Data and cyber security courses have never been more important.
We rely on computers for work, retail, banking and communications. Controlling access to computer networks and databases is vital for many, if not most, industries and courses in data and cyber security teach all about this important area. IT and data security courses will teach you about controlling access to sensitive electronic information so that only those with a legitimate need to access it can do so. Because computer systems must be continually updated, security measures must likewise be reviewed on an ongoing basis. This is because online transactions, whether financial or informational, face the constant threat of attack.
The potential for fraud is a major cause for concern for companies with an online presence and cyber security courses are now the norm in training people in this area. Facebook, PayPal, Sony and Microsoft have all been victims of hacking in recent years, underlining the important of data and cyber security and courses that teach all of the elements incolved.
And it is not just the security of business organisations or private users that is under threat. Government computer networks, and cyber security is now regarded as the top security priority in most countries.
If neither governments nor global businesses are impervious to attack, what measures can the average computer user take to in order to enjoy a sense of security when online
What s involved in data and cyber security courses?
The simple solution is to get informed and learn how to secure your network and personal details; and this is precisely what a part-time course in IT Security will teach you to do.
There are three main objectives for most Information Technology Security programmes: confidentiality, integrity, and the availability of data. Confidentiality is protecting access to sensitive data from those who don t have a legitimate need to use it. Integrity is ensuring that information is accurate and reliable and cannot be modified in unexpected ways. The availability of data ensures that it is readily available to those who need it.
Courses in Network Security basics are a good place to start in order to achieve these ends. Learners will be given a solid foundation in the fundamentals of network security and will be taught about how viruses work; how to protect against virus attack; external and internal security; communications security; security planning and security auditing.
While being alert to the dangers of viruses and malware is vital to you and your computer s security, attacks from other users also constitute a genuine threat. A part-time Web Security programme will teach you the security principles and techniques that will enable you to stop a hacker by understanding how to implement access control lists, operating system hardening and firewall technology. You will also learn about how to respond to and report hacker activity, engage in proactive detection, and always keep your own needs, or those of your company, in mind.
For those who may have an interest in working in the area of IT security, a part-time BSc in Information Security and Digital Forensics will advance your knowledge to industry standard. Typical course modules include Data Mining, Hardware and Software Digital Forensics, and Secure Communications. The programme delivery is flexible and includes remote lectures (i. e. conducted online), workshops and group projects. Readers should note that the course has a minimum entry requirement of a Level 6 award in Computing.
There are also numerous home study options for anyone interested in developing their understanding of system security and enrolling in cyber security courses. Certificate courses in Comp TIA A+ are often a good jumping off point for a career in the area as participants are given an excellent grounding in installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.
Why enrol in cyber and data security courses?
Many people may feel that is unlikely that they will ever suffer a system attack. This does not make them any less vulnerable, however. A lack of network security can compromise personal information and result in misuse of data, identity theft, loss of system control or system impairment. And information security is not only important to individuals network integrity is essential for companies, and one attack can cause untold damage to a company s reputation. As the old saying goes, it s better to be safe than sorry.
What comes next
Professionals in all industries can benefit from undergoing some form of IT security training. Those who pursue their studies can go on to work as network, server, firewall or systems administrators; application developers; service technicians or IT security officers.
At a glance
An Introduction to Network Security course will generally run for around 6 months, though duration often depend on the participant s own needs and requirements. A part-time BSc in Information Security and Digital Forensics will last for one year.
For more information about data, cyber and IT security courses, click here to search in Nightcourses.com’s Course Finder.
