In the 1967 Oscar-winning film The Graduate, the future was plastics. Now, almost 60 years later, the future is advanced computing.
Lamar University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Information Sciences program equips graduates for high-demand, future-proof professions through studies that include:
- Programming structured data types, object-oriented paradigms and design and the use of classes
- Algorithm design techniques, performance measures, analysis tools and problem areas
- Network routing, flow control, capacity assignment, protocols, coding and multiplexing
- Software engineering methodologies, performance measurement, validation and verification and quality assurance
- Cybersecurity systems and networks, various attacks and defenses and encryption
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts demand for computer and IT professionals will increase much faster than the average of all other professions as employers add nearly 400,000 positions annually through 2032.
How Does Artificial Intelligence (AI) Drive Innovation and What Are Challenges to Using It?
The IEEE Computer Society ranks AI as the most widely adopted and fastest-expanding advanced technology. Popular web-based platform ChatGPT gained over a million users in its first week of operation, and similar large language models (LLMs) power everything from customer service chatbots to content generators and translation applications.
“2023 was a huge year for AI in all forms. Its influence on a wide variety of other technological solutions created a ripple effect that has launched a whole new set of possibilities,” the professional organization noted.
IEEE Computer Society lists AI’s most significant advances, including innovations in robotics and brain-machine interfacing, remote healthcare wearables and assisted computer development operations. However, in addition to these benefits, there are challenges, such as the need to protect AI systems and processes.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities specific to AI include biased or failed algorithms that can produce false positives or negatives in predictive analytics. Manipulating AI models is another red flag. Closing the talent gap created by the complexity of the technology may be the biggest challenge.
According to IBM, “Aside from foundational differences in how they function, AI and traditional programming also differ significantly in terms of programmer control, data handling, scalability and availability.”
What Is Edge Computing?
As the global economy accelerates its digital transformation, cybersecurity professionals are engaged in a cat-and-mouse game to protect data and networks from increasingly sophisticated hackers.
Edge computing pushes the defensive perimeter of digital security out to the data source — anything from a retail store cash register to Internet of Things (IoT) devices — before moving it into centralized servers or the cloud for analytics or storage. This supports real-time processing that enables users from the C-suite to the frontlines to make better decisions faster and more accurately.
Moreover, processing data near its source enables immediate encryption to reduce exposure in transit. It also provides security professionals with advantages of faster threat detection, segmenting networks to contain breaches and ensuring continuity of computing operations within the edge perimeter.
Dell predicts that “[T]he global edge computing market [will] skyrocket from a valuation of $15.96 billion in 2023 to a staggering $139.58 billion by 2030. Such growth doesn’t just signify adoption but screams the immense benefits this technology offers.”
How Do Zero Trust Models Improve Cybersecurity?
Zero Trust frameworks take cybersecurity beyond the edge by assuming there is no edge or perimeter defense. They provide continuous authentication, authorization and validation for all users, including vendors outside their business partners’ networks.
The IoT, 5G and ongoing migration of computing and data operations to the cloud drive the adoption of Zero Trust technology. Those sources and networks transmit data over the internet, a potential weakness in cyberdefenses. The security community now believes that a hack is a “when,” not “if,” proposition, making Zero Trust mandatory.
“If a breach does occur, minimizing the impact of the breach is critical. Zero Trust limits the scope of credentials or access paths for an attacker, giving time for systems and people to respond and mitigate the attack,” CrowdStrike explains.
What Impact Will Quantum Computing Have on the Future?
McKinsey & Company emphasizes how quantum computing could change the world, from managing climate change to revolutionizing life sciences and financial services. While only a few quantum computers are operational, McKinsey & Company says investing in the technology is booming. “However, with this fast-paced growth, demand for experts with advanced degrees in the field is outpacing available talent,” the consultancy noted.
“One of the best ways to future-proof your computer science career is to master the core concepts and principles of the discipline, such as algorithms, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, databases, and software engineering,” according to an article on LinkedIn. Earning a B.S. in Computer Information Sciences degree online from Lamar University will give you the knowledge to apply these concepts in computer science roles
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Sciences program.
