Critical aspects of our day-to-day survival hinge greatly on the uninterrupted flow of information. As the digital age has moved forward, it has streamlined military intelligence, allowed businesses to flourish internationally, restructured the transfer of funds, aided in the treatment of illnesses, and propelled scientific research. Yet, each of these great advances is accompanied by an enhanced threat.

Hackers, scam artists, terrorists, and all manner of cyber-criminals see our dependence on digital communication as a weakness to be exploited. If we are to continuing enjoying the benefits of this technology, we need people who can effectively defend us from those who would sabotage our world for personal gain.

Threats of the Digital Age

With the digitization of vital information has come the rise of cyber-criminals bent on creating havoc of all sorts.

• Identity Theft involves the fraudulent use of social security numbers, bank accounts, credit cards, and internet log-in information. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 16.6 million people, representing 7 percent of all persons age 16 or older in the United States, experienced at least one incident of identity theft in 2012.
• Infrastructure Security is a great concern to both government agencies and the private sector. In the past, hackers have been able to shut down online businesses, cripple and infiltrate government communications systems, and gain access to secure memory servers. High-level hacks are the work of career criminals who must dedicate a considerable amount of energy to undermining complex digital security systems.
• Terrorist Attacks often require the collaboration of hackers and petty cyber-criminals to gain access to false identities, stolen passports and social security numbers, and subvert the surveillance of the Department of Homeland Security.

Cyber-defense Solutions of the Digital Age

It’s important to note that cyber-defense is still in its infancy, and that the future defense of society’s delicate communications infrastructure requires creative individuals with expert training and a dedication to preserving public safety.

• The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with preventing and responding to terrorist attacks on home soil. Counter-terrorism begins with identifying possible threats and weaknesses. It requires tracking and intercepting would-be terrorists, and culminates with the prevention of an attack and the prosecution of criminals. Every aspect of homeland security revolves around the seamless and private transfer of information.
• Law Enforcement departments across the country rely on cyber-specialists to evaluate the validity of evidence, execute surveillance operations, profile cyber-criminals, and organize the communications systems. With the surge in identity theft cases, police departments across the nation are becoming well versed in the criminal consequences of the digital age.
• The Private Sector utilizes digital encryption methods that must be continuously updated to handle the latest viruses and hacking methods. Big businesses need cyber-crime specialists to respond appropriately when sensitive data is compromised, programmers to incorporate security elements into user-interfaces, and communications experts to facilitate international business models.
• The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was developed by the Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a digital communications tool to ensure that all government agencies work promptly and seamlessly in the event of natural or man-made emergencies. NIMS is expected to reduce loss of life, property, and harm to the environment (according to FEMA).
• Legislation on cyber-crimes has been evolving for several decades and will continue to do so as new technologies appear. Crafting the laws to govern the traffic of digital information requires a keen analysis of previous criminal justice cases, and an even more delicate scrutiny of how cyber-crimes affect civilian rights and safety.

Public safety in the digital age is highly dependent on a strong and well-educated workforce that is suitably trained to respond to terrorism and emergency incidents. The constant push forward in technology has made these positions indispensable to the nation and amongst the most flourishing career choices available.

ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security that you can earn in just two and a half years through our year-round schedule. If you’d like to explore this rewarding profession, contact ECPI University today. It could be the best decision you ever make!

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