USF Sarasota-Manatee introduces five new information security classes 

SARASOTA, FL (December 19, 2006) – Information is one of the most valuable – and vulnerable – assets in today’s competitive business environment. Protecting information such as customer records, personal information, trade secrets, and product design details from fire, floods, natural disasters, cyber theft or human fallibility requires both diligence and training in the advanced field of Information Security, a specialization within the field of Information Technology. 

The University of South Florida at Sarasota-Manatee has announced the introduction of five new courses in Information Security (InfoSec), three of which will be offered for the spring semester beginning in January 2007, to meet the demand for well-educated InfoSec specialists. Students will learn how to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive information while it is being processed, moved or stored. The classes are recommended for undergraduates in Information Technology, as well as people already employed in the field of IT. 

“Specialists in Information Security are in very strong demand in every sector of business and government,” said Sunita Lodwig, a professor in the department of Information Technology at USF Sarasota-Manatee. “The prevalence of hackers in cyberspace makes it essential that businesses employ specialists who can protect a company from attack. Employment data and salary surveys suggest that Information Security is a fast growing specialization within the lucrative field of Information Technology.” 

Topics covered in classes for Spring 2007 offer an overview of security management techniques and concerns, operating systems security for Windows and Linux, cryptography, and disaster preparedness.  Students still have time to sign up for Spring classes, which begin January 8, 2007. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee is an upper-level campus for those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree who are interested in earning a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification or continuing education credit. The regional campus offers the prestige of a national Research I university with the convenience of a hometown campus, including classes in south Sarasota County at MCC Venice. For more information call USF Sarasota-Manatee at (941)359-4330 or visit www.sarasota.usf.edu.