Presently, where usage of computers and other different technologies are simplifying the work of business people at the same time it is also increasing the threat of losing important data or information due to possible theft. The increasing dependency of business on a computerized network is forcing employers to hire professionals such as network security managers, risk managers and information security officers. These professionals are very important personnel and play the key role in protecting the information infrastructure from unscrupulous hackers or other evildoers.

However, performing the responsibilities of a network security or information security officer is not always an easy job. The job profile actually demands good analytical skills along with proper knowledge of risk and operation management. Addressing to meet this rising demand, these days many universities of the United States are offering criminal justice programs in business security and assurance.

A business security and assurance program can help an individual to empower with all the skills necessary for employment in this fast-growing field. The program teaches skills to an individual that he or she can effectively utilize to offer security for business computer data and network. In fact, the program is generally framed for adding and improving skills required for assessing network risks and managing or developing long-term strategies for business security. Classes are usually computer-oriented and basically emphasize web security and networking. Adding to this, the curriculum of the degree program generally focuses on different chapters that are vital for securing corporate computers and networks like information security auditing, database integrity, network forensics, information systems, etc.

In recent times the program has gained enough popularity and pulled the attentions of many professionals who are looking to advance their career. These days many professionals are selecting this program to explore new job opportunities in a variety of fields including financial services and information technology. Adding to this, graduates with this degree can even earn a good salary. While a security manager can earn between $85,000 and $113,000 yearly, the web security managers can easily earn the salary between $107,000 and $133,000. Similarly, a network operations manager can enjoy a decent yearly earnings starting from $75,000 to $98,000.

No doubt, today every business depends on computer networks and stretched throughout the entire nation and at times even to other countries. Adding to this, almost every network is not free from security breaches. The professionals who can provide security to these businesses from different risks are in big demand and this requirement actually expected to grow further in the next few years. This clearly shows that any individual with a business security and assurance degree will have a bright and lucrative career.

The world is in a flux and continues to change rapidly. The next level of theft and security issues arises from information. However, this information is no longer limited to paper or hard copies and has transitioned to digital and electronic formats.

The field of Business Security and Assurance addresses these threats. It spans a broad spectrum of threats that arise from business continuity and security concerns. Examples that have also made headlines in media are accounting fraud, violations of statutory laws, destruction of business assets like physical premises and breaches of information security. It is all about disaster recovery, managing risks, logistics, Operations Management and of course, information systems. It provides grounding on computer science and technology.

Career prospects are good in this discipline since all organizations now have to deal with information related issues and business continuity aspects. Obviously, the increase in scale of cyber attacks underscores the need for specialists in this area. Further, the field is ever green and spans different departments in organizations. Moreover, the threat perception is constantly changing and this means more specialists in this field. Salary outlook is good with an annual starting salaries ranging from $26,000 to $53,000. In fact, in some cases, salaries peaked at $70,000 as per the survey conducted by Robert Half International in 2005.

Programs are offered by several institutions and universities. The University of Phoenix is one of them offering several programs that include Business Security and Assurance. Similar programs are offered by ITT Technical Institute across multiple locations. American InterContinental University provides programs that are meant not only for students but also for professionals. Walden University on the other hand primarily focuses on offering Business Security courses for working professionals. In contrast, Kaplan University targets online learning offering accredited online courses for working professionals to enhance their certifications.