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Information Assurance Careers: Education and Job Training Requirements for a Career in Information Assurance

Published Aug 29, 2009

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If you're interested in computer science and security, a career in Information Assurance may be just what you're looking for. Many different educational paths can lead to a career in Information Assurance and a large variety of employers, from corporations to the federal government, are on the lookout for experts in Information Assurance.

Information Assurance Career Summary

Information Assurance is a rapidly emerging field dedicated to securing and administering information systems and networks. As of 2002, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics labeled Information Assurance as a new specialty within the fields of information technology services and computer science. Information Assurance experts work to ensure that information systems are protected against illegal access and modification of the information contained therein. They work to prevent 'denial of services' to those authorized to used the system. Most Information Assurance positions are available with organizations that deal with large volumes of confidential and proprietary information that must be secured. The largest employers in Information Assurance are large, national and multinational corporations and the federal government, particularly the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency.

Education Required to Become an Information Assurance Worker

One can secure a position in this field by earning a bachelor's degree in Information Assurance. It generally includes courses in information management, computer science and computer engineering. Commonly, students take core courses in information systems security, systems administration and cryptography. Electives may include programming languages, number theory, software engineering, wireless telecommunications and cyberterrorism. There are also master's degrees available.

Job Training and Certifications Required to Become an Information Assurance Worker

There are no specific government standards for Information Assurance certification. Working in Information Assurance merely requires the appropriate academic background and skill set. However, numerous professional organizations offer certifications in areas related to Information Assurance and computer security. The National Information Assurance Training and Education Center (NIATEC) provides an overview of training standards and certifications available in Information Assurance. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 provides worldwide standards for its own professional certifications. A Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification covers seven areas, including cryptography, access controls and data communication. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) has achieved international standards for information security. Another professional organization, Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), covers skills in firewalls, perimeter protection and hacker techniques, among others. Additionally, the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has its own industry recognized standards for workers in information technology.

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