Online Information Assurance Program

The online information assurance program is ideal for students who are already competent with computer and networking security issues and concepts.

They conduct tasks related both to computer programming and fraud detection and investigation. The information assurance masters degree also requires students to have a solid background information technology theory and practice especially problem solving and prevention of security issues of systems. The rapid increase in the amount of information available and the increase in technology have created an industry that more effectively responds to data fraud, cyber threats, and intellectual theft. Graduates with information assurance degrees may work as consultants for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, government agencies, schools and universities, industries etc. Graduates also work in law enforcement agencies as private investigators, forensic investigators while others work in Homeland Security. Any industry or organization that shares information via the Internet or over a network requires a system that will locate and prevent problems and security breaches within their systems.

Online Information Assurance Program Offerings

Capella University - Online

• BS - Information Assurance and Security
• MS - Information Assurance and Security

Kaplan University - Online

• MS in Information Technology / Information Security and Assurance

Norwich University

• Master of Science in Information Assurance

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Information Assurance Education and Training

In general the online information assurance program is offered at the master degree level, and often requires students to have a bachelor degree in computer science, information technology, computer networking, and computer or networking security or related fields. Specific information assurance courses may include:

• System Assurance Security
• Cyber Defense
• Countering Security Issues
• Operating Systems Security
• Organizational Security
• Applications Security
• Computer Forensics
• Security Policies and Management
• Ethics in Security Management

Information assurance course work includes cyber laws, advanced network security, information protocol, ethical considerations and protocols, computer forensics and examination, finance, accounting, intrusion detection systems and monitoring, e-commerce policies and, securing web sites, website encryption, decision-making, and reporting. Students use real world examples and case studies that allow them to work with new and innovative programs and applications that ensure security. Additional courses may include:

• Maintaining software
• Detecting security breaches
• System administration
• Establishing effective security configurations

Information Assurance Careers

Information assurance careers fall under various categories:

• Software security: Requires writing secure code and recognizing security shortcomings in existing code, deal with programming errors that lead to security issues
• Auditing: Deals with information security principles in relation to applying and developing audit checklists, as well as performing risk assessments and audits
• Security administration: Requires understanding threats to information and resources, identifying security protocol and approaches as well as developing a diverse protection strategy
• Management: Deals with effective communication, cost, time, procurement, quality, and risk management of information technology projects and application development

Top information assurance employers include:

• The United States federal government and agencies
• Computer and systems design companies
• Colleges and universities
• Banking and finance industries
  

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the following average income levels of areas related to the information assurance program:

• Computer scientists: $98,000
• Computer specialists: $72,000
• Network analysts: $68,0000

As of 2011, the average salary for information assurance analyst jobs was $62,000. The BLS also reports that information assurance managers and computer network administrators earned about $72,000 in 2010. Those with titles like chief technology officer (CTO) earned between $88,240 and $141,890.

The BLS reports that the information assurance industry will continue to experience growth as technology and information access continue to thrive. Information assurance careers are projected to increase by 30% over the next several years. An online information assurance program is an option for students who wish to enter this career path that has growth potential.