We have all heard stories on the news about email viruses wreaking havoc on computer systems. To keep computer systems in top performance you will need to know the risks, and what you can do to protect yourself from viruses and computer hackers.

Our world today practically relies on the computers and the Internet. A massive attack on of a computer virus could wipe out communications, air traffic control, hospitals and credit cards. Specialists with training in computer and network security are needed to help us protect this information by preventing, detecting, and responding to attacks.

As Security risks are becoming greater, qualified people are needed to keep computer networks secure. You can learn to defend computer networks against scams, fraud, espionage and more when you earn a degree in computer network security.

This course of study will teach students how to install, maintain, and monitor existing security software for both the private and public sectors. Students will be able to build computer security programs, fix existing programs, install security software, and be able to recognize when an intruder is attempting to hack into a computer network.

Jobs in network security cover many different areas. Here are some jobs in Computer Network Security:

· Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate modifications to the computer database systems. They basically manage and protect a company’s data.

· Computer Systems Analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. Systems analysts may plan and develop new computer systems or devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional operations. Computer systems analysts use the computer’s technical abilities to meet the needs of a particular type of industry or company.

· Network Administrators and Computer System Administrators oversee network security as part of their jobs. They also design, install, and support an organization’s local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. They also provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments.

· Computer Security Specialists are employed for the sole purpose of working on computer security for a company. These specialists plan and implement computer security for an organization. They may also train others in computer security, install computer security systems, and monitor networks for breaches in security. They may even be called upon to respond to cyber attacks, and even collect data and evidence to be used in prosecuting perpetrators.