Online Information Systems Security Degree Programs

Information systems security is one of the most vital components of a businesses' success in today's markets. Email is a large area of focus for security systems (Google reports that 95 percent of email is spam). Firewall construction and maintenance is another. Identity theft is occurring at an all-time high, representing a major challenge for online security portals for a variety of businesses. Intellectual property and data protection are other major issues that reach across many industries.

Global IT Security Spend Increasing

Around the world, information systems security spending increased 6-9 percent during the first quarter of 2008. Global spending in this area is projected to remain steady or increasing over the next several years, despite fluctuations in other areas of IT spending. Some businesses will increase the amount they spend on security from 2 percent of their IT budget to as high as 10 percent over the course of the year.

This trend suggests there should be a steady stream of career opportunities for computer systems specialists with education and experience in network security.

Beginning a Career in Information Systems Security

Jobs in information security systems can take a variety of roles, from support technician to IT manager. New security professionals often pursue security specialist or technician positions. As an information systems security specialist, it is your responsibility to shield data from loss, unauthorized access, theft, and tampering.

Many tools are available to help you accomplish these goals, including backup storage technology, firewalls, intruder detection programs, passwords, data encryptors, and more. Your responsibilities generally include the testing of the performance of these technologies, updating and replacing them as necessary.

These jobs are typically available in office environments, and most specialists average 40-hour weeks. Some roles require on-call hours, managing potential security failures during nights and weekends.

Getting the Right Education in Systems Security

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in technology, such as computer science, network administration, or information technology. Many of these degrees are available online, including associate's, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. Courses may cover topics like viruses, intrusion detection, cryptography, network firewalls, and more.

Career Outlook for Security Systems Specialists

Depending on your experience and industry, your salary can vary from position to position. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a wide spectrum of annual median salaries in 2007 for the following occupations:

Network analyst: $68,220
Computer specialist: $71,510
Computer support specialist: $42,400
Network administrator: 64,690

Due to the ever-growing need for information security, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates various fields associated with information security should see significant career growth between 2006 and 2016.

Computer support specialists and systems administrators: 13 percent
Computer scientists and database administrators: 37 percent
Computer specialists: 15 percent
Network systems and data communication analysts: 53 percent

Positions in IT management of network security systems can yield higher salaries, especially with the industry focus on this critical issue. The BLS reports that computer and information systems managers had a median annual salary above $100,000 in 2007.

Higher-paid positions typically require a minimum of a bachelor's degree or more, as well as ongoing certification or training. However, a degree is a good first step toward reaching your career goals.