Information Assurance and Cyber Security are in-demand career fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts earn $99,730 per year ($47.95 an hour), as of 2019.
The expected growth rate is 32%, a very large increase, with 35,500 more jobs between now and 2028. This is a student's guide for understanding what jobs are available in Information Assurance and Cyber Security fields.
Jobs in Information Assurance and Cyber Security
What is the difference between Cyber Security and Information Assurance?
Cyber security focuses on securing the safety of computers and computer systems in a networked environment. Cybersecurity involves protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attackers.
Typically, cyber security approaches security issues from a broader background, including political, socio-economic, and psychological contexts. Information assurance involves protecting and defending information and information systems.
Information assurance covers the managerial and technical aspects of information, especially maintaining control over information and ensuring only individuals with authorization have access to the information. Information assurance professionals assess risks and vulnerabilities and creates a management plan for minimizing issues. Information assurance focuses on the confidentiality, integrity, authentication, availability, and validation of data.
What do Students Learn in Online Master of Information Assurance and Security Degree Programs?
The degree programs provide students the technical knowledge and skills to understand information security, and also provide specialized theoretical knowledge and experimental experience.
Master of Information Assurance and Security Degree programs prepare students to provide technical leadership for an organization's efforts to acquire new technologies, implement security strategies, and protect organizational assets against attacks.
A Master in Cyber Security and Information Assurance degree program prepares information systems professionals to recognize and combat information systems threats and vulnerabilities. The programs provide knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure systems and safe information.
The programs cover subjects such as: Information Infrastructure Security, Information Assurance Management and Analytics, Advanced Computer Networking, Hardware and Operating Systems, Computer Security, Cryptography, Networks and Network Security, Software Assurance and more.
How long does it take to complete an Online Master of Information Assurance and Cyber Security Degree Program?
Typically students can complete a Master of Information Assurance and Security Degree Program in about two years. Student can complete some programs in one year or 18 months.
Which Cyber Security and Information Assurance Fields Provide Employment for Graduates?
Some of the fields include cryptology, information operations, intrusion detection and prevention, network and Information security, software assurance, and system and operational requirements analysis.
What Types of Organizations Employ Information Assurance and Cyber Security Professionals?
- Banks and financial institutions
- Business in a variety of industries
- Communications & utilities companies
- Computer & technology companies
- E-Commerce
- Defense companies
- Engineering companies
- Government agencies
- Healthcare industry
- Higher education
- Insurance companies
- Information technology consulting companies
- IT divisions of companies in many industry sectors
- Law enforcement and counterintelligence
- Military
- Security software companies
- Technology and Internet companies
What are some Typical Job Duties of an Information Security Analyst?
They install and maintain software to protect sensitive information. Information security analysts monitor networks for security breaches and investigate when they discover a security breach. They create security standards and best practices for accompany. Information security analysts also simulate attacks to identify potential areas of vulnerability.
Do Master of Information Assurance and Security Degree Programs have Specialized Certifications?
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security provides schools certification as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
What are some of the Information Security Certifications?
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- SANS/GIAC Certification
- GIAC - Global Information Assurance Certification
- CompTIA Security+ certification
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
What Types of Jobs are available in Information Assurance and Cyber Security?
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Computer Security Incident Responder
- Computer Security Specialist
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Response Specialist
- Cyber Threat Analyst
- Cryptographer
- Data Archiving/Security Specialist
- Data Security Administrator
- Data Security Analyst
- Forensics Expert
- Information Assurance Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert
- Information Systems Security Analyst
- Information Technology Security Analyst
- Intrusion Detection Specialist
- Network Security Administrator
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Security Operations Specialist
- Security Software Developer
- Software Security Engineer
- Source Code Auditor
- Vulnerability Assessor
What is Cyberspace?
Cyberspace is basically the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures, which includes the telecommunications networks, Internet, computer systems, as well as embedded processors and controllers in vital industries.
Information Assurance and Security Career Information
Salary Information
Information security analysts had a median annual wage of $95,510 in May 2017. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
| Industry | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | $98,100 |
| Finance and insurance | $97,680 |
| Information | $96,250 |
| Administrative and support services | $91,510 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $90,940 |
| (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Financing an Online Master of Information Assurance and Security Degree
Many colleges and universities offer online students financial aid. Online students as well as traditional students applying for federal financial aid must attend a school which has accreditation from an accrediting agency which received recognition from the Department of Education.
Our Financial Aid Guide for Online College Students provides vital information about the various types of financial assistance such as Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Grants, Lifetime Learning Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, Parent Plus Loans, Grad Plus Loans, and more.
Financial Aid Guide for Online College Students
Professional Organizations
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners, provides publications, educational forums, and peer interaction opportunities. ISSA promotes effective cyber security on a global basis.
International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc.
The organization, a worldwide leading cybersecurity and IT security professional organization, has more than 140,000 certified members. The organization provides information security certifications. The organization provides networking and collaboration opportunities and professional development and leadership tools.
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Global Information Assurance Certification validates the skills of information security professionals. GIAC tests the pragmatics of Audit, Security, Operations, Management and Software Security tasks. GIAC provide assurances a certified individual has the knowledge and skills required of an individual in important areas of computer, information and software security.
The SANS Institute provides information security training and security certification for the world. The organization also creates, maintains, and makes available at no cost, the largest collection of research documents about the various aspects of information security. A range of security professionals share the lessons they learn and collaborate to finding solutions to the challenges in the information security field.
