| Do you know where your sensitive information is or | | | | of technical knowledge and allow for an entry level |
| more importantly who is responsible safeguarding it? | | | | position to the graduate. Fortunately an associate's |
| In all likelihood your personal, sensitive information is | | | | degree can be acquired while working towards a |
| sitting in various computer databases throughout the | | | | bachelor's degree. |
| country in all types of organizations. | | | | A bachelor's degree is generally considered the |
| Hopefully your information is being guarded over by | | | | standard foundation from which a professional career |
| diligent and educated information security | | | | is built and will of course open many more doors than |
| professionals whose mission in life is to ensure that | | | | what would be expected from a two year degree. |
| this information does not fall into the wrong hands. | | | | Finally a graduate degree would best serve those |
| As you may have ascertained, the work that these | | | | who already have a healthy amount of industry |
| men and women perform is critical to our economy, | | | | experience, for those seeking management positions |
| our businesses and our government. | | | | or even for those who already have an unrelated |
| Have you ever considered a career in information | | | | undergraduate degree and that are looking at making |
| security? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor | | | | a career change. |
| Statistics (BLS), those who work in information | | | | In addition to earning a degree, a student may also |
| security will see rapid job growth and greater | | | | earn various vendor neutral certifications in |
| demand for skilled technicians at a 10 year projected | | | | information security such as the Certified Information |
| growth rate of 16%. This of course will generate a | | | | Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the |
| greater demand for information security experts | | | | Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) |
| which will lead to increases in the expected earnings | | | | offered by (ISC) which is largely regarded as a |
| of those working within the field. | | | | standard in the industry. The Security certification |
| According to Payscale.com, the current median salary | | | | offered by CompTIA would also be a good credential |
| for a computer security specialist is $70,943.00 | | | | to attain. |
| annually. Unlike many information technology jobs, | | | | There are of course specific certifications which are |
| outsourcing data integrity or information security | | | | designed to capitalize on technologies provided for by |
| work will likely remain ill advised due to the various | | | | vendors, such as Symantec or Cisco Systems. Some |
| laws, policies and limitations placed on those | | | | degree programs may even require or at least |
| organizations whose business it is to have access to | | | | provide training specific for these certifications which |
| such sensitive information. As a result, job security is | | | | will look great on a resume next to a degree. So |
| expected to remain strong. | | | | consider this in evaluating potential schools. |
| Education and training will of course remain vital to | | | | Information security is an up and coming profession |
| this industry. Those who have attained the proper | | | | holding a bright future for those working within the |
| credentials will not only be in the highest demand but | | | | information technology industry. Due to the |
| also are expected to see the highest paying jobs. | | | | specialized skills and training required combined with |
| For those considering earning a degree in information | | | | the increased demand for these skilled professionals |
| security, the opportunities in online education have | | | | job opportunities are expected steadily grow. |
| never been better. | | | | For those potential students who would like to work |
| If you are considering a degree in information | | | | with technology and computers, information security |
| security, try to begin with the end in mind. What level | | | | is one specialization that should be strongly |
| of degree do you wish to attain? An associate's, | | | | considered due to the culmination of industry growth, |
| bachelor's or even a master's degree? | | | | job security and compensation. |
| An associate's degree will likely impart a good amount | | | | |