What's New in Cyber Security Education?

The computer technology world is constantly evolving, with the need for different types of workers waning and waxing as new technology and business models emerge. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current demand for computer technology workers is strongest in cloud computing, collecting and storing big data, and information security.

Cyber Security: A Growing Concern

While the digital age has opened up a brave new world of information access, it has also seen the growth of cybercrime, as criminals seek to subvert governments' political processes, while stealing data from individuals, businesses and organizations.

If you have a knack for computer technology, you may be drawn to the cyber security field. As online security becomes an ever-greater concern for everyone, from the individual user of a smart phone to top-level government officials conducting our nation's defenses, the demand for cyber security specialists has grown.

Perhaps you've already made up your mind to enroll in a four-year college to obtain a degree in this field. That's great, but be aware, cyber security and computer technology in general change so rapidly that it's tough to stay on top of recent developments. By the time you enter your program, to the time you're ready to graduate, security threats that don't even exist now will have emerged. You will need to not only be diligent about your studies, but also should keep your eyes open about what's going on in your field.

One of the best ways to do this is to research or subscribe to online publications that keep you abreast of cyber security trends. You might also participate in forums with other cyber security students or professionals, and perhaps even join professional organizations that offer conferences and workshops in the field. The latter will not only keep you up to speed on the latest issues, but will also look good on your resume.

In a word, start being a lifelong learner right now. Keeping current on the latest developments in cyber security will help you make a better impression when you go job hunting, and will help you to be a more valuable employee when you get your first job.

Now let's have a look at some of the latest issues in cyber security.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is an emerging field that shows great promise for improving patient care. By networking technology, a medical team tending to a patient in one location can connect with specialists in other locations to acquire critical patient information, and consult about patient status. While this exchange of information has obvious benefits for the patient, it is vulnerable to cyber-attack. Hackers could alter patient data, including treatment plan or dosages of meds, or prevent a specialist in one location from accessing health records to review prescriptions. A cyber-attack could also transmit erroneous patient vital signs to the specialist, or could target a mobile app to obtain private patient information.

Cyber security specialists will be needed to advise on intrusion detection systems, and should be up on the latest security information and event management (SIEM) software products and services, which combine security event management (SEM) and security information management (SIM). SIEM analyzes security alerts generated by network hardware and apps.

IoT Attacks

IoT, or the Internet of Things, pertains to the expanding network of objects, or things, with an IP address. These things communicate with other internet-enabled systems and devices. Security has been lax as companies rush to roll out these devices -- such as security cameras -- and cybercriminals are taking advantage, using them in DDoS (denial of service) attacks. Hackers sometimes commandeer thousands of these devices to make DDoS attacks on businesses and government. Recently, it was even discovered that a new model of Segway was vulnerable to being taken over. Tech security specialists are developing new tools using artificial intelligence (AI) to combat these takeovers.

Off-the-Shelf Hacking Tools

It's easier than ever to be a cybercriminal with hacking tools that can be used with little knowledge of how they work. Cyber security specialists should be well acquainted with these tools as they emerge.

Point-of-Sale Malware Attacks and Third Party Vendors

Businesses may have excellent cyber security but it is no stronger than that of its third party vendors. More pressure is being brought by the government on companies to ensure that the services they use for outsourcing have strong cyber security practices in place to prevent more point-of-sale malware attacks.

 

The world of cyber security is increasingly complex, but could offer a rewarding career to the well-prepared graduate. If you are interested in earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this degree program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s

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