Computer Security | Career Centre

Are you fascinated by codes, the challenges facing secure data networks and computer systems? Do you want to pursue a career which will combine aspects of cryptography, information protection and software engineering aimed at identifying potential threats and malicious intrusions to secure database? Studying Computer Security within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering will expose you to techniques of solving and preventing the loss of or access to private data. You will have the opportunity to further test your acquired knowledge through participation in an industry internship. This is the only computer security degree offered by a university in Ontario.

Career Options in Computer Security

This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Computer Security degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Computer Security than others.

Author
AI designer/developer
Blogger
Business Systems Analyst
Client Support Representative
Computer Engineer
Computer Security Analyst
Database Developer
Entrepreneur
Government Policy Advisor
Industry Consultant
Information Security Analyst
Information Technologist
Inventory Control Manager
Journalist
Laboratory Technician
Lawyer
Logistics Specialist
Marketing Coordinator

Media Correspondent
National Security Consultant
Network Security Specialist
Operations Manager
Patent Lawyer
Professor/Teacher
Project Manager
Researcher
Satellite Communications Specialist
Security System Programmer
Smart Phone App Designer
Software Engineer
Software Security Engineer
Systems Designer
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Writer
Web Designer

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Computer Security Degree

A background in Computer Security ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Skills

The ability to identify and eliminate potential threats to computer systems
Solid understanding of mathematics
An ability to think critically and rationally about challenging abstract concepts
An understanding of contemporary computer security on the personal and network level
Familiarity with software engineering techniques and scripts
An understanding of the moral and ethical implications of computer security and some key relevant legal concepts

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements
Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.