance professional to construct a system designed to stop this from taking place.
Because there is no system that is perfectly secure, it is also the responsibility of the information assurance professional to help formulate a system of checks and quality control that allows an organization to track down the perpetrators. Technology is forever changing, and with any online transaction there is always the risk of a security violation. So, the job of information assurance is forever vigilant.
The information professional must be knowledgeable in several aspects of computer technology. Especially in network design. Some networks are local, to be used only within the organization itself. Other networks are very broad-ranging, used by customers across the country or around the world. With this in mind, the network has to be designed to accomplish the aims of the organization while protecting core information.
Information assurance professionals must also be knowledgeable in intrusion detection and control Intrusion detection is not a security system in itself. Instead, it inspects all inbound and outbound network activity to trace suspicious patterns that could indicate someone is attempting to compromise a computer system.
Data can be compromised by human error, system crashes, software bugs or viruses, and even natural disasters such floods or fires; information is valuable and must be recovered whenever possible. This can be accomplished through backup systems or other specifically-designed software products. The information assurance specialist is involved with all these technical aspects, but they are also involved in the organizational operation of creating a security policy for the organization and ensuring that people within the organization adhere to it. They are obliged to be familiar with national and state laws that regulate privacy concerns and electronic trade.
The current demand for specialists with information assurance skills means graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer science and experience can find employment. Broad knowledge of computer hardware and software is important, however, information assurance jobs typically demand knowledge above and beyond a general computer background.
Some programs offer certificates in the specialty, which is helpful. However, more schools are offering programs at the master's degree level. Programs that offer a master's degree usually call for students who have fulfilled an undergraduate degree in computer science or something comparable. Norwich University, which is a Military Academy are currently offering an online degree to achieve a Master of Science in Information Assurance.

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