The Intelligence Community and Cyber Command – New Cyber Security Job Opportunities

The Cyber Command Reorganization

A recent development in the world of Cyber Security will have far reaching and positive effects on protecting the network assets of the United States Military. The Cyber Security efforts of the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense (under the Defense Information Systems Agency) are now merged under one unified command – The Cyber Command.

Civilian Cyber Security efforts for civilian and non Department of Defense Agencies remain under the control of the Department of Homeland Security and will remain that way in the foreseeable future.

The United States Cyber Command was officially activated 21 May 2010 at Fort Meade, Maryland and is slated to reach fully operational readiness in 2010 and DISA will physically relocate to Fort Meade under the provisions of the Base Reduction and Closing Commission (BRAC). Fort Meade Maryland is the home of the National Security Agency (NSA).

Cyber Command is led by National Security Agency Director General Keith B. Alexander. The command will assume responsibility for several existing organizations under one leadership.

The Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO) and the Joint Functional Component Command for Network Warfare will be dissolved by October 2010. The Defense Information Systems Agency, where JTF-GNO now operates, will provide technical assistance for network and information assurance to Cybercom, and will be moving its headquarters to Ft. Meade.

Although there are concerns that the Pentagon and NSA will overshadow any civilian Cyber defense efforts, this prospect is unlikely given Congressional oversight and public media coverage.

Cyber Command will be responsible for DOD’s networks – the dot-mil world. Responsibility for federal civilian networks – dot-gov – stays with the Department of Homeland Security.

The goal of the reorganization under Cyber Command is the streamlining of lines of authority to enable Cyber defense, immediate counter attacks and offensive operations to reduce the effect of domestic and international Cyber attacks,

Opportunity for Cyber Security Jobs

The Cyber Command reorganization and consolidation creates significant employment opportunities for Cyber Security professionals and, equally important, has the potential to allow for easier and more rapid facilitation of high level security clearances.

Training and certification is now a mandatory requirement for employment. Whereas in the beginning of the computer industry, many people specializing in cyber security or network security were self-taught.

But now that these issues have come to the attention of a wider public – including business and government – academic degree and training programs in cyber security and network security are available from many colleges, universities, and other academic institutions.

Because of these requirements and the growing awareness of the importance of Cyber Security, demand for experts has increased dramatically. Most marketing researchers believe that the Cyber Security market will see annual double digit growth at least until 2014 and beyond. This growth and resultant demand for Cyber professionals will result in premium wages and benefits for Cyber Professionals.

Another employment benefit of the Cyber Command reorganization is the potential for easier access to higher-level security clearances that command even better salaries and benefits.

Because the DISA organization adds a strong base of technical expertise to Cyber Command and only requires a Top Secret security clearance, the opportunity to reduce the obstacles to gaining the higher-level clearances required becomes apparent. Since most of the time and effort to obtain a TS/SCI clearance is involved with the initial Top Secret clearance, a ready pool of candidates is available for the lifestyle polygraph required for the high level clearance.

If a candidate already has a Top Secret clearance, job opportunities at DISA can be taken while pursuing the remainder of the high-level clearance process.

Jon M. Stout is Chief Executive Officer of Aspiration Software LLC. Aspiration Software LLC is an Information Technology/Cyber Security services provider focused on the Intelligence Community (IC). For more information about Cyber Security and Employment Opportunities in the Intelligence Community go to http://www.aspirationsoftware.com

Author: John M. Stout
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Cyber Security Threats – Organization and Definitions

The world of information security attacks and threats in growing in power and sophistication with nation backed Cyber attacks emerging. Although constituting isolated attacks so far the new wave of Cyber attacks are more prevalent and dangerous. And, with the advent of (often hostile) national involvement in Cyber offensives, the risk to our nation’s National Security is real and potentially devastating. This is particularly as the net expands in both scope and sophistication,

The world of Cyber Warfare, attacks and threats is real and potentially devastating to defense and commerce. While substantial efforts are underway to counter the threat, great effort is required to establish standard definitions and concepts.

And we, as a nation, are not ready to defend against a coordinated, powerful Cyber attack from within and well from beyond our shores. Although substantial dollars are budgeted for Information and Cyber security, the management and planning for an effective long term defense against Cyber terrorists. Greater effort on planning and organizing defenses and offensive scenarios of Cyber Security is required and one of the first steps is the definition of Cyber/Information Terms and concepts.

In addition, greater organizational focus is required to properly mobilize and utilize the nation’s resources. At present there are three major agencies (Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Each agency addresses the needs of a different sector of the Federal Community (military, intelligence and civilian) but there is significant overlap and duplication of effort. To this end, President Obama has proposed an oversight agency, (CyberCom) that will coordinate and integrate the efforts of the agency responsible for each sector. This should result in significant efficiencies in the prevention of Cyber Security attacks.

The world of Information Assurance/Cyber Security is very broad and many of the terms are often used interchangeably and many times wrong when defining a particular Information Assurance problem. What is needed to help reduce the high level of confusion is a list of standard terms that are universally accepted. A sample (but not exclusive listing ) of terms can be found at Information Security Types. This guide brings precision to the term usage of Cyber world terminology and provides a starting point or framework of understanding.

In addition, a centralized technical research database is required that operates in real time and is universally accepted by the entire cyber security community. This database would contain relevant classified and unclassified technical information about new products, processes and regulations that have proven effective against Cyber attacks. A research database has been developed by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) and steps are underway to update and expand this tool in the fight against Cyber attacks. But, a great deal of effort is required before the initiative is truly powerful and accepted.

Jon M. Stout is Chief Executive Officer of Aspiration Software LLC. Aspiration Software LLC is an Information Technology/Cyber Security services provider focused on the Intelligence Community (IC). For more information about Cyber Security and Information Assurance and Employment Opportunities in the Intelligence Community go to http://www.aspirationsoftware.com

Author: John M. Stout
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Value Added Teaming For Winning Intelligence Community IT and Cyber Security Projects

The trend in Federal Contracting is the award of large, multi vendor Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts that cover the acquisition of a wide range of Information Technology and Cyber Security technology.

Even the largest prime contractor has difficulty in preparing a winning proposal that addresses all of the specific requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP) and, as a result, teaming arrangements are usually formed to bid and win the contract for the project.

These IDIQ procurements, although offering multi-year streams of business, are very competitive and winning requires a team with high value added and a competitive edge. This is particularly true regarding procurements and solicitation from the Intelligence Community.

Creating a winning team

Teams are usually formed by the prime contractor who generally has experience with the type of work and the agency issuing the contract. Teaming generally starts as soon as the project is and the type of work identified.

The solicitation process involves an initial market survey or Request for Information (RFI) followed by a Draft RFP that gives basic details about the services or products required. This is a signal for the start of team formation and the team is then ready to create a winning proposal when the final RFP is issued.

When the technical information from potential teammates is developed, the prime contractor can then make decisions about their own capabilities and those capabilities that need to be added by one or more teammates.

At this point the prime contractor usually arranges capabilities briefings from subcontractors known to have niche capabilities or experience with the customer agency that will increase chances of winning.

Timing is Important

Joining a team early in the process is important because there is usually competition on the better projects. It is very difficult to join a team after a contract has been awarded. In order for a company to be successful in joining winning teams, it must identify procurements early, develop presentations that sell its unique capabilities, and aggressively pursue prime contractor teammates.

Value Added Teammates

Subcontractor teammates are required to add value to the team or else they won’t be added. Value can come in the form of unique technical capability, domain experience, recruiting expertise, technical proposal experience or other skills that will increase the chance of the team of winning.

For example, in the present environment in the Intelligence Community, subcontractors with Cyber Security and agency domain experience are considered very valuable teammates and can easily join winning teams.

From a subcontractor standpoint, it is best to join a team that is led by a prime contractor that has experience with the acquiring agency and has a good chance of winning; In addition, a prime contractor that has a reputation for equitable work share among subcontractors is a real plus. It is very frustrating to work hard on a winning proposal team and then receive no income generating work share.

The Question of Exclusivity

Many prime contractors demand that subcontractor teammates only participate on their proposal under an exclusive arrangement. Most of the time exclusivity is a practical arrangement that encourages the subcontractor to focus on the success of the proposal.

But exclusivity does not allow the subcontractor to increase its win percentage by participation on multiple teams. It is a matter of value added – if the subcontractor adds true unique value it has a stronger negotiating position for multiple teaming.

Proposal Support

Knowledge of the proposal support and dynamics of agency selection process is also considered a valuable addition to the proposal effort. Large IDIQ proposals require significant planning, writing and production efforts and a subcontractor teammate that has proposal skills and experience adds a great deal to the proposal process. Domain knowledge is especially valuable in the Intelligence Community and gives the team a winning edge.

Jon M. Stout is Chief Executive Officer of Aspiration Software LLC. Aspiration Software LLC is an Information Technology/Cyber Security services provider focused on the Intelligence Community (IC). For more information about Employment Opportunities and Cyber Security and Information Technology in the Intelligence Community go to http://aspirationsoftware.com

Author: John M. Stout
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Remove Cyber Security Easily From Your Computer

The security of your computer is a challenge. There are so many different threats on the Internet today that it doesn’t take long for your computer to get attacked by spyware or a virus or similar threats. To make things even worse, several of these programs come across as anti-virus and anti-spyware products which try to steal your data or money. These fake antivirus software are designed in such a way that you won’t even know that your computer is infected with a fake software.

Once Cyber Security (which is a fake product) it has been installed in your computer, it will trick you into thinking that your computer has been attached and will often try to get you to pay fees for a full version. Cyber security is one such fake antispyware program and It is very important to get rid of cyber security as soon as you detect it.

It is one of the many fake antispyware programs which is responsible for damaging quite a lot of computers in the recent times. This application is distributed through several malware websites, Trojans and pop-ups. You must be very careful about downloading any content from questionable websites since you might get a fake program like this transferred on your computer automatically without your consent. You will have to delete this malicious software as soon as you can because it might even cause serious damage to the computer. One of the latest results of this program is identity theft which can be quite dangerous.

How Cyber Security Harms Your Computer?

Removal of this threat is very important since once this program is inside your computer it will result in a drop in the performance level and the speed of your computer. You will get redirected to some websites, will have difficulty when you try to run some normal applications and will see a lot of fake pop-ups and security messages.

Your computer can get infected if you visit malicious websites, click flash advertisements, download files from some unknown websites etc. if you want to protect your computer from getting damaged it is very important to remove cyber security as soon as you detect it. If you are looking for cracks, serials and other illegal stuff on Internet, you can be almost sure to be a victim of such threats.

How to get rid of Cyber Security?

Given below are the steps for removal of this software:-

1. The first thing to do is to log into the windows desktop. Click on the start icon and then select the control panel (Alternatively you can click on Start–>Run, type ‘control’ and click on OK.

2. Locate the “Programs” icon and then select the “Uninstall a Program” icon. Check the list and try to find cyber security in it. Once you find it, click uninstall. Check the list again and see if there are any other such related products.

3. Once you finish doing this, reboot the computer. You must then log in again and make sure that cyber security is gone. Check again, and if you have missed out on something, uninstall it again. Remove infected registry entries and there are lots of other things which you need to check. If you are not a computer geek, it is nearly impossible to remove this software.

If you are unable to remove cyber security by trying the “Add/Remove Programs”, then you need to use automatic removal tools. These software are very nasty to go out of your computer and If you frequently face such problems, then you are not protecting your computer properly.

Check for a good spyware remover program and install it. Once you install the tool, perform a full scan and remove all the infected files. This will included malicious files, registry entries and other stuff. Be sure to protect your computer otherwise you’ll always be busy in getting rid of such threats.

I’ve been a victim of similar threats in past but after installing Spyware Doctor, all of my problems are gone. I never left my computer unprotected but It took me some time to understand that free antivirus software might not provide the desired security. Checkout the review of Spyware Doctor and Remove Cyber Security automatically! Protect your computer in real time and never be a victim again!

Author: R. K. Jain
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Remove Cyber Security – An Easy Way to Remove the Cyber Security Virus From Your PC

With Cyber Security being one of your typical fake antivirus programs, it’s no wonder that a lot of people want to remove it from their computers for good. However, this tool is actually incredibly secretive, making its removal very difficult. Fortunately, you just need to do some quick things to remove it.

How Do I Know If I’ve Been Infected With The Cyber Security Virus?

Cyber Security is the brand of antivirus tool that’s on your PC. If you have the problem, you should be able to see the name of “Cyber Security” written on the program, and you should also be getting some warning messages about fake ‘threats’ on your computer. This tool is normally installed on your PC by third party applications which are either downloaded from the likes of Facebook or email.

How To Remove It

To remove Cyber Security, you can either use a manual method or automated method (which costs). You can find out more information in the links below… but if you want to remove the virus manually, then you’ll first want to go into the task manager (by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL) and then clicking on “processes”. After that, you then just need to find the following EXE files and stop them from running: tsc.exe and csc.exe

After you’ve stopped them from running, you also need to go into “My Computer” and then browse to C:Program FilesCS. This is the main directory where all the program files for Cyber Security are kept, and you just need to select the database and press SHIFT + DELETE on it. This will permanently delete the files inside and will actually make the program unable to start up again!

Finally, you then need to remove all the damaged ‘registry files’ that Cyber Security planted on your system. These files tell your computer how to run the tool, and if you leave them, the chances are that CS will return. Luckily, you can just use a ‘registry cleaner’ to scan through all the registry files on your PC and remove the ones that were left by this virus. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to keep your computer free from this threat forever.

You can actually remove Cyber Security quite easily by following the simple instructions on our website. We’ve created a fully illustrated tutorial on how to remove this tool which you can read at our site. Click Here to remove this virus from your system.

Author: Greg Banks
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Remove Cyber Security – Cyber Security Removal in One Step

Computer infected with Cyber Security? Lately this has been a very common problem. The virus has been corrupting lots of computer around the web. If you think you may be one of them, you want to conduct a Cyber Security removal as soon as possible.

The longer you let the virus stay on your computer the worse things can get. Between creating fake pop up alerts, changing browser settings, and stealing private information, this infection can create quite a few problems.

The malware gets onto your OS through a variety of means. Such as:

1. Exploiting your Adobe software through various security breaches.
2. Getting a social networking virus (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.)
3. Downloading programs off the net from untrustworthy sources.

Despite any pop ups that read “dangerous infections detected!”, do your best to ignore them. They will launch a fake scan and try to get your credit card information. Do NOT give these folks your credit card.

Cyber Security Removal

In order to remove Cyber Security manually you get rid of each part of it at once. Here is what you need to focus on:

o Removing all related processes (any malicious EXE files)

o Removing any associated DLL files (Dynamic Link Library) Removing any dangerous .lnk files associated with the virus

o Remove all deadly registry files and entries.

The removal instructions above were designed for computer experts, if you do not have a strong knowledge of computers be very careful when editing the registry.

A much easier method to remove Cyber Security is to install a removal tool. By performing a full system scan you can remove the infection right away. Also take advantage of the real time protection to repel future attacks.

Tired of viruses infecting your computer? Want to surf the web with the peace of mind that your computer is safe and secure? Get your free scan from the top virus protection and remove cyber security.

Jim Marshall is an expert computer technician with fifteen years of experience in the industry. Since his own computer was destroyed by malicious software, he has been studying antispyware, adware, and malware systems for years. His website details the comprehensive results of this research, ranking the best antispyware and antivirus programs available.

http://www.spyware-fix.net

Author: Jim Marshall
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Remove Cyber Security – Uninstall Cyber Security and Get Rid of it Forever!

What is Cyber Security? If you’re thinking it’s a rogue spyware scam, then you’re right. Cyber Security is another in the long line of corrupted programs designed to infiltrate your computer and destroy your personal files and personal safety. This awful spyware is in the same family as Total Security, one of the worst viruses to spread through the internet in years. This headache will violate your security, possibly resulting in identity theft. Be careful, get rid of it as soon as you can!

How Do I Know I Have It?

First off, if you’re infected with the infection, you will receive a warning such as this one: “WARNING Cyber Security Alert! New data base update is available

Automatic updating is necessary to get you system protected in real time against new and emerging viruses, worms and tyoyans. Regular updating is needed to prevent you PC from latest virus threats that can lead to system slowdown, freezes, crashes and data loss.”

Other tell-tale signs are a freezing, stalling operating system, pop-ups, taskbar warnings, strange new icons and desktop backgrounds, and browser redirects.

How Do I Get Rid of It?

You can attempt a manual removal or you can use an automatic removal tool. If you are a technician or IT professional you can try a manual removal. To carry out a manual removal you will need to delete all associated DLL and LNK files in your system’s registry, normally located in your LOCAL_HKEY_USER folder. You will also need to block all related system processes, delete all physical folders, and block all related websites. The problem with this kind of removal method is that one mistake can result in the virus replicating itself and coming back worse than before. The other issue with a manual removal is that if you delete the wrong DLL or LNK file, you can render your computer unbootable. Be careful!

How Do I Get Rid of It Right NOW?

The easiest and quickest way to get rid of this deadly virus is an automatic removal. As a professional, I could theoretically manually delete every infection I come across, but it’s too time-consuming and too risky. By default I now use a removal tool. I recommend three in particular to friends, family, and clients. All three tools effectively detect and delete infections and protect a users’ system against all future viruses, not to mention they also provide an active internet scan so no questionable websites can send trojans to your system.

You can’t afford to risk your safety and security due to some hacker’s spyware software!

Are you tired of letting viruses like this one corrupt your files and record your keyboard strokes? Remove Cyber Security as soon as you can. You absolutely cannot afford to let it wreak havoc on your most important documents, photos, and most importantly, credit card information!

Bob Walker is a veteran IT consultant with over twenty years of experience in the industry. He’s helped clean up the computers of everyone from fortune 500 organizations to individual users and families. His website is dedicated to anti-spyware and virus removal research, where he ranks the most efficient anti-spyware and anti-virus programs currently available.

http://www.spyware-review.net

Author: Bob L Walker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Online Banking Security – Layers of Protection

No one can blame you for being wary and mistrustful. After all, it is your money we are talking about. We have heard of rumors and stories on TV about e-thieves stealing important information like as credit card numbers. The truth is, online banking is just as secure as your average person-to-person banking and is more secure than the media usually makes it out to be. In fact, online banking may be safer than traditional banking.

Traditional Banking vs. Online Banking

You may not have realized it but in traditional banking, you are exposed to several security threats. Your mail containing your bills and bank statements can be intercepted. When you use the ATM, you may be exposed to physical theft or information theft. Your information can also be accessed by bank employees. Above all, when you pay your bills with a check, your account number, social security number and even your phone number are usually printed on the paper check.

These threats can be avoided, if not completely eliminated, with online banking. Financial transactions are made in the comfort and security of your home or office. Moreover, because they know that online customers are apprehensive, security is their top concern. The bank’s computers are also protected by a firewall.

Online Banking Security Measures

Although single password protection is the most common security method in the United States, password authentication alone is not secure enough for the type of information and business with Internet banking. That’s why online banks use a far more complicated system to protect their clients and ultimately, themselves. They employ numerous layers of strategies and measures to ensure their customers of the security of their dealings. These strategies vary according to the choice of the bank. However, there are measures that are commonly employed by many online banks. Here are some of them.

· The https Protocol: Https is a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) scheme that is used to identify a secure HTTP connection. Online banking ports are secure sites, often using this prescript, which is encrypted. If something is encrypted, it means that the data, usually in plain text, is converted into codes. Encryption is an excellent process of preventing hackers from accessing personal information in a home or office computer through intercepting “keylogging” or “keystroke logging,” the process of keying in passwords on a website.

· TANs: Most online banks take customer’s security to another level with transaction numbers, or TANS. This method is the most popular among online banks. These TANs are passwords that are intended for a single session only. Prominent banks using this strategy include the Deutsche Bank, the Philippine National Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

· Security Tokens: Some banks issue security tokens to the customers. These tokens dynamically change the numbers customers need to enter for each transaction. Online banks using this method include the Bank of Ireland, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the National Bank of Dubai, the Bank of Queensland and the Montgomery Bank.

· IC Cards (Integrated Circuit Cards): Also known as chip cards or smart cards, IC cards are another method popular among online banks throughout the world. Chip cards are unique to each customer. They provide an easy means to conduct business transactions in a standard, secure manner with minimal human intervention. Usually, Chip cards contain encrypted digital certificates along with other important information about the holder. Combined with biometrics, chip cards provide an authentication system with two to three factors. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), the Qatar National Bank, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the Standard Bank, and the Barclays Bank use the chip card system.

· Digital Certificates: Another method of ensuring online banking security is with digital certificates. These virtual certificates allow you to digitally authenticate your transactions by connecting them to a physical device such as a personal computer and a mobile phone. Digital certificates are being used in many giant banking corporations such as the Barclays, HSBC, the China Merchants Bank, the Bank of Montreal, the Bank of the West and many others.

Online banks or Internet banks have their security policies and procedures posted on their sites prominently. You can browse through them before choosing which bank to trust. If you have further questions about their methods, send them a message and they will respond to it appropriately.

Want to read more of this article? You can read more tips on Online Banking Security, plus other Online Banking Tips only at http://onlinebankpro.com/

Author: Alyssa Medrano
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Home Loan Online Owner Secured

So you are looking for a home loan online owner secured? Millions of people each day are looking for the same thing. Companies worldwide are willing to help you secure a home loan.

A secured home equity loan is a loan that uses your home as a collateral for a loan. This type of loan is used for major expenses such as, medical bills, a new automobile purchase, or even home repairs, the possibilities are endless. You should be very careful though, as with many loans, if you don’t pay it back, you will lose your home.

Your credit line is based off of a number of factors. The most simplest (and most used) is a formula of taking a percentage of home value minus balance owed on mortgage loan. Getting a secure home loan, heavily relies on the possibility of you re-paying the loan, and your other financial obligations.

These type loans are usually set with a variable interest rate as opposed to a fixed rate. Although it’s not uncommon for a lender to convert the loan to a fixed rate instead of a variable at some point in the loan repayment period.

It is always a good idea to be pro-active of yourself, and make sure you can afford taking out a secure home mortgage loan. A secure home mortgage loan is a little bit more risky than a credit card, and thus must be used very wisely. While you do get instant money, you always have to pay that money back.

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Author: Jimmy Madzula
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Cyber Security Professionals – Necessities In The 21st-Century Computing Environment

The vast network of cyber-space presents – or, can harbor — major threats to the security of personal computers; LAN and WAN networks; and wireless Internet networks. Trained computer networking specialists who are experts in cyber-security are needed to secure networks and computer systems for effective data storage and retrieval. Just as importantly, they are needed to secure the privacy and integrity of personal and corporate identities. These professionals can find work in private firms, in consulting, or at the state and federal government levels. Most individuals complete at least a bachelor’s degree before working in the cyber-security field.

Hackers pose special threats to computer network security. These technology and networking experts use their insider information to grant themselves access to computer networks, without permission. Our modern computing environment is an open one, and individuals with systems and software knowledge – or, even, persons with the gumption to steal data or computing devices – can easily get their hands on very sensitive information.

Much information should be kept private, and serious damage can ensue if this information falls into the hands of hackers. One of the greatest risks to business computer and personal computer users who are working on unsecured networks is identity theft. A cyber-thief can use a personal or company address; financial and credit card information; or even a personal social security number to steal money from individual or corporate accounts. This is a serious crime – one with far-reaching consequences, including ruined credit records — and increasingly easy to commit in today’s open-computing, technology-heavy environment. Cyber-security professionals who are adept at designing secure, hack-proof information systems and networks are needed to win the fight against identity theft.

Spyware and viruses pose another threat to the integrity and security of computer data. Spyware is installed on a computer without the user knowing, and can collect personal data or interfere with computer applications or run-time. Viruses are computer programs that replicate themselves to infect the machines, often damaging files or even hard drives in the process. There now exist several types of anti-virus and anti-spyware software that can be installed on a personal computer or on networked office computers for low or no cost. Security professionals on IT repair teams might be trained in the use of this software. Some professionals might provide security consulting services to businesses and individuals, as well.

Skilled cyber-security professionals also know how to install and maintain firewalls. These pieces of software or computer appliances are security devices that monitor activity between networks – usually, networks with different levels of security and access. Firewalls might restrict permissions to various Internet activities or Web sites. The level of security firewalls provide on large business networks can be changed or altered by security administrators. There exist many types of firewalls, including network layers and proxy servers. Understanding what each type of firewall does, and when it should be applied are main responsibilities of a cyber-security student; typically, he or she will take several classes about firewalls to complete a network security degree.

Design and evaluation of secure computer network systems are special skills, in which cyber-security information systems professionals must be proficient. Secure network architecture is imperative in preventing hacking and threats to information integrity. Some cyber security professionals will be employed as business consultants, routinely evaluating system security software, and creating and testing secure network systems.

Finally, some cyber-security professionals might be employed to work on major projects and contracts where information privacy and integrity is vital. The U.S. Department of Defense or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in Washington, D.C., for example, need cyber-security specialists to create networks that will protect highly sensitive or classified data. Similarly, cyber-security specialists are needed in biology and scientific research centers, such as those found in universities and hospitals, to make sure data and findings remain secure. Specific federal regulations outline how these findings should be secured, so specialists can help these research centers stay compliant.

The field of cyber-security is a constantly evolving and important area of information systems science. Individuals pursuing an education in this challenging and lucrative field will be sure to find fascinating work and a lifetime of learning throughout their careers.

Potomac College, an adult learning school [http://www.potomac.edu/articles/adult-learner-college.php] with campuses in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, offers a bachelors degree program in information systems, with a concentration in cyber-security. For more information, visit the school’s Web site, www.potomac.edu.

Author: Jane Muder
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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