//SRA: The Newest Member of the IST Family//
By James Mesta

With its approval by the faculty of the College of Information Sciences and Technology, with classes beginning in the fall 2006, the new Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis (SRA) is the future of security in today’s digital world. SRA provides students with the skills to understand concepts essential to security and problems faced when protecting infrastructures. Our society is dependent on digital information. This information is vulnerable to attack by hackers and thieves. The SRA student will learn how to protect these assets and help make for a safer environment.

Some of the specialized courses that are unique to the SRA major are as follows:

SRA 111: An introductory course with a broad focus, giving an overview of security, risk, and analysis. This course provides students with a basic understanding of security terminology and technology. It prepares students with the skills for the more in-depth courses like SRA 211, SRA 221, and SRA 311.

SRA 211: Provides students with an awareness of security threats from terrorism and crime and the nature of these threats. SRA 211 also explores the methods that are necessary to study terrorist and criminal activity. In this course, students also gain a deeper knowledge of the counter-measures needed to take of cyber-terrorism.

SRA 221: The focus of SRA 221 is to learn the principals of information security, managing security, cryptography, network and Web security, and Internet secure applications. Students will learn to plan and manage security, policies, disaster recovery plans, etc.

Along with these prescribed SRA courses, students will take IST courses that provide a background in network security, technical writing, and legal issues. There are three options to choose from when a student decides to major in Security and Risk Analysis. There is the Intelligence Analysis and Modeling Option, which focuses on the knowledge and skills involved in the strategic and tactical levels of intelligence collection and decision-making. The Information and Cyber Security Option prepares students with the skills and technologies associated with network security, cyber-threat defense, and information warfare. Finally, the Social Factors and Risk Option includes legal, regulatory, ethical, and other social factors associated with risk and assurance.

There are numerous jobs and positions available with this exciting major. These job titles include, but are not limited to:

 

Along with this new major, a new club In the College of Information Sciences and Technology has arisen: The Security and Risk Analysis Club. The SRA Club provides students with the similar interest of Security and Risk Analysis with a group that creates a stimulating environment for students to learn more about the major and how it is affecting the world. Students in the club hear guest speakers and take part in technical workshops and interactive presentations. The SRA club gives its members a chance to get to know professors and network themselves to companies that are hiring SRA graduates. Students interested in the club are strongly recommended to get involved. They can do this by visiting the SRA club’s Web site:

http://www.personal.psu.edu/jzl158/sra/about.html

It is a good way to meet students and friends with potential interest in security.

 

The Security and Risk Analysis major opens the door to an exciting future profession that can really make a difference in the world. If you are interested in this major, check out the clubs website and get involved. Students can also check out the major through IST’s Web site:

http://ist.psu.edu/currentstudents/undergraduate/sra/

Information Security is a necessity in today’s digital society. Take a look for yourself. Security is a topic on everybody’s mind and it is here to stay.

 

 

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Questions? Comments? Please e-mail mist@ist.psu.edu for feedback. All original content is intellectual property of its authors. The views and messages expressed are solely that of the respective authors and are not endorsed in any way by the School of IST, Penn State, or any affiliates.