Abstract
As information systems within organizations have become more complex, interdependent, and dispersed, there is an increasing need for all employees to have an in-depth understanding of IT security. In this paper, we discuss the need for the information systems domain to better address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals by ensuring that IT security is considered as a core course in IS curriculum. To support this argument, we discuss how universities are uniquely positioned to address the potential benefits, downsides, and opportunities that are inherent in the multiple pathways available for becoming a cybersecurity professional. Additionally, we argue that simply covering security across all IS courses through modules or offering IT security as an elective course is an insufficient way to address security. We proposed a research methodology that will use an industry fit-gap approach to assess current and future cybersecurity needs and advocate for the inclusion of IT security as an core course in IS curriculum.
Recommended Citation
Avery, Atiya and Oakley, Richelle L., "The Business Case for IT Security as a Core Course in IS Curriculum" (2019). AMCIS 2019 Proceedings. 32.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2019/is_education/is_education/32
The Business Case for IT Security as a Core Course in IS Curriculum
As information systems within organizations have become more complex, interdependent, and dispersed, there is an increasing need for all employees to have an in-depth understanding of IT security. In this paper, we discuss the need for the information systems domain to better address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals by ensuring that IT security is considered as a core course in IS curriculum. To support this argument, we discuss how universities are uniquely positioned to address the potential benefits, downsides, and opportunities that are inherent in the multiple pathways available for becoming a cybersecurity professional. Additionally, we argue that simply covering security across all IS courses through modules or offering IT security as an elective course is an insufficient way to address security. We proposed a research methodology that will use an industry fit-gap approach to assess current and future cybersecurity needs and advocate for the inclusion of IT security as an core course in IS curriculum.