What is Information Assurance?

Information Assurance (IA) Awareness Program (AFI33-204) has defined the term as "Conducting those operations that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. This includes providing for restoration of systems by incorporating protection, detection, and reaction capabilities."

On May 9, 2003, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved the preliminary plans for a new academic degree program at Dakota State University to meet the growing demand for persons trained in computer security and information assurance. Information assurance covers the technology issues such as computer network design, network infrastructure, cryptography, intrusion detection, authentication of users, data integrity, disaster recovery, securing the financial transaction as well as the financial institution. The wide range of the curriculum in Information Assurance is a testament to how technology has permeated our professional as well as personal lives.

Why IA at DSU now?

The sounds of clashing can be heard throughout industry, government offices, university campuses and financial institutions. The sound is that of the industrial age giving way to the knowledge age. This has been proliferated by the personal computer, and now special opportunities exist for Dakota State University students. By revamping our Bachelors degrees in technology and by adding a new Masters degree in Information Assurance, Dakota State University is seizing the opportunity to target curriculum for a job market that is heavy in need and light in qualified applicants.