Our daily lives are now all about innovation and technology, and this progress has made us more vulnerable to security breaches.
From our social media accounts to personal mobile applications, pieces of information or sensitive data are uploaded to the cloud through computing systems and network connectivity.
After all, you will never know the impact of these security threats until you become a victim of vulnerability attacks and security breaches. Thankfully, there are now technologies that enable us to address security and information breaches and threats.
Are you interested in the field of information technology as someone who analyzes, maintains, and protects the corporate environment from cyber threats and hackers? Would you prefer to strengthen your expertise in information assurance? Consider enrolling in a Ph.D. in Information Assurance. It will open up a lot of opportunities that help protect and secure millions of information in the company.
What is Information Assurance?
Information Assurance deals with the study that emphasizes ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, availability, and authentication of information and systems. These measures provide restoration and contingency of information systems by integrating protection, detection, security, and responsive capabilities.
It is part of specialization in Information Technology (IT) since being an expert in Information Assurance requires a comprehensive understanding of IT and how information systems interact and are interrelated with one another.
Moreover, Information Assurance adheres to five core components namely:
- Integrity,
- Confidentiality,
- Availability,
- Non-repudiation,
- and Authentication.
With all these vulnerabilities and cyber threats commonly known in the IT industry, a need to focus on safeguarding millions of data and information is required.
Information Assurance focuses on the protection of data from threats such as phishing attacks, worms, identity theft, and social engineering scams and threats.
Do I need a doctorate to practice Information Assurance?
Today’s information infrastructure is allowing important or even sensitive data to be more accessible than ever before. As a result, it is more vulnerable and prone to attack and breach.
Ever since the emergence of computer security and the age of digital information, the academic sector, IT professionals, and the federal government have worked hand in hand to produce new experts, professionals, and specialists in making cyberspace a secure and safe place to venture in.
A Ph.D. IA degree is the most profoundly essential academic qualification in the field. Therefore, a doctorate is highly sought after in practice. This degree program prepares graduates to advance research and technology innovation and improvement.
Information Assurance professionals need to have an in-depth understanding of the progression of data within organizations to design and implement appropriate information systems and business processes.
Because cybersecurity is directly related to the principles of information technology and computer systems, individuals must have a strong technological background or interest in the world of information systems.
To obtain rewarding information assurance professional pathways, graduates will likely enroll in a Ph.D. IA degree program as well as industry-known certifications such as (ICS)’s CISSP and ISACA’s CISM.
What does an Information Assurance Professional do?
Information Assurance Analysts are professionals who design, develop and implement changes to the current software architecture. While there are numerous opportunities offered in the Information Technology field, being an information assurance professional focuses mainly on risk assessment and security assessment, they plan and identify current risks that are associated with hardware and software components.
They provide solutions and contingency plans to the information systems of the company to ensure avoidance of service disruption. As a result, they are pioneers in the business continuity plan of the company if a cyber-attack has occurred.
They work and collaborate with other security experts to ensure they provide safety for the company’s internal employees and customer information. During cyber-attacks, they can resolve the issues and find the best technological solutions to address any damages made during the attack.
Moreover, information assurance analysts are determined by day-to-day threats. They enjoy quiet times when they analyze and scan reports on the current systems, but they have the most critical position and schedule when cyber threats occur. They must be alert, and quick-thinking to stop further damage within the system.
These professionals are usually former hackers and security experts who know black hat and white hat hacking. Also, they are considered ethical hackers and they ensure that their company’s systems are upgraded and are up-to-date with the latest security alerts.
They work with developers to review software licensing and versions for future deployments. Moreover, they update and patch current software systems for maximum protection.
What sort of accreditation should I look for in a school?
The secret to successful investment in a Ph.D. IA starts with thorough planning. While many educational institutions offer such degree programs, there are schools and universities that are not even accredited. Accreditation is the critical fundamental qualification of your chosen educational institution.
After all, you don’t want to waste time and money in attaining a doctorate in Information Assurance. Without accreditation, you are not assured of the real value of your degree, and you don’t qualify for a financial assistance program. Accreditation ensures that the university or school has met and maintained a set of quality standards in delivering quality education to their students.
There are several program-specific accreditations for computer and information technology studies such as:
- the Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC),
- Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC),
- Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC),
- the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC),
- Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET),
- and Computing Research Association (CRA).
Make sure the Ph.D. in Information Assurance degree program offered by your chosen school or university has one or more accreditations from the accrediting agencies mentioned.
What schools offer a Ph.D. degree in Information Assurance?
Dakota State University located in Madison, South Dakota offers a 100% online Ph.D. program which is a good option for working professionals who prefer the no on-campus requirement.
Hybrid programs are offered by Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida; National University in Scottsdale, Arizona; and Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts that require taking on-campus requirements and a combination of taking courses online through their respective distance learning platforms.
Don’t become one of the victims of several social engineering scams nowadays. However, protect the company’s data just as you would protect yourself from threats and cyber-attacks. Enroll in a doctorate program in Information Assurance, and discover the many ways to have a safe and secure online presence.
Is earning a Doctor of Information Assurance degree worth it?
Whether earning a Doctor of Information Assurance degree is worth it depends on various factors, including your career goals, the financial investment, and the amount of time and effort you are willing to dedicate to the degree.
A Doctor of Information Assurance degree can be a valuable asset to those looking to advance their careers in the field of information security, as it provides a deep level of understanding of the technology, processes, and policies involved in protecting information systems.
However, it is essential to consider the financial investment, as well as the time and effort required to complete the degree.
