Work in progress - integration of multidisciplinary security and risk analysis undergraduate program components into a four-year electromechanical engineering technology program

Abstract

Although information systems increase productivity in organizations, they also make the Information Technology (IT) assets within these organizations vulnerable in the context of cyber security. Thus, the designers and users of IT in these organizations need to have adequate education in the cyber security threats and be ready to take the appropriate actions necessary for protecting their IT assets. The growing awareness has resulted in a significant demand for information systems security and risk analysis education. Proper training in security and risk analysis can be very helpful in confronting cyber security threats and protecting vital information. Problem solvers with appropriate skills and relevant experience are needed in the security and risk analysis domain. The Penn State University Altoona College realizes that it is very important for its BSEMET degree students to be knowledgeable about information systems security and risk analysis since engineers are now expected to have at least a basic understanding of current threats and how these threats affect product development, personal safety, employee productivity, and organizational expenses. The main focus of this manuscript, is a perspective on how Penn State University-Altoona College is taking steps to integrate the security and risk analysis concepts from the SRA degree program into its four-year electromechanical engineering technology program.