by Herbert Reich
Information security has been getting an increased amount of attention lately. This term refers to protecting information systems and the data they contain from use, damage and disclosure by unauthorized people. Other terms you might see used for this behavior are digital security, computer security and information assurance. All of these fields have the common goal of protecting information availability, confidentiality and integrity. Since many bodies have amassed a lot of confidential information about products, employees, research, customers and other subjects, information security is important. Institutions as variable as private business, government bodies, corporations and the military all need to make use of this important means of protection. Much of this important information is now stored, collected and processed on computers. It’s also transmitted across networks, putting it in jeopardy more often. If financial information about the finances or customers of a business falls into a competitor’s hands or those of a criminal, a lot of damage could be done. Law suits, lost business, and even bankruptcy could be a result of failed informational security. That’s because protecting the confidential information of clients and others is a legal, ethical and business requirement. Information security can have a big effect on personal privacy, too.
The information security field has grown significantly in the past few years, and there are many different ways for people interested in this field to enter it. Self study is still common, though focused training camps and formal schooling are becoming much more wide spread. It’s even possible to get into information security careers through online programs. There are many different specializations available, including security testing, auditing information systems, securing databases and applications, network security, digital forensics and many others.