How is a Computer Network Formed: Will I Need Formal Education in this Career Field? Because computers are a part of our every life, having skilled IT network experts are a must and the larger the network, the more important it is to have IT professionals on staff. Computer networks are formed for a group of people and devices to effectively communicate with each other. In short, a computer network is a collection of two or more computers, servers, mainframes, devices, and peripherals that are connected to one another to enable users to share data. How Are Computer Networks Formed Computer networks are formed by using nodes and connections (links) that enable teams to communicate with each other. Each node uses a network interface card that defines how it interacts with the network. Each network card has its own numeric address. These codes can enable computer users to gain access or in other cases restrict access to computer data. The larger the network, the more complex the process will be; often you will need to add devices like signal boosters, bridges, switches and routers to link together all the networks. Probably the most important part of creating a new computer network, is implementing a cyber security plan so that all network computers are free from malware and other security issues that could infect every computer on the network and possibly lead to loss of data and employee downtime. What is the Best Way to Start a Career in Cyber Security and IT Networking? The best way to learn how to begin a career in cyber network security or learn how to create computer networks is to get a formal education. Those that pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Systems with a major in Cyber and Network Security will learn many important skills such as how to: Administer, manage and troubleshoot hardware, software for small and large computer networks Utilize cybersecurity techniques to protect data Implement internal systems, policies and procedures to keep the organizations’ data safe Analyze and test system vulnerabilities Monitor and create defense process for computer networks Those that graduate with their degree will have a wide range of career choices to explore, including: Information security analyst Network administrator positions Technical support and help desks Network infrastructure support areas in routing, server management, and switching Network security analyst Network applications supervision/management Information technology solutions provider Network implementation expert What are the benefits of formal education in this field? Many people that are well versed when it comes to computer security and networking processes, but more and more organizations are looking for those have formal educations. This means that they have training in a wide range of different processes and in-depth knowledge of how computer systems work. Those that have degrees typically get jobs quicker and have more job security; they could also command higher salaries than those without degrees. They also tend to advance as many courses include leadership and management courses that position them well for higher-level, executive positions. Are you interested in cyber and network security? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University can help. For more information on this exciting program, connect with a helpful admissions representative today. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make! DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content. Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.