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.

What Is Information Assurance and How Does It Relate to Information Security?

We live and conduct business in an active asymmetric threat environment. An individual, business or organization must adapt and protect its vital information assets and critical digital infrastructure. Failure to do so is reckless and may be considered as an obvious lack of due diligence for people who have fiduciary and custodial responsibilities.

Any event that causes damage to information resources, whether it is a computer virus, natural disaster or system failure could be devastating to an individual (i.e. identity theft), company, its customers, suppliers and shareholders. Failing to do so may threaten the survival of the company itself.

An information system security breach could result in serious financial losses, the disclosure of protected private information, loss of research and development data or fines by regulatory agencies. Losses due to intrusions into an information system could negatively affect the general public (i.e. power failures). This might result in costly class action lawsuits that could exceed an organization's ability to pay and result in its dissolution. Even an individual might be sued for negligence and be financially ruined.

So how should an organization or person protect its valuable digital processing infrastructure? A business should establish and implement a comprehensive information assurance plan. Individuals should at least address the components of a professional information assurance plan. Doing so is evidence that the infrastructure owners are attempting to practice due diligence.

An information assurance plan for an organization should be formalized and approved in the organization's policies and have the following components: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Accountability and Non-Repudiation.

Let's briefly examine each:

A. Confidentiality refers to restricting access to data, information or to any component of the digital processing infrastructure unless there is a "Need" for an individual to be able to access it. The "need" must be aligned with an employee's job requirements and the mission of the organization. Strong confidentiality prevents the disclosure of sensitive records, research and development information.

B. Integrity refers to maintaining the validity and reliability of information that is to be used for decision-making. An information infrastructure that has integrity can be depended upon when making decisions. The information is otherwise useless. Integrity must be aggressively assured.

C. Availability is that characteristic of information, which assures that critical information is ready for access precisely when, and where it is needed and to whom it is needed so that decisions can be made. Computers and networks must be protected to assure that mission critical data is on hand when needed.

D. Accountability refers to the idea of assigning responsibility to an individual or group of individuals for each part of the digital processing infrastructure. Each time the information infrastructure is accessed someone needs to be responsible for its safe and legitimate use. Otherwise the system is open to serious security breaches.

E. Non-Repudiation is that component of information assurance that guarantees each party to a transaction is bound to its results. E-commerce, for example, would be impossible without provisions for assuring that a customer actually made a purchase.

Tests to PhD in Information Assurance and Security

Never an easy deal for a person to attain a Doctoral degree especially in a field concerning the safety of data. If you are looking for a chance to obtain a PhD in Information Assurance and Security, then it is prudent that you conduct a thorough research regarding the expertise and prior requirements.
In the interest of pursuing a Doctoral Degree in this sector, a Master's Degree in Information Technology is highly recommended as there is a strong sharing of similarities in both subfields.
As the most important in most computer system, the safety of the data storage is an impeccable accessory as the usage of the entire processor relies on the capability of its storage content. The fields which may be useful in understanding the discipline even better is by focusing on integrity in system management as well as other aspects such as risk management and information confidentiality.
Other areas when considering a PhD in Information Assurance and Security is the qualifying examinations. There are several tests which are required for those who are interested in this Doctorate Degree are the Information Security assessment, Operating Systems or Networks as well as other similar fields which are pertinent to the learning syllables.
Other tests which may be included for the applicant to pursue a PhD in Information Assurance and Security are algorithms, artificial intelligence and database systems. In order to be equipped with the necessary requirements, the applicant must be able to prove he or she is also well-versed in software construction, software designing and software testing.
The tests will not be hindrance factors to the applicant if they are well-prepared and have ample of experience in applied statistics which is frequently used in the research and development of study in the course. Make certain that the applicant takes necessary steps to fulfill the requirements needed by the university.