The Challenging Field of Computer and Information Security

Computer, information and internet security is a continual challenge for computer programmers and software developers that is constantly changing and evolving. In this uncertain age of global terrorism and the constant threat of identity theft, our government, banking industry, and computer industry are faced with this issue constantly and as a result create a demand for innovative people who can rise to the challenge of staying ahead of new technology.

One such challenge is protecting the BIOS, "Basic Input/Output System", which is the most fundamental software in the computer system that initializes the hardware components before the actual operating system starts. Because it works at such a fundamental low level below normal system security levels, changes to the BIOS that are either malicious or accidental pose a major security risk that could be part of a targeted attack to an organization's systems and operations. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, (NIST), is constantly updating it's BIOS Protection Guidelines for computer hardware manufacturers and security professionals.

Other applications of computer security include network servers and infrastructure, e-commerce, web site development, software application, firewalls, virus and threat detection, to name a few.

A typical career path for a security professional would be a System Administrator, with a annual salary range of 34 to 54k, Information System Security Officer with an annual salary range of 47 to 90k, Information System Security Manager with an annual salary range of 72 to 126k, and the Chief Information Security Officer with an annual salary range of 104 to 213k.

System admin or help desk positions are generally considered entry level for a career in computer security requiring some experience and a basic computer science degree, that gives someone the opportunity for hands on experience while still being in the process of attaining their BS or Masters degree. This type of scenario is perfect for online college education or the part time student.

Elements of computer security are used in a variety of other cool information security type of jobs:

Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert, System-Network Penetration Tester, Forensic Analyst, Incident Responder, Security Architect, Malware Analyst, Network Security Engineer, Security Analyst, Computer Crime Investigator, Security Operations Center Analyst, Prosecutor Specializing in Information Security Crimes, and Disaster Recovery Manager.

Regardless of the current economic and job environment, computer and information security will always be in high demand and evolving to open new opportunities. According to the U. S. Treasury Department, last year global computer crimes exceeded drug trafficking in illegal profits for the first time. The next decade is expected to see unprecedented growth in information security positions.