Security in the Information Systems Curriculum: Identification & Status of Relevant Issues

This exploratory study examined three major issues: Should more emphasis be placed on security issues in the IS curriculum, if yes, should security issues be integrated in all IS courses or should there be a stand-alone course, and which security issues should be emphasized.

Abstract

This exploratory study examined three major issues: 1) Should more emphasis be placed on security issues in the IS curriculum, 2) If yes, should security issues be integrated in all IS courses or should there be a stand-alone course, and 3) Which security issues should be emphasized. A short survey was administered to members of the academic IS community. The results show that security issues should receive more emphasis in the IS curriculum. Ideally, security issues should be integrated into all other courses in the IS curriculum, but strong support for a stand-alone elective security course was also exhibited. Lastly, the relevance of security topics and sub-issues were examined as a guide for implementing a stronger emphasis on security issues in the IS curriculum.