Computers and Technology

Computer security schools help to develop computer security skills with the help of theoretical, as well as practical preparation. It helps students become aware of security aspects involving single computers or a network of computers connected to a central main server. Students who want to make a career in computer security can participate in standard security courses offered by schools or online computer security courses offered by different institutes.

Elementary knowledge of computers is essential to join in on any computer security course. Computer security lessons are imparted at a DOS (disk operating system) level. Students are given a DOS primer that can be studied before starting the course.

Students who enroll for computer security courses need to have a Pentium 300 MHz PC, with operating systems configured with Windows 95 or newer versions of an operating system to receive online study material and to complete practical tests. It is also important to have a spare hard drive that holds eight hundred megabytes to two gigabyte, a supply of HD 3½-inch diskettes, a printer and a modem with an Internet connection. Minimum software requirements include computer security utilities (provided with enrolment), a data sniffer (provided with enrolment), quick view plus, Norton utilities and Norton Ghost.

Enrolled students are provided with study modules on a variety of computer security topics. Some of the topics include operating systems, formal methods for information security, cyberspace laws, software engineering, network security, database systems, algorithms & applications (cryptology), information security audit controls and distributed computing security.

Advanced computer security tools are costly and used by most organizations to protect critical data, such as credit card numbers, login passwords, transaction passwords and others. If they are not protected, distortion may occur and lead to financial losses running into thousands of dollars. It also reflects upon the reputation of the organization with respect to providing security to customers.

Computer schools provide all necessary skills for becoming a trained computer security expert. However, it is always advisable to remember that certification alone is not enough to be accepted as a computer security expert. A combination of knowledge and experience is also necessary to get recognition as a computer security expert.