Online Education Options for Degrees in Computer Security
Information security is one of the fastest growing career fields. Protection of private data has become a top priority, as a breech in security can be costly. Compromised data is not the only concern of computer security specialists, though. An online degree in computer security teaches methods of illegal network hacking, prevention and detection of a variety of cyber crimes, including viral software attacks, identity theft, electronic funds embezzlement, storage of electronic cyber stalking and child pornography. An online degree in computer security will provide students with education in the procedures and training with the tools necessary for preventing cyber crime. They will also gain the skills necessary for recovering and maintaining digital evidence.
Online education options in Computer Security include the following:
- Online Certification in Computer Security and related fields
- Online Associate degree in Computer Security and related fields
- Online Bachelor degree in Computer Security and related fields
- Online Master degree in Computer Security and related fields
- Online Doctorate degree in Computer Security and related fields
With a focus on the protection and prevention of cyber crimes against information systems, students will learn to evaluate the theory, principles, and practices of information systems. They will be taught to apply specific technologies to appropriately analyze and design information systems. Typical coursework for a focus in investigation will include investigation methods in addition to teaching the theory, principles, and practices of information systems. Students will learn to prepare forensic sterilized examination media, methods for getting and maintaining original media to keep a minimal loss or corruption of data, fixing tries to destroy digital evidence, and cryptology, relevant operating system, and firewall strategies.
Degrees in Computer Security Career and Salary Information
A variety of career options are available for graduates of online computer security degree programs. Many opportunities for help desk positions and system administrators are available as entry-level points. With some experience, graduates could obtain jobs such as information system security officers and information system security managers. Often, large to medium-sized companies will hire a number of systems administrators and related jobs. Police forces and detective agencies are staffing cyber crime and computer forensics investigators in increasing numbers as well.
Entry-level jobs such as system administrators will be responsible for basic computer configuration, helping managing backups, end users, administering user accounts, troubleshooting basic network connectivity, equipment custodial duties and monitoring network performance. System administrators can expect to make between $35,000 and $55,000 depending on their location and the company they work for.
Computer forensics investigators are typically responsible for collecting and evaluating data encrypted or stored on digital media. Often, they are responsible for recovering data that has been deleted and retrieving information from a computer to be used as evidence in a trial. Computer forensics may be used to obtain information from the personal computer of a criminal suspect as well.
The salary of a computer forensic professional can vary depending on a variety of factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a computer forensic professional is $37,000. Computer forensic professionals can choose to work as free agents or consultants. Because some areas don't require a full-time computer forensics professional, this can be a good alternative and consultants can charge high dollar for their time. Consulting work can be very lucrative, with large consulting firms billing between $375 and $600 per hour.