Information Security and Cyper Security

Cyber Security also known as Information Technology (IT) Security focuses on protecting computers, networks, servers, mobile devices, and data from malicious attacks. The growing number of devices connected to the internet and new innovative attacks from cyber criminals represent some of the biggest challenges for Cyber Security experts.

Some of the topics you can expect to study are: fundamental security design principles, IT systems components, script programming, cryptography, cyber threats, forensic accounting, legal and ethical issues, and others.

Cyber Security or IT Security professionals protect sensitive data for organisations from different fields, like banking, retailing, healthcare, education, social media, etc. As a Cyber Security expert, you are responsible for maintaining, evaluating, and improving the security infrastructure. Cyber Security specialists install firewalls, monitor network activity, back up data and create and implement security policies and procedures. If there is a web security breach, experts fix it as soon as possible and find ways to prevent future attacks.

Some of the skills you need to develop to become a successful IT security professional are analysis and problem solving, decision making, organisation and time management, attention to details, communication and creativity.

After graduation, Cyber Security students find work as cryptographers, information security officers, security engineers, penetration testers, forensics experts, security administrators, ethical hackers, etc.

Students with a high school diploma or its equivalent from outside Jordan can enroll in higher education institutions directly through websites of public and private universities or intermediate community colleges based on their averages. Universities implement the credit hours system, which allows students to choose courses according to their study plan.

Students wishing to enroll in a master's program must hold a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, students who wish to enroll in doctoral programs must hold a master's degree.

In addition, students wishing to enroll in postgraduate programs are required to provide a certificate confirming their English proficiency level in a TOEFL or IELTS exam. They could also demonstrate a certain proficiency level in French or German. Lastly, they could take an English language exam held by the higher education institution they apply in.

In the event that the student fails to prove the required level of English, German or French, or fails the English equivalency exam, they may study a qualifying program in English at the university where they undertake additional six credit hours; he/she must score a minimum grade that varies according to their specialization.

Students can apply for admission to a higher education institution in Jordan through the following:

1. Applying directly to the institution of higher education of their choice. Many higher education institutions in Jordan have online application services or through university service offices; while some institutions accept applications through mail. Each higher education institution determines its own enrollment requirements. Therefore, a prospective student should communicate with the institution they wish to apply to in order to know the specific admission requirements and procedures.
2. Applying directly through the free on-line application
3. Communicate with the Directorate of International Student Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and apply to any higher education institution