Careers in Cyber: Information Systems Auditor

Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

All businesses need to make sure that their information technology (IT) systems are running securely and smoothly and are protected from outside threats. Information systems auditors, or IT auditors for short, are professionals who make sure IT systems are appropriately managed and are functioning properly. If you are a cyber junkie and are a detail-oriented person, this might be a perfect career for you. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is an Information Systems Auditor?

To be an IT auditor, you must pass certification, and so technically, these professionals are known as certified information systems auditors (CISA), as designated by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). We will talk more about this certification later. For the purpose of this article, we will refer to these professionals by their common name, IT auditors. They work in large and small companies and, simply put, they oversee, manage, and protect that company’s IT systems.

Earn the degree IT employers are looking for with a BS in Cybersecurity from Excelsior.

What Does an Information Systems Auditor Do?

IT auditors perform audits on the general IT structure of an organization, its application controls, and its system security, and also perform risk assessments. Let’s explore some of their specific roles and responsibilities.

Information Systems Auditor Roles and Responsibilities

IT auditors are heavily involved in auditing and testing IT systems. Here are some of their main responsibilities:

  • Implementing risk management-based audit strategy
  • Planning audits to determine if IT assets are protected, managed, and valuable
  • Executing audits in compliance with an organization’s standards and objectives
  • Sharing audit results and providing recommendations
  • Performing re-examinations to ensure recommended actions have been performed
  • Obtaining, installing, and integrating software
  • Maintaining an IT portfolio

    • IT auditors are also responsible for working directly with an organization’s management department to make sure security standards and procedures for an IT system are carried out and maintained appropriately.

    Information Systems Auditor Education Requirements

    To become an IT auditor, it’s important to have the right amount of education. Typically, employers prefer a master’s or bachelor’s degree from a university that supports ISACA programs.

    Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed to prepare students for cybersecurity-related jobs in the U.S. Cyber Command, the NSA’s signal intelligence operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies, and corporate environments. Excelsior’s Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations helps students build their skills in threat detection, incident response, information assurance, defense mitigation, and risk assessment, so you can make sure your career is ready for whatever comes next. Both these options are excellent choices for students planning to enter the field of IT auditing.

    It is important to note that designated CISAs continue their professional education and keep their knowledge in information systems, auditing, and control up to date. Therefore, IT auditors are required to undergo 20 hours of training per year with a minimum of 120 hours in a three-year period.

    About the Certified Information Systems Auditor Exam

    As mentioned, to be an IT auditor, you need to pass the certified systems auditor exam sponsored by ISACA. The CISA exam is open to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in auditing, control, and security. The four-hour test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions centered around five job domains: information systems auditing process; governance and management of IT; information systems acquisition, development, and implementation; information systems operations and business resilience; and protection of information assets. A passing score is 450 or higher (on a scale of 200-800).

    You might be wondering why it’s important to be certified as a CISA. Well, with a CISA certification, you have a more competitive advantage in the marketplace and you certainly have more credibility in the workplace. Not to mention, it has a large impact on your salary. According to TechTarget, CISAs make between $52,459 and $122,326 per year!

    If becoming an IT auditor sounds like the career choice for you, consider speaking with a Excelsior admissions counselor today to get started in a cybersecurity program.

    Career Spotlight: Business Analyst

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Do you like making important decisions that affect the way things are run? Do you like having an influence on others? Do you like working for companies, big and small? Maybe becoming a business analyst is the right job for you. A business analyst is important to many businesses because they help with budgeting and identifying problems in the market. As a business analyst, you would have a key role in ensuring businesses run well and anticipating and solving any problems that arise.

    Let’s explore this job more.

    What Is a Business Analyst?

    Business analysts help organizations assess their business models, contribute to budgeting, analyze processes, and assist staff members with making profitable decisions. As a business analyst, it’s important to have knowledge of both business strategies and trends in the industry you work. Many business analysts also work with IT departments to make sure the technology supports a business’ needs.

    What Does a Business Analyst Do?

    Now that you know what a business analyst is, let’s find out more about what they do. The primary job of a business analyst is to identify a business’ needs and help the business evolve. They coordinate with all departments in a business and help increase productivity among staff. In the next section, we’ll break down the day-to-day duties of a business analyst.

    Business Analyst Responsibilities

    Depending on what kind of business they work for, a business analyst can have many different duties and responsibilities. Generally, they research and present solutions, and then help implement these solutions. In an average day, business analysts may do any of the following:

    • Communicate with staff to understand the needs of the business
    • Conduct surveys, workshops, and tests
    • Assist with project management for selected projects
    • Collaborate with the product manager in planning and prioritization
    • Write clear and well-structured business requirements
    • Test business processes and recommend improvements
    • Create suggestions and solutions for strategic and operational changes
    • Identify automation opportunities
    • Invent systems or processes necessary to implement changes
    • Create reports for business performance
    • Support staff as solutions are implemented
    • Evaluate impact of changes made

    How to Become a Business Analyst

    According to Indeed.com, business analysts earn an average of $75,165 per year and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this career and careers like it will grow 25 percent between 2020 and 2030. Doesn’t it sound like a great opportunity? Wait a second, though. If you are interested in becoming a business analyst, you should be aware that you need a certain level of education and work experience to enter this field. Let’s take a closer look.

    Business Analyst Education Requirements

    Many employers require you have at least a bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position as a business analyst. Advanced positions may require a master’s degree or higher. Many graduates have backgrounds in business, engineering, marketing, and statistics. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Business program will give you a broad foundation in liberal arts and sciences, as well as the knowledge you need to create effective business strategies and achieve measurable results for your employer. The Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Business and Management program includes coursework in accounting, financial management, marketing, project management, employee relations, leadership, management practice, business communication, and global commerce. Both are good choices if you want to pursue a career as a business analyst.

    It’s also highly recommended that you earn a certification to expand your skill set. An IIBA Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) is a wise move if you’re just starting out. The other three certifications you should be aware of are:

    • IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
    • IIBA Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA)
    • PMI Professional in Business Analytics (PMI-PBA)

    Business Analyst Work Experience

    As an entry-level business analyst, you will probably start by working under a senior analyst. After a few years, you may be able work independently and be able to work directly with senior management and stakeholders. You may also obtain other positions such as a functional analyst, systems analyst, or financial analyst. Your career can only go higher; if you stay on your career path, you may see yourself as a senior business analyst, business manager, business architect, or in VP-level positions.

    As you can see, the possibilities are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Contact an Excelsior admissions counselor today and get started on your path to becoming a business analyst!

    Career Spotlight: Certified EKG Technician

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Have you or someone you know ever had their heart monitored electronically? A technician attaches electrodes to your chest (and maybe arms and legs in other circumstances) and reads the results on an EKG machine nearby. The person who does this is a certified EKG technician, also known as an electrocardiograph technician. It’s a fascinating career that you might find could be the right choice for you.

    What Is a Certified EKG Technician?

    Certified EKG technicians work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient centers, doctors’ offices, labs, and private practices. They use special equipment to measure a patient’s heart activity and relay this information to other health professionals so they can treat cardiovascular conditions. Certified EKG technicians are often the first person to discover any irregularities in the heart that could lead to disease or other problems.

    What Does a Certified EKG Technician Do?

    As mentioned, certified EKG technicians have the important job of monitoring a person’s heart for any abnormalities. Their other day-to-day tasks and responsibilities include:

  • Obtaining patients’ medical histories
  • Preparing patients for procedures, including positioning them correctly
  • Educating patients about testing procedures
  • Ensuring equipment is in good operating order
  • Attaching leads to patients, chest, arms, and legs
  • Performing stress tests
  • Administering EKG tests
  • Verifying the quality of test data
  • Delivering test results to physicians and other medical professionals
  • Performing administrative tasks like making appointments and keeping records
  • Assisting physicians during procedures
    • • Ready to do more in your health care career? Get started with our bachelor’s in health sciences!

    How Do You Become a Certified EKG Technician?

    While it is true that becoming a certified EKG technician doesn’t require as much education as other careers, it is still important to make sure you have the right knowledge, training, and certification for this career. Let’s take a closer look.

    Certified EKG Technician Requirements

    Typically, a high school diploma is all that is required to become a certified EKG technician, but many employers prefer you earn an associate degree in a health-related field. In Excelsior University’s Associate in Science in Health Sciences program, you gain skills needed for entry-level jobs in medical office administration, health insurance member services, community health services, medical billing management, and human resources. This is a beneficial degree program if you’d like to become a certified EKG technician.

    You also need the appropriate certification to pursue this career.

    EKG Technician Training Online

    Through Excelsior’s partnership with MedCerts, students can obtain the qualifications and education they need to start their career in health care. MedCerts’ EKG technician program is ideal for those looking to learn about the in-demand field of electrocardiography. After studying with MedCerts, you can apply up to 9 credits from your MedCerts certification toward your Excelsior degree program, helping you save time and money as you pursue your degree.

    EKG Technician Certification

    Once you have had at least one year of experience working in the field as an EKG technician, you can sit for the certification exam through the National Healthcare Association. When you pass this certification, you will become a certified EKG technician (CET). You can also become a certified cardiographic technician (CCT) if you work with Holter monitoring and stress testing.

    It’s important to note that if you have certification, you are more marketable to employers and are a stronger candidate for job positions.

    Further Education for EKG Technicians

    While there is no legal mandate to continue your higher education for certified EKG technicians, you do need to renew your credentials every two years and pay a recertification fee. EKG technicians with the CCT credential must renew their credentials 9–12 months after first passing the exam and then every three years after that.

    It’s always a good idea to pursue higher learning and expand your knowledge base. Excelsior University’s bachelor’s in health sciences program covers the scope of responsibilities related to a spectrum of health care careers, and teaches you how to succeed as an employee in treatment centers, public health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical service or non-clinical health organizations. It is a good choice if you’d like to keep your skills as a certified EKG technician up to date and beneficial if you’d like to pursue other career goals.

    Certified EKG Technician Salary

    According to Salary.com, the average annual EKG technician salary in the United States is $40,700 as of June 2022, but the range usually falls between $36,100 and $47,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 24 percent growth in the demand for EKG technicians between now and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

    Career Spotlight: Incident Response Analyst

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    Ever wonder what it is like to fight an invisible fight? Incident response analysts are cyber defense warriors who are constantly fighting the invisible fight. They are responsible for keeping attacks from occurring in any organization. Many work independently as a consultant or are a key member of an organization’s cybersecurity or information technology team. According to Norton.com, there are around 2,200 cyberattacks a day in the United States. Incident response analysts work behind the scenes to keep networks and computer systems safe. Learn how you can be part of the invisible fight in this guide.

    Incident Response Analyst Job Description

    An incident response analyst’s main goal is to protect their organization’s network and computer systems. They work with the cybersecurity and information technology teams to fix and minimize damage when a crisis occurs.

    Typically, job duties of an incident response analyst includes:

  • Create protocols and procedures for end users to follow during security incidents
  • Implement security tools
  • Monitor computer systems and networks
  • Perform malware analysis and penetration testing
  • Research new tools, procedures, and protocols
  • Identify and investigate computer and network threats
  • Create incident reports for leadership and other users
  • Develop protection plan strategies

    • Incident response analysts are also responsible for finding new and better ways to protect the organization’s systems. They are constantly researching new ideas and ways to prevent cyberattacks from occurring.

    Depending on the organization, incident response analysts are likely to monitor systems in multiple locations. That being said, this job aligns well with remote work. Many incident response analysts monitor systems all over the country or even the world, and most incidents can be resolved remotely.

    Start your career defending against cyberattacks with a BS in Cybersecurity from Excelsior.

    Incident Response Analyst Skills

    Incident response analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. To succeed in leadership roles, most companies prefer candidates to have a master’s degree and multiple years of experience. Work experience, combined with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, and the following skills will set you up to be a great candidate for any incident response analyst position.

  • Analytical skills. You must study and understand computer systems, software, and networks to access risks and determine improvements for security policies and procedures.
  • Creative skills. This one might not seem as obvious, but incident response analysts must be creative to anticipate security risks and implement new ways to protect their organization.
  • Problem-solving skills. As an incident response analyst, you must problem-solve to fix and uncover security threats and flaws in systems and networks.
  • Communication skills.You need to be able to explain information security needs and potential threats to end users and leadership who may not understand technical terms.
  • Detail oriented. Incident response analysts must pay close attention to systems and networks. Any minor change can be a security threat.
  • Team player. When a security threat happens, incident response analysts must work together to minimize the threat as quickly as possible. It is important to have a team that you trust and work well with.

    • While all these skills are necessary, it is also important to be flexible and a continuous learner. Computer systems are constantly changing and evolving; incident response analysts must keep up with the latest trends, technology, education, and cyber threats within their particular industry.

    Incident Response Analyst Salary

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), incident response analysts make $102,600 on average per year. For entry-level positions, you can make around $61,520 with plenty of room for growth. Employment is expected to grow 35 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than all other occupations. Cyberattacks are growing in frequency daily, and more companies and organizations are hiring their own cybersecurity teams to ensure they are protected as best they can. Incident response analysts are necessary to protect and defend computer systems and networks from the ever-changing world of cyber threats.

    As an incident response analyst, you can work across any industry; the most common are state and government agencies, health care, higher education, fashion, sales, the police force, and many other industries. If you use a computer at work, you most likely have an incident response analyst on your information technology team.

    Earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Excelsior University today so you’re ready to fight the invisible fight!

    Career Spotlight: Project Manager

    Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

    Whether designing a shopping mall, conducting a marketing campaign, or developing a computer system, a company needs to make sure their project is done smoothly. This is where a project manager comes in. Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and completing a project. You can even go as far as to say they are responsible for the success or failure of a project. Let’s take a closer look at this position.

    What Is a Project Manager?

    Project managers initiate, execute, and complete projects across a range of industries, while also working within an organization’s constraints, such as budgets, schedules, and workforce. They use a variety of skills, including leadership, interpersonal, decision making, time management, and others to execute their jobs successfully. Additionally, project managers function as mediators between team members and executive staff; they are necessary for facilitating communication during all steps of a project.

    What Does a Project Manager Do?

    So now you know the basics of what a project manager is. But let’s take a look at some of the day-to-day tasks a project manager might be responsible for. Depending on the type of project, a project manager may do any of the following:

    • Meet with leadership to discuss an upcoming project
    • Talk to the finance team about increasing the budget
    • Create a risk assessment report
    • Check in with the project team for progress reports
    • Update the calendar to reflect timeline shifts
    • Understand what tools each team member needs to complete their piece of the project
    • Make sure the lines of communication are open
    • Be able to anticipate problems and adjust accordingly
    • Lead quality assurance
    • Moderate a post-mortem project meeting and gather feedback

    Other tasks and responsibilities include interviewing new staff members, conducting team meetings, holding private meetings with team members, and updating stakeholders on a project’s progress.

    Where Do Project Managers Work?

    Due to need for project management in any industry, project managers have the flexibility to choose an industry, including finance, construction, advertising, health care, information technology, and others. Project managers are usually most common, however, in companies where there are multiple departments and teams involved in many complex and extensive projects.

    How to Become a Project Manager

    If you’re interested in becoming a project manager, that’s great! It’s important to note that you need at least a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in either business or management to enter this field. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Business program can help you gain skills in accounting, business strategy, communication, computer skills, economics, business ethics, finance, global business, leadership, management, marketing, data analysis, and teamwork and cultural diversity. The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management program includes coursework in accounting, financial management, marketing, project management, and employee relations, as well as leadership, management practice, business communication, and global commerce. Either is a smart choice if you would like to become a project manager because you’ll build skills you can use on the job.

    Many employers may also prefer that you obtain a professional certificate or certification. Either option could help improve your resume and make you stand out in the job market. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to further your education, Excelsior’s Graduate Certificate in Advanced Project Management is an option to pursue. The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers resources that prepare you to pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam and obtain PMP certification. The PMI also administers the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), an entry-level certification that can help open a path for you.

    Project Manager Job Outlook

    According to PMI, the average salary of a project manager in the United States is $115,000, and Job Growth and Talent Gap report that 2.2 million new jobs are expected to open through 2027. Project management offers many career opportunities if you’re looking to test your leadership and creativity skills.

    If this sounds like the kind of job for you, speak to an Excelsior admissions counselor today and get started on your new career path.

    Día de los Muertos

    Posted on by Daniel Pascoe Aguilar

    What is Día de los Muertos

    Throughout history, Mexican culture has emphasized death as an integral part of the cycle of life. In contrast to the common understanding of death as the absence of life, Mexican people approach death in a transitional way. When someone dies, family and friends celebrate the afterlife in which the deceased is about to embark, as well as the life of the people who were close to the deceased. The idea of the oneness of life and death is a strong belief in México and is the main theme of the art and customs of the festival of El Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

    Many Mexican communities continue to keep alive the original traditions of the Day of the Dead. The Zapotecs of Oaxaca, for example, believe that the spirits of their dead relatives will return to their homes on the evenings of November 1 and 2. To welcome the spirits as honored guests, family altars or ofrendas are decorated and freshened, and graves are cleaned and beautifully decorated. The purpose of altars for the dead is to honor and please the returning souls. One does this by including items in the ofrenda, such as food and drink the honored souls enjoyed while they were on earth.

    The four elements of life (water, fire, earth, and wind) are represented in the ofrenda. Aztec representations included shells (water), candles (fire), musical flute (wind), and corn, cacao, and chile (earth). Here are some of the other offerings in the altar and what they represent:

  • Copal (incense): sign of worship
  • Zempasúchitl (marygold flower): passion for flowers and their brevity of life
  • Rooster feather: dawning of a new day
  • Dog: a guide to accompany traveling souls
  • Money: generosity and wealth, as well as paid fare for the crossing
  • Mirrors: duality of existence
  • Photographs: Love and a way to remember and learn about the virtues and abilities of the people represented in the ofrenda
  • Masks: respect and fear
  • Sugar skulls: a treat for all to enjoy during the celebration
  • Candles: guide the way of souls to the altar
  • Water: to quench the thirst of the traveling souls
  • Papel picado (tissue paper cut outs): to decorate the celebration

    • Excelsior University staff recommended articles, videos and activities:

    https://americanart.si.edu/blog/dia-de-los-muertos-united-states
    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/day-of-the-dead-la
    https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/best-dia-de-los-muertos-celebrations-us-day-of-the-dead
    https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-most-spirited-day-of-the-dead-celebrations-in-the-united-states
    https://www.mexconnect.com/articles/3099-mexico-s-day-of-the-dead-resource-page/
    https://cut-it-out.org/

    Excelsior University Provides Local High Schools with Snacks for Students

    Posted on by Erin Coufal

    Albany, N.Y. — Excelsior University’s community engagement group is partnering with local high schools for the 2022–23 school year to collect snacks for students to help combat food insecurity. Troy High School and Albany High School will receive the donations monthly from October through June.

    “We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with local high schools in the Capital Region to provide them with food and beverages for students in need,” said Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer of Excelsior University. “Such a simple act can go a long way in ensuring the health and education of the youth in our area. It also shows the students and their community that Excelsior believes in them and their future.”

    Food insecurity can impact the health and well-being of students as well as their academic performance. Excelsior staff are donating items such as granola bars, breakfast bars, fruit snacks, bottled water, and other snacks, and distributing them to schools for teachers to hand out in their classrooms as needed.

    “Staff at Excelsior have donated generously as we start this initiative,” said Zachary Patterson, chair of the community engagement group at Excelsior. “We are proud to support students of all ages and have had a wonderful response from the schools and teachers.”

    Troy High School Drop Off
    Albany High School Drop Off

    # # #
    Media Contact Excelsior University:
    Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

    ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY

    Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

    Career Spotlight: Cybercrime Investigator

    Posted on by Mary Kate Weaver

    It is not hard to find news of a data breach or cybercrime these days. These attacks can seriously damage large organizations, companies, and even individuals. Do you find yourself interested in investigative stories and TV shows, but you are not sure you want to be front and center with the physical action? A cybercrime investigator position might be for you. Combine your passion for investigations and your education in computer science or cybersecurity to start your dream career.

    What Is Cybercrime?

    Cybercrime is any criminal activity that involves a computer, device, or network. There are several reasons why someone commits a cybercrime. A few include:

  • To generate a profit for the cybercriminal
  • To damage or disable a computer, device, or network
  • To spread malware
  • To share any illegal information, images, or other materials

    • Some cybercriminals combine crimes to create even more damage. An example of this is someone targeting a specific computer with a virus that will spread the virus to the entire network.

    Effects of cybercrimes can include financial problems, ransomware attacks, email and internet fraud, and identity fraud. While all these effects are serious, any financial-related attack can be detrimental to the individual or corporation.

    Defend against digital crime with a cybersecurity degree from Excelsior.

    Cybercrime Career Opportunities

    As great as technological advances are, this progress opens additional doors for cybercriminals. Because of this, corporations and organizations are hiring more cybersecurity professionals to monitor and ensure the safety of their network. And, if a cybercrime happens to their company, they have the people and resources to handle it.

    Some cybercrime career opportunities include:

  • Digital forensic examiner: They analyze computers and digital devices to discover how unauthorized people accessed that particular system.
  • IT auditor: They assess an organization’s technology for potential security issues.
  • Cybercrime specialists: They work directly with cybercrime investigators to protect a company’s network and devices.
  • Penetration tester: They help a business identify security weaknesses before malicious hackers can do the same. Often times, penetration testers do this by attempting to breach computer networks with the company’s permission.
  • Security engineer: They design systems to keep a company’s computers, networks, and data safe. This includes cyber attacks, natural disasters, and anything else that can disrupt a system.

    • While all these positions are extremely important to a cybersecurity team, they work primarily to prevent crimes from occurring. Cybercrime investigators work with cybersecurity teams once a crime has been committed to collect data and evidence to help solve these crimes.

    What Is a Cybercrime Investigator?

    Cybercrime investigators take the lead role in all investigations involving cybercrimes. Whether the cybercrime investigator works for the state or federal government, or private organization, job responsibilities typically include the following:

  • Analyze computer systems and networks after a cyber attack occurred
  • Recover data that was destroyed or damaged
  • Gather evidence and computer network information
  • Prepare reports for leadership and the general public
  • Train law enforcement on cyber-related issues
  • Assess software applications and networks for security flaws

    • Cybercrime investigators are also responsible for identifying and recommending methods to prevent a similar cybercrime from occurring again. According to Salary.com, cybercrime investigators in the United States make $56,000 a year. Experience, education, and the organization employed by for play a huge role in determining the salary.

    How to Become a CyberCrime Investigator

    A cybercrime investigator is a highly skilled and specially trained investigator who works with cybersecurity and police teams. Check out the steps to becoming a cybercrime investigator below:

      Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. A bachelor’s degree is required for almost all entry-level cybersecurity positions.
      Step 2: Join a cybersecurity or computer science team to gain valuable experience in the field. Experience will allow you to understand how cybercriminals work and grow your knowledge of investigation principles and practices, as well as to increase your potential for leadership positions.
      Step 3: Earn your master’s degree in cybersecurity from Excelsior University. A graduate degree combined with work experience will prepare you for a successful career as a cybercrime investigator.

    What is Diwali?

    Posted on by Pamela Jimenez

    Every year in October or November, Hindus around the world celebrate the five-day festival of lights known as Diwali.

    In India, Diwali is one of the largest holidays that honors a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Diwali is widely observed by over one billion people in India of different faiths and its diaspora, the five days of Diwali are highlighted by fireworks, prayers, feast, family gatherings, and charitable giving.

    The dates of the festival are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, which marks each month by the time it takes the moon to orbit the Earth. Diwali begins just before the arrival of a new moon between the Hindu months of Asvina and Kartika which typically falls in October or November of the Gregorian calendar. This year it begins on October 22, with the most important date falling on October 24.

    While Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, it is also widely celebrated among Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists and there is no single story of origin. Each religion within the diaspora has its own historical narrative behind the holiday but they are all rooted in the victory of good over evil. In addition, legends of origin differ depending on the region in India. For example, in North India, Diwali commemorates Prince Rama’s triumphant return to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile due to the plotting of his evil stepmother—and after a heroic rescue of his wife Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, who had been kidnapped by the rival king Ravana.

    Meanwhile in South India, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura, who had imprisoned 16,000 women in his palace and administered hard punishments to any of his subjects who dared stand up against him. And in West India, the festival celebrates Vishnu’s banishment of King Bali—whose immense power had become a threat to the gods—to the underworld.

    Those that celebrate in America, bring the same tradition of prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving, and hope that the next generation of Indian Americans will have enough connection to Diwali that they’ll continue observing it when they get older.

    Attending Online Classes on Mobile Devices

    Posted on by Caitlin Abram

    Most of us rely on our smartphones to run our lives. Chances are high that you’re reading this article on a phone right now. As ubiquitous as our favorite mobile devices have become, you might be thinking that learning online means you can do all your schoolwork from the comfort of your own phone as well. But is it really going to make things easier in your courses or will the disadvantages of smartphones outweigh the benefits?

    Benefits and Disadvantages of Smartphones in Online Learning

    Before picking a device to use, it’s helpful take a closer look at what smartphones are good at and what they’re not so good at when it comes to online learning.

    Online Courses Overview

    First, figure out what your needs are going to be. You should understand what you’ll be expected to do in your online courses and what technology platform your school uses to deliver course content.

    At the college level, courses are reading and writing intensive. In addition to spending a lot of your time reading course literature, researching, and writing papers, you’ll be logging on weekly to submit assignments, participate in classroom discussions, and interact with your classmates and instructors.

    You’ll need a device that can handle large file formats so you can collaborate on presentations and create assignments in a variety of different formats. Already, mobile phones are at a disadvantage here. Consider a laptop instead, with its comfortable keyboard, large screen, and built-in features like cameras and multiple ports for USB drives, memory cards, and ethernet cables.

    Disadvantages of Using a Smartphone in Online Learning

    Smartphones are small enough to go anywhere, and their portable size, while a benefit in daily life, is a definite disadvantage in online courses. They’re built more for consuming content and not necessarily creating it. Small screen size and no external keyboard means that you’re not going to be able to easily multitask and reference that pdf research paper while you work on a three-page response essay and draft an email to your instructor.

    Plus, while you can take your phone everywhere, you might find yourself stuck next to an outlet charging more often than you’d like, as streaming videos and viewing presentations can drain your battery fast.

    Another disadvantage of smartphones is that they use mobile apps and operating systems that might make fully viewing your course content more difficult and are much less likely to be compatible with all the programs you will need to use. Excelsior uses Canvas for its online courses and while the platform does have a mobile app, there’s no guarantee it will function correctly on all mobile devices and there’s no tech support for those using it.

    Great Ways to Use a Smartphone in Online Courses

    Just because a smartphone shouldn’t be the only device you use for school, that doesn’t mean you have to completely set it aside for your courses. Phones are still great for other things, like watching video content, listening to recorded lectures or podcasts, and taking quick notes as you study

    Your smartphone is also a great tool for organizing your assignment due dates, setting reminders, and planning your daily schedule so when you do sit down to do your coursework, you’re ready to give it your full attention.

    Make sure you check with your school’s tech support team to ask what devices they do and do not recommend for their online courses. Excelsior recommends a laptop or desktop as the primary device you should use for your courses, with mobile phones only to be used as a secondary device when needed.

    Want to learn more about Excelsior’s online courses? An admissions counselor can help answer your questions and choose the best next steps for your education goals.

    Don’t Be a Contract Cheat

    Posted on by Caitlin Abram

    It’s late on a Friday night after a long, difficult week. You’ve worked hard, you’re exhausted, and all you want to do is lie down.

    There is an essay due for class on Monday that’s been hanging over your head for days, but the weekend is completely booked and you have no idea when you’re going to be able to work on it. You like the course, the essay is really no big deal, and you’re confident that if you had even a second of free time you could write something great.

    You know the material, you just need the finished product. Just something to hand in. Just so it’s done.

    You Google the name of the topic and the word “essay” and are surprised at how many results come up. You know it’s technically cheating to use something you find, but it would be just this once and it’s just so easy…

    Nope, stop right there! You are definitely cheating—contract cheating.

    What Is Contract Cheating?

    Contract cheating is a more formal way of describing the academic crime of outsourcing your course work and turning it in as your own. This can be the exchange of assignments for money like paying for work from an online essay mill. However, contract cheating also encompasses downloading free essays or trading assignments with students in other classes with no payment involved.

    Unlike plagiarism, which includes using the words and ideas of others in your work without proper attribution, contract cheating means you have done no work at all. Even worse, while plagiarism is often accidental, contract cheating is premeditated and entirely intentional.

    A sneakier way that contract cheating happens is what the Academic Integrity Office at UC San Diego calls “toxic help.” Toxic help can be given and received and can involve posting course materials and completed assignments online, the use of professional ”homework help” sites, or having friends and family do your work for you. Toxic help can feel well-intentioned, but if “tutoring” or “editing” help turns into work you did not do yourself, you’re still contract cheating.

    5 Tips to Avoid Contract Cheating

    It goes without saying that contract cheating is a bad idea. You shouldn’t do it. If you do, and you get caught, you’ll face consequences that could range from failing your course to being expelled from your degree program. Academic institutions are increasingly aware of this type of cheating and have ways to search for work they suspect is not a student’s own. This does not mean the idea of contract cheating doesn’t pose a temptation. Here are five tips to help you stay honest.

  • Talk to Your Professors
    Students are moved to cheat by a lack of confidence in their own time or talent to do the work themselves. If you’re feeling this way, tell your instructor! They are here to help talk through your concerns and find solutions so you can feel prepared and ready to do your best work. Your instructor would much rather help you improve your own original work that have you submit a lie.
  • Resist the Urge to Help Too Much
    It can feel good to be the “expert” or the “smart one” everyone goes to when they need help with schoolwork, and it can feel equally as easy to just give out answers or write a whole assignment for a student in need. Recognize when helping turns toxic. You’re cheating your friend and yourself in the process.
  • Reduce Your Stress. Boost Your Motivation
    When even confident, successful students feel pressured by the demands of work and life, contract cheating can start to look like a safety net. Examine what causes the most stress around your assignment due dates and find ways to reduce it before it turns desperate. Remember why you’re in school in the first place and focus on your goals. Schedule dedicated schoolwork time, away from distractions, that’s just for you.
  • Be on the Lookout
    The internet has a way of telling on itself. If you see your course materials or suspiciously specific information about your courses’ exams and assignments start showing up online, let your school know and you could be helping to stop contract cheating before it starts.
  • Support Academic Integrity
    Maintain your awareness of academic integrity from assignment to assignment and throughout the year. The International Center for Academic Integrity has resources for students and educators to spread awareness of academic integrity and collaborate on solutions for solutions on contract cheating and related issues.

    • 5 Takeaways from NY NECANN Cannabis and Hemp Convention

    Posted on by Emily Miller

    Since March 31, 2021, and the legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis in New York, the cannabis industry has continued to evolve. The opening of Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licenses has thrown yet another change in the mix.

    According to Tremaine Wright, chair of the New York State Cannabis Control Board, the approach New York state has taken to the cannabis industry is as “uniquely New York” as a New York bagel.

    5 Takeaways from NY NECANN:

      1. New York is challenging businesses to think about cannabis holistically.

    In her keynote address to open the conference, Wright urged individuals to remember that cannabis is an industry first and foremost, and it must be integrated into existing industries. The cannabis industry will be able to learn from and borrow from other industries, like the food industry, for example, when it comes to low-cost packaging or supply chain management for distribution within the state from New York farmers and growers.

    When considering entering the cannabis industry in New York, Wright believes the key to success lies in staying authentic to the business you currently run. If you are a lawyer, consider including cannabis clients. If you are an accountant, get trained to be able to take on cannabis retail businesses. If you make skincare products, branch out to include CBD, hemp, and/or THC cannabis products. If you offer yoga and meditations, consider creating cannabis-infused experiences.

    Less talked about is that with this creation of industry, regulations have changed for both CBD and hemp, and both substances are included under the purview of the Office of Cannabis Management. Hemp business registration has fewer regulations than THC cannabis, with a retail license fee of $300.

      2. Social Equity is at the heart of the industry in New York state.

    The first round of licenses, CAURD licenses, allow for those who are “justice-involved,” meaning individuals who have prior marijuana convictions in New York state or family members impacted by marijuana convictions, to have the opportunity to start turnkey dispensary businesses. While some criticisms exist around this program, New York is the first state to adopt this approach to righting what the state and industry see as injustices. But it is just the first step. Still to come are retail application periods for women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and disabled veteran-owned businesses before opening licensing applications to the general public.

    At the end of the day, the need for social equity does not only lie on the business side of the industry but also on the consumer side through medical use. The proposed medical regulations that are currently up for public comment eliminate some of the stigma around cannabis use. Under these regulations, any provider who can write prescriptions can prescribe whole flower cannabis for any condition certified by the practitioner.

      3. Banking and taxation continue to be a complex issue for cannabis business.

    The original Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) offered proposed taxation levels that would be levied on cannabis products. As the office has had a full year to get its bearings, more regulations are being released every quarter. As the development of the retail side of the industry begins, cannabis-trained accountants stress the need for specialty trained and experienced professionals as a part of retail business plans and strategy. These issues are not to be solved by federal legalization, but are only made more complex if and when federal legalization comes through. Federal legalization could add additional taxes on top of the state-imposed taxes.

    Banking remains a challenge for cannabis businesses. According to a representative from Lighthouse Biz, a cannabis banking solution based in Massachusetts, the banking challenges stem from risk management and compliance. While the SAFE banking act has yet to fully pass through Congress and become law, it will go a long way in helping to make cannabis banking more accessible from other financial institutions and entities. For now, finding a bank willing to take the risk of doing business with cannabis business can be a challenge.

    The commerce industry can be hard to wrap your brain around. In Excelsior’s cannabis control certificate program course CBC 602 Complexities of Cannabis as Commerce, students learn to navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry and prepare real-world strategies as they relate to the shifting tax burdens.

      4. Regulation is key. You need to know how to read it and understand it.

    Every month new regulations are released on the New York State Office of Cannabis Management website for public comment. Most recently released were proposed regulations for laboratory testing, packaging, labeling, marketing, and advertising, as well as revised regulations for medical cannabis. According to Wright, New York is determined to learn from legalization efforts of other states and create a model that can be used as additional states legalize cannabis.

    As new and revised regulations are released, it can be confusing for those entering the industry or the average layperson to understand what they mean and the impact the regulation will have on their individual businesses. Following the public comment periods, the state has either made changes to the regulation and re-published or added frequently asked questions documents to provide clarity. Keeping all of these regulations straight can be a full-time job in and of itself. In Excelsior’s cannabis control certificate course, CBC 601 Implications of Legalization of Cannabis: Policy and Commerce, students learn about the impact of legalization regulations and attempt to navigate the dilemma between policy and current legal regimes.

      5. There’s room for legacy businesses to go legal.

    Ignoring the fact that many cannabis businesses have operated in the shadows for decades would be a mistake. However, for those operating around the legalities of cannabis, it can be hard to make the transition from legacy businesses and learn the right strategies and steps to going legal. For many who have operated legacy businesses, they may not qualify for CAURD licenses or this type of license may not be the best choice for them as they lose control over many aspects of the business, including the branding of their products. Legal and accounting services exist within the industry to help these legacy businesses legitimize.