Security Journal on Ulitzer

As more business is conducted online and additional files are stored on remote servers rather than in local filing cabinets, keeping private information secure has become increasingly more complex and complicated. The migration of data online and career opportunities, for those with a background in information security, continues to grow despite the slowing economy.

DeVry University explores this topic in an online roundtable with three noted information security experts. They will discuss the current trends in information security, specifically: its role in the marketplace, career outlook, impact of new threats on the latest innovations, and government regulation, among many others. The expert roundtable participants include:

• Lewis Shepherd, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft’s Institute for Advanced Technology in Governments;
• John Giancola, Dean, College of Engineering & Information Sciences, DeVry University; and
• Michael A. Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Savid Technologies, Inc.

The roundtable discussion is available online at www.devry.edu/roundtable and conversation is welcomed on the topic on the DeVry University Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/DEVRYUNIVERSITY.

“Despite the recession, IT specialists holding certifications in information security have been in strong demand,” said Giancola. “Since society has become more mobile and unwired, our personal data is accessible in so many ways – from cell phones to laptop computers – Information security experts work behind the scenes to make sure our personal information is not compromised.”

DeVry University offers a breadth of course offerings in Computer Information Systems with a specialization in Information Systems Security. Alumni work as network systems and data communications analysts, information systems security specialists, disaster recovery agents, IT managers and computer forensics specialists.

“I have been in the IT industry for about eight years, working on information security-related projects for most of my career,” says Najmus Qazi, a DeVry University alumnus from Chicago working in the telecommunications industry. “Most recently, companies have been paying more attention to their information security due to the simple fact that there are a lot of bad guys with ingenious ways of stealing data. The constant change and evolution of my role has made it incredibly exciting.”

The goal of the roundtable is to provide facts to those who would like to learn more about information security, as well as a look into the future role of information security.

About the roundtable participants:

Lewis Shepherd
Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft’s Institute for Advanced Technology in Governments

Shepherd spent two decades working in and around Silicon Valley, but after Sept. 11, he focused on technologies to support the intelligence community later becoming the senior technology officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency. The role of Microsoft’s Institute for Advanced Technology in Governments, where Shepherd serves as the CTO, is to bring Microsoft’s world-leading advanced research and development activities to solve intractable problems in the global public sector.

John Giancola
Dean, College of Engineering & Information Sciences, DeVry University

Giancola has dedicated 38 years and counting to education with DeVry University. He taught electronics for 24 years before becoming the chair and ultimately a program dean. Giancola has a mission to ensure appropriate programs and courses are created on a timely basis keeping students on the forefront of technology’s future. As a former owner of a networking company specializing in point of sale hardware and software application, Giancola knows first hand the importance of securing information for retailers and their customers.

Michael A. Davis
Chief Executive Officer, Savid Technologies, Inc.

As CEO of a technology and security consulting firm in Chicago, Davis specializes in risk assessment (policy development, security life cycle, and managed services), compliance, enterprise networks (virtualization, active directory and network design) and application development. Additionally, Davis is a contributing author to “Hacking Exposed,” a leading book on hacker methodology and “Hacking Exposed: Malware and Rootkits.” Information security has been a large part of Davis’ career; he was once a senior manager of global threats at McAfee, Inc., a leader in anti-virus protection, where he led a team of researchers investigating confidential security research.

DeVry University offers a high-quality, affordable education with a strong focus on careers starting at enrollment. Students are realizing that the earlier they focus on their career path, the more easily and quickly they will obtain employment in their desired field after graduation. Since DeVry University focuses on careers of the 21^st century, they are able to connect students with employers who are looking to fill these positions.