IT Security Career Path

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by j4k3, Aug 25, 2003.

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  1. j4k3

    j4k3 New Member

    How does one start in the field of IT Security? Particularly one that has just recently graduated from HS? My brother wants to know what degree he should take. People are telling him Computer Science is the way but he doesn't like math =p and it would likely lead him towards programming instead of IT Security.

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. majkutp

    majkutp New Member

    B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in MIS, CIS, or if you can find it, in Security.

    B.S. in MIS or CIS with a concentration in Security if they have it.

    These degrees are not nearly as math intense.

    Also, by the time your brother graduates, I’m sure there will be more Master degrees in the subject.

    Since this is a new field with increasing popularity, programs will probably spring up in the coming years, but since I’m sure he doesn’t want to wait, the best thing he can do is to get an IT Security Internship while he is in college. This will help to get him the experience he needs to get his foot into the door.

    I once read an article about a year ago, probably on techrepublic.com, that suggested that if you are in the tech field and want to get into security, don’t bother, you don’t have the experience. However, with the increasing popularity, especially in light of the recent virus attacks across the Internet, a lot more junior positions will open up in the near future.

    Also, while in college try to get some Security certifications to complement your degree (CISSP, MCSE: Security, CompTIA Security+…). I did this by getting my MCP on NT Workstation & CNA on 3.x when I first graduated and it definitely helped out!

    Best wishes, :)

    -Paul Majkut
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 25, 2003
  3. lloyddobbler

    lloyddobbler New Member

    I would tell him to get into any of those programs, CS, CIS/MIS... whatever. More importantly though, get some experience in general systems administration... nothing beats experience. As a systems administrator, he would have the opportunity to apply what he learns about systems and network security to his own systems. His employer may even send him to computer security classes.
    If he can eventually show that he has actual professional experience in securing systems/networks, beyond what every systems admin does, he should be able to get into computer security type organizations.
     
  4. Jallen2

    Jallen2 New Member

    Information Assurance Degree Programs

    Talk about timing. I've been floating around trying to determine a specific PhD to go for and one of my professors suggested that instead of Public Administration I should look at the business school's Information Systems. Anyway, just yesterday I was looking at a subset of that and found a great link http://ciae.cs.uiuc.edu/

    At the bottom of the page is a list to Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. All the schools listed offer degrees or concentrations in IA that have been certified by the NSA. It sounds more impressive then it actually is, but either way each of the schools offer several classes that would help your brother on his way.

    Other thoughts on the subject...IA is a difficult field to break into if you have no IT work background. Education alone will usually not allow you to break into the field. Clearly it is very important to get some 'techish' degree, but more important is gaining an understanding of how networking work. That mean understanding the basics of ICMP, UDP, TCP, routers, firewalls, common ports, and common vulnerabilities for Windows and Unix. The understanding of each subject does not have to be deep, but the basic understanding is a must. Additionally, you should have some hands on experience with various vulnerability scanners and network intrusion devices. Loading/playing with Snort and NMAP is a good start.
     

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