Cyber Security A.A.S.

Department: Information Technology

Total Credit Hours: 64 - 65 credits

Pathway Map

SCC Pathways are designed to help you create an educational plan with relevant and relatable courses to fill your schedule. Click below to access a map.

Approved Courses

What Is Cyber Security?

Cyber security professionals control access to information and prevent unauthorized tampering or disclosure of information.

Occupational Outlook

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases. Duties typically include:

• Monitor their organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate a violation when one occurs
• Install and use software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information
• Prepare reports that document security breaches and the extent of the damage caused by the breaches
• Conduct penetration testing, which is when analysts simulate attacks to look for vulnerabilities in their systems before they can be exploited
• Research the latest information technology (IT) security trends
• Develop security standards and best practices for their organization
• Recommend security enhancements to management or senior IT staff
• Help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures
• IT security analysts are heavily involved with creating their organization’s disaster recovery plan, a procedure that IT employees follow in case of emergency. These plans allow for the continued operation of an organization’s IT department. The recovery plan includes preventive measures such as regularly copying and transferring data to an offsite location. It also involves plans to restore proper IT functioning after a disaster. Analysts continually test the steps in their recovery plans
• Information security analysts must stay up to date on IT security and on the latest methods attackers are using to infiltrate computer systems. Analysts need to research new security technology to decide what will most effectively protect their organization.

Salary Outlook

The median annual wage for information security analysts is $95,510.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Cyber Security Careers

SCC graduates are employed in a broad range of careers including, but not limited to: network security administrator, network security engineer, information systems security manager, systems security administrator, data security analyst, penetration tester, and chief security officer.