Friday, March 2, 2012

What Is Information Assurance?

When we look around us today, we see computer systems all around us. Almost everything uses technology, whether it is a mode of communication, transportation, manufacturing or even banking. However, just like humans, they are not perfect. For humans, we are vulnerable to diseases and hazards, but for computer systems, they are vulnerable to threats like viruses, worms, hackers, and information thieves. Thus, businesses and government agencies are looking for ways to minimize such threats towards these systems to ensure that their information is safe and intact. While viruses and worms can cost time and money, the outcome of information theft can bring painful consequences like identity theft, exposure of trade secrets, or even manipulation of governmental secrets. Thus, this is why assurance of information is important.
Information assurance is to do with everything that protects information, such as the people, hardware, software, policies, and procedures. In this field, the emphasis is on making sure that information is available when required, the integrity of the information is kept and is able to be proofed, the authenticity of the information can be verified and kept confidential, as well as the origin of the data can be provided. Although the missions of this field has been around for decades, the increasing number of computer and the reliance on them has made information assurance one of the fastest growing fields around. Furthermore, people are now looking at the protection of sensitive information as both businesses and personal use rely heavily on computers to transfer and store information.
Although one can find employment with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and some relevant experience, most specialized jobs in this area will need a deeper understanding of the computer systems, which can be proven with the qualification of a Master's degree in Information Assurance. Especially since this field deals with assuring people's information, employers expect you to be well-qualified for this position.

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