Designing an information security program as a core competency of network technologists

In the article, "Clarke Warns Educators About the Need for Better Security", Deborah Radcliff states that information security programs focus solely on technology issues without regard to business value and critical thinking. [1] Another issue is the lack of undergraduate programs in information security for front line network engineers and technicians. Most unmet employer needs today consists of front-line workers in the information security field that contains the greatest number of information security jobs in the marketplace. However, few professionals at this level are currently educated and trained in information security. This level is a niche area for undergraduate programs to provide needed education and training in information security. Most information security programs today are at the post-graduate level, which trains for higher level jobs than what most employers are looking for. The purpose of this paper is to review the author's research in information security employer needs, present the high level competencies needed in information security programs as developed by an industry focus group, investigate the different ways to integrate information security into IT programs, and discuss the implications for network technology programs in the future.