The field of cybersecurity is an overarching theme in many disciplines available to study at Old Dominion University. One of the most commonly thought of major relating to cybersecurity is Information Technology (IT). Work in IT is important for cybersecurity because it is directly involved in all facets of computer-based systems and their hardware and software. IT recognizes the large number of attacks that computer systems are pitted against daily. IT’s goal is to protect systems from these breaches without altering their makeup to allow for the organization to continue running safely.
The need for cybersecurity can, also, be seen in the field of engineering. Engineering attempts to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical, useable applications in society. The most likely types of engineers to be involved in the cybersecurity environment are computer engineers, electrical engineers, systems engineers, and engineering management, among others. As the use of technology becomes more widely available, so does the potential threat level for the engineering community via cyber-attacks.
Leadership is an important major that relates to cybersecurity. Leadership is important to cybersecurity because without leadership, there will not be set guidelines for responding to a cyberattack. Leadership qualities allow an individual to plan for cyberattacks, as well as provide budgeting and staffing costs for preparation for possible cyberattacks. By being a proactive leader, data breaches via the cyber medium can be avoid or quickly patched. Leadership provides the framework for preparedness needed in the quickly evolving cyber world.
The last major that relates to cybersecurity that I will be discussing is Criminology or criminal justice. Criminal justice seeks to focus on the potential and actual crimes being committed via the cyber medium. There is a need to identify how these crimes are committed and what the physical police response should be when these actions occur. The appropriate response and punishment are also frequently discussed. Criminology seeks to find out who committed the crime and the motives behind the action. The breaches in cybersecurity through cybercrimes has a physical impact to be considered.