I know my MS, but what about my BS?

[TsunamiJoe]

I know I want to take Computer Security and Information Assurance Master of Science provided by MIT(of which I cannot find information on what courses are suggested prior(such as a needed BS prerequisite)). I am planning on taking my BS at RIT, the only problem is, I don't know what one to take, and as I said before I cannot seem to find the list of suggested BS degrees, but I assume theyre similar to RIT's list which are a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, computer engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics or computer engineering technology.

Of which I have narrowed down to Computer Science, and Applied Mathematics.

Also since I cannot find proper information on MITs MS program I'll take what I found from RIT's which suggests a focus on four of the following: Computer System Security, Secure Database Systems, Secure Wireless and Wired Data Networks, Cryptography, Secure Software Engineering, Security, Law, Ethics and Policy, Research Methods, or Thesis.

Of which I have narrowed down to: Cryptography, Computer System Security, Secure Database Systems, and Secure Software Engineering.

My wanted career is a field agent for the CIA, which requires both combat training, foreign language, and computer systems knowlage. The combat training and majority of foreign language will be provided by the Army Rangers.

So basicaly what I am wanting to know, is what is your opinion on what BS degree I should earn in order to be best prepared for a focus in those areas? Also do you have a suggestion to alter my current preferance of what 4 areas I should focus on, because I am only completely positive on Cryptography being a field of study, the others are merely related subjects that I believe would proove useful.

 

[chroot]

If you'd like to eventually do a master's in computer security, you can do no better than to get a BS in computer science.

If you were interested in a master's in cryptography, applied mathematics might be better (cryptography is an abstract mathematical study that is not necessarily connected with any specific computing system), but if you want to do computer security, you need to know computers, inside and out.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Also, I'm curious -- how far along are you in your study of computer security and cryptography? I can perhaps provide some book recommendations.

- Warren

 

[Nenad]

My wanted career is a field agent for the CIA, which requires both combat training, foreign language, and computer systems knowlage. The combat training and majority of foreign language will be provided by the Army Rangers.

As far as I know, a CIA agent never wants to become one, he gets recruted. There is not sure way to become an agent. You get recruted based on your skills.

Regards,

Nenad

 

[TsunamiJoe]

Warren I am reading a textbook that was sent to me by a proffesor, it is on Abstract Algebra, of which I'm understanding completely. Also I'm reading a book called "A book on numbers" its about number theory, of which I'm also understanding completely. Also I'm reading "The Handbook of Applied Cryptography" that again, I'm understanding completely. I am merely in my junior year of high school and I'm taking a C++ course and an Algebra 2 class(which is :( very boring). But Warren any books you feel would help tell me and I'll take my stab at them, I'm exceptionaly good at picking something up and understanding it.


Nenad you are correct, which is why I'm going into the rangers because the CIA recruits from the various military branches. But you can also apply, you go through a screening process to see if they like you, then a knowlage test then a psychological test then if you match to what they want in an agent your pass to go into a training camp which is basicaly boot camp for the CIA where many will drop out few will become actual agents.

 

[chroot]

I'll suggest "Applied Cryptography" by Schneier, and "Practical Unix and Internet Security" by Garfinkel and Spafford. Both are excellent, widely available books that will give you a good feel for the topics.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Also, I should recommend the sci.crypt FAQ:

http://www.cs.uu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/sci.crypt.html

- Warren

 

[TsunamiJoe]

thank you, and i checked the site out, and found a copy of "Practical Unix and Internet Security" online for free :), anything else is appreciated