Do You Think Like A Hacker? Consider A Career In Network Security Administration

This is a guest post by Kami Lebaredian.

As the technology evolves, the danger posed by cyber attacks increases. Large networks containing information databases filled with personal information are targets for hackers looking to either disrupt systems or perform outright theft. The rate at which technology is growing is so fast that the need to keep up security in the face of such attacks has become a necessary cost. Individuals with the ability and acumen to help establish and develop security systems are in high demand, often obtaining large salaries in order to behave as hackers.

In today’s world, the skills that were once frowned upon, specifically, the ability to remotely enter another person’s system, are now highly prized resources. There is a back and forth between those who would assault systems, and those who would defend. By recruiting individuals who specialize in such attacks, corporations and agencies feel they may better secure their systems to assault. As such, individuals who participate in “ethical hacking” are considered prizes among those who pursue and maintain network security.

Individuals who participate as computer security specialists are responsible for the security and well being of information stored on servers. This information is high in value, often containing a bevy of personal and security information, such as credit cards and social security numbers, home addresses, and more. Over the years, attempt to plug holes in large systems has become much more difficult as systems become more complex. Hackers familiar enough with particular security software, or with enough time to examine such systems, may find and exploit loopholes that can lead to information theft or large scale information crashes. An excellent example of this can be found in the Playstation Network, which was attacked in April 2011, affecting 77 million accounts, and resulted in an outage of service that lasted 24 days, the longest such outage since the service began in 2006.

Hackers are individuals who seek to find entry into secure systems through any means necessary. These individuals are often adepts at writing and rewriting code, identifying and utilizing holes and backdoors in systems, and capable of entering and affecting information stored in otherwise secure systems. A recent trend has developed in recent years among hackers, where individuals that were once fond of attacking various systems are now operating as hackers seeking to find flaws in security systems. Once weaknesses are identified, they are provided to the coders and authors of such systems to plug holes and strengthen them. The resulting situation allows for hackers to operate legally while still honing their skills on cutting edge security systems.

Due to the increasingly complex systems being developed, the need for “ethical hackers” becomes pronounced. The active assault on corporations, institutions, and agencies is very real. Currently, countries around the world are training individuals for this new age of digital warfare. The fear of finding one’s systems compromised and their database stolen has resulted in a highly lucrative opportunity for hacking inclined individuals.

The demand for network security personnel is very high, and is expected to increase greatly in the future. As a network security manager you may fill one of many roles in the security of data systems, including supervisors, programmers, on site technicians or tester. All these cyber security jobs require one thing, the need for you to think like a hacker!

About the author:

Kami Lebaredian is a writer for MatchCollege.com, a college search site that assists students find the right school. Check out their list of schools offering a computer programming degree and see if there is one that fits you!

Sharing is Caring

Related Posts