Security Specialists: Essential for Businesses in the Era of Cloud Computing - Essay Sample

Security specialists become more critical as businesses shift to cloud computing, and reliance on technology increases. Security specialists protect an organization's information systems infrastructure against attacks and potential threats (Wang & D’Cruze, 2019). Employers generally requires information security specialist to hold a bachelor’s degree in information security. Moreover, professionals are required to hold certification in their areas of specialization. A description of the degree program and professional certifications to became a successful security specialist will be made.

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An information security degree provides a background and practical skills on current technologies and security procedures. Basic knowledge is provided in securing networks and servers. Also, students learn about ethical and legal issues in information systems. During the program, students not only learn about technical duties but also managerial aspects. The program teaches students to secure information systems, databases, and networks. Some of the subjects taught include: encryption, computer forensics, mathematics for computer science, Linux and scripting, and disaster recovery.

Security professions should have different certifications to help them resolve security issues using current technologies. There are various security certifications: certified ethical hacker (CEH), certified information security officer (CISO), EC-Council certified security analyst (ECSA), and certified information systems security professionals (CISSP) (Buszta, 2019). An information security degree costs about $298 per credit hour. A semester cost about $2000 (Buszta, 2019): the most in-demand security certification is CISSP. The CISSP certification training costs about $2500 (Wang & D’Cruze, 2019).

CISSP certification requires renewal every three years after it has been granted. The re-certification needs the security specialist to meet some requirements. As part of the re-certification requirements, one must meet some continuing professional education (CPE) credits. One must earn at least 40 continuing professional education (CPE) credits to renew the CISSP certification (Wang & D’Cruze, 2019). A CISSP member gains the credits by participating in various categories of CISSP CPE activities

I selected the information security degree as a required program for security specialists because it is the most in-demand degree by employers. Many companies are looking for security professionals who hold a degree in information security. Moreover, I chose CISSP because it is one of the best security certifications in the world. A security professional who holds a CISSP can be recognized to work on all parts of the world. The combination of CISSP and information security degree is one of the most sought among security professional practice.

There are various self-study opportunities in the information security degree program and the CISSP certification. Firstly, when a student enrolls for a bachelor degree, the program offers Linux basics. The curriculum provides the necessary guidance for students to learn and understand how the Linux operating system works. Most of the concepts are left for students to explore on their own. Additionally, students get an opportunity to learn various programming languages. When learning about application security, students are introduced to one or two programming languages. Thus, the student is offered an opportunity to learn and explore other languages required during professional practice.

Companies require security professions to protect their network infrastructure against damages and threats. Thus, a degree in information security can provide a security professional with relevant skills to secure systems. Additionally, a certification in information system security can help one remain relevant in the information security professional field. A degree in information security and CISSP certification is a formidable combination for a successful security specialist.

References

Buszta, K. (2019). Security management. In Information security management handbook (pp. 263-274). Auerbach Publications.

Wang, P., & D’Cruze, H. (2019). Cybersecurity certification: certified information systems security professional (CISSP). In 16th International Conference on Information Technology-New Generations (ITNG 2019) (pp. 69-75). Springer, Cham.