Southeast Technical offers new online Cyber and Information Security program combining network administration, criminal justice

Apply and register now to begin the program in Fall 2015

It seems like every day a new corporate data breach or computer crime makes headline news. Responding to an ever-increasing need for experts in the field of cyber security, Southeast Technical has just launched a new program combining studies in both Network Administration & Technology and Criminal Justice. 

This two-year Associate of Applied Science in Cyber and Information Security degree is offered 100% online. It is designed to be appropriate for law enforcement professionals seeking expertise in this growing field as well as for network administrators who need to sharpen their data protection strategies. 

"Our program is unique in that our students will not only acquire proactive skills in protecting and securing private network digital information, they will learn how to apply criminal justice methods in response to cyber and information security compromises," according to Dr. Leslie Bleskachek, Southeast Technical's vice president of academic affairs.

A good example is when a computer workstation is used for criminal purposes by an employee. Can the company's network administrator confiscate the computer and send it to another location to be analyzed? 

"By doing so, the company may have compromised the chain of evidence," says Criminal Justice Instructor Greg Cady. "When a crime may have been committed, a network administrator needs to understand the laws of evidence and be prepared to testify in court."

Data breaches have become all too commonplace in retail, healthcare and other industries, and companies are stepping up efforts to harden their systems against attack. For example, a recent study released by Ponemon Institute revealed that criminal attacks on healthcare companies are up 125% over the last five years. Cyber attacks and physical criminal activity now have officially surpassed insider negligence as the main cause of a data breach in healthcare organizations 

"Our program teaches how to manage and secure data on private and corporate networks and devices. Administrators must be able to evaluate, identify and implement appropriate security standards and policies," according to Network Administration & Technology instructor Stephen Rudnik. "Cyber security is a matter of prevention as well as mitigation."

Scott McNurlin is the sheriff of Goodhue County in southeastern Minnesota. As he explains, "This emerging field of study has become vitally important to law enforcement and the criminal justice system. In today's world almost every crime is committed with the aid of some type of electronic device, whether that be a cell phone, iPad, laptop, or desktop computer. That electronically embedded evidence is vital to our investigations and getting at it takes a specialized expertise."  

For more information about studying at Southeast Technical, contact the college at 877-853-8324 or visit the  Cyber Information and Security program page. To apply now, go to www.southeastmn.one/become_a_student.