The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates cybercriminals launch 2,200 attacks daily on corporate and government digital assets. In one case, hackers pilfered 60,000 emails from the U.S. Department of State. In another, a ransomware organization demanded $80 million to return stolen mail-serve data that affected package deliveries worldwide. Cybercriminals stole 3.8 billion files from a cybersecurity consulting firm, underscoring how sophisticated bad actors have become.
Those statistics underlie the growing demand for information security experts and professionals with leadership expertise gained through advanced educational programs such as the Southern Utah University (SUU) online Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance – Management Emphasis program. The WEF notes that a shortage of cybersecurity professionals constitutes a dangerous vulnerability, explaining that “increasing emphasis is being placed on the importance of soft skills including effective communication, problem solving, strategic thinking and people management.”
How Are Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Related?
Cybersecurity and information assurance (IA) are closely related operations with distinct differences in focus and approach to safeguarding information. On the one hand, the scope of IA typically includes activities as diverse as business and cybersecurity risk management, compliance, security architecture and continuity. Cybersecurity, on the other hand, operates within the IA environment and focuses on protecting digital assets from unauthorized access. As organizations began ramping up global digital operations, cybersecurity was siloed as chiefly an information technology concern.
Today, in the face of vast artificial intelligence-powered cybercrime and state-sponsored bad actors, cybersecurity is a critical business mandate and element of IA strategy. “Not only do they complement each other, but a combination of both helps organizations effectively secure information assets,” Sprinto says of integrated IA/cybersecurity operations.
Real-world Applications of Integrated IA and Cybersecurity
Specialists with advanced cybersecurity skills and cybersecurity asset management are positioned to have an immediate and resilient real-world impact on their organizations after earning their degrees. Case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits include the following:
- An American hospital system integrated a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity risk management framework in its information assurance strategy to reduce data breaches by 30%. The strategy restricted access to protected health information and established protocols for identifying vulnerabilities in its cybersecurity technology and responding effectively to successful hacks.
- Cisco adopted a proactive attitude in its IA strategy by integrating security measures throughout its product and internal operations, according to Wabasha. This stance provides continuous risk management to identify threats as they emerge, enhances its data- and security-centric environment, and significantly reduces vulnerabilities to build confidence among its networking and cybersecurity clients.
- Netflix harnessed artificial intelligence and open-source cybersecurity assets to automate identification of vulnerabilities and evaluate the resilience of its cloud-based computing infrastructure. By continuously monitoring and responding to cyberthreats, the streaming service hardened protections around systems that collect, organize and analyze its 283 million subscribers’ data.
“As cyber threats continue to evolve, the lessons learned from these case studies serve as valuable blueprints for organizations aiming to enhance their security posture and protect their digital assets,” Webasha notes, referring to the Cisco and Netflix accounts. Those with advanced knowledge, such as graduates of cybersecurity programs, are equipped to navigate these issues.
Roles That Require Advanced Expertise in Cybersecurity and Information Science Management
Successful candidates for C-suite and senior management roles have dual skills in cybertechnology and business acumen. They are responsible for developing and communicating organization-wide IA policies. As strategic thinkers, chief information officers, senior directors of information security analysis and other leaders are experts in governance, risk management and compliance. As technical experts, they have in-depth technical insights into the systems that protect digital assets, enabling them to design and deploy an effective security environment.
SUU’s online M.S. in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance – Management Emphasis program equips graduates with the technical and management expertise to thrive in these roles and functions. Students gain these insights through courses like the following:
- Foundations of Cybersecurity with Information Assurance
- Network and Cloud Security
- Cybersecurity and Risk Management
- Business Foundations
- Managing People and Organizations
- Effective Teams
Equipped with the advanced management expertise and technical skills to protect digital assets, graduates of the program are ready for future-proof careers. Program graduates gain skills that will continue to grow in demand as the global economy deepens its reliance on data and the systems that manage it.
Learn more about SUU’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance – Management Emphasis program.
