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University of Phoenix College of Criminal Justice Examines What Concerns Americans Most [Health & Beauty Close - Up](Health & Beauty Close - Up Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) According to a new national survey from University of Phoenix College of Criminal Justice and Security, identity theft (70 percent) and personal cybersecurity (61 percent) are the security issues of greatest concern. According to the survey, these fears may be grounded in experience as nearly two-in-five (39 percent) have suffered a personal security breach, such as identity theft, unauthorized use of credit card information or email/social media account hacking. Other security concerns include: terrorism (55 percent), national security (54 percent), personal safety (49 percent), neighborhood crime (47 percent), property theft (44 percent) and natural disasters (44 percent). Despite recent high profile incidents, only 18 percent of working adults are concerned about workplace violence. More working adults (31 percent) are concerned about organizational security issues such as corporate cybersecurity, network security, fraud and corporate espionage. The survey also examines shifts in security concerns. Only 12 percent of Americans feel generally more secure than they did five years ago, while 41 percent feel equally secure and nearly half (47 percent) feel less secure. At least half of Americans are more concerned about personal cybersecurity (61 percent), identity theft (60 percent) and national security (50 percent) than they were five years ago. Americans' concerns about security issues compared to five years ago: Security Issue More concerned Equally concerned Less concerned Personal cybersecurity 61 percent 33 percent 7 percent Identity theft 60 percent 34 percent 6 percent National security 50 percent 42 percent 7 percent Terrorism 47 percent 42 percent 10 percent Organizational security 37 percent 52 percent 11 percent Personal safety 37 percent 55 percent 9 percent Property theft 36 percent 54 percent 10 percent Neighborhood crime 36 percent 51 percent 13 percent Natural disasters 34 percent 57 percent 10 percent Workplace/ office violence* 21 percent 56 percent 23 percent "Security issues affect every American in some way, both personally and professionally," said James "Spider" Marks, recently appointed executive dean of University of Phoenix College of Criminal Justice and Security. "All industries and most businesses have to dedicate resources to identify and address security threats, creating significant job growth in the sector and demand for training." Marks, a retired major general with more than 30 years of service in the United States Army, has held numerous leadership and consulting roles in the private sector, including entrepreneurial efforts in education, energy and primary research. Previously, Marks was president and CEO of Global Linguist Solutions, a private company that provided linguistics services to the U.S. military. In his current role with the University, Marks is responsible for the management of the College of Criminal Justice and Security, overseeing the College's academic standards and the development of programs and curriculum. Workplace preparedness When it comes to workplace security issues, working adults are most confident in their companies' abilities to screen new employees, with 59 percent saying their employers are completely or very prepared to address this issue. Natural disasters (35 percent), workplace violence (41 percent) and business espionage (41 percent) are the three security issues that workers think their employers are the least prepared to address. Issues for which working adults have assessed their employers' readiness: Security Issue Completely/very prepared Somewhat prepared Not at all prepared Employee screening 59 percent 31 percent 10 percent Data loss 46 percent 40 percent 14 percent Business continuity planning 44 percent 39 percent 16 percent Electronic security breach/data theft 44 percent 39 percent 17 percent Workplace property theft 42 percent 40 percent 17 percent Business espionage 41 percent 38 percent 21 percent Workplace violence 41 percent 39 percent 20 percent Natural disasters 35 percent 46 percent 20 percent On the enterprise side, security industry leaders identified cybersecurity (39 percent), crime (33 percent), mobile technology (12 percent), natural disasters (9 percent) and globalization (7 percent) as the top security risks likely to affect companies in the next five years, according to a recently released survey from ASIS Foundation and University of Phoenix. The Security Industry Survey of Risks and Professional Competencies also ranks the top competencies needed by employers in the sector. Interest in careers in this high growth sector The U.S. security industry is a $350 billion annual market, with millions of jobs that span nearly every sector of the global economy. The industry is growing exponentially, creating more opportunities every day. Opportunity and interest in this sector seem to align. In fact, according to the survey, 42 percent of working adults have either worked in security, law enforcement or other criminal justice- related fields or have some level of interest in these careers. More than a quarter (27 percent) of working adults have never worked in security fields, but have some interest in doing so, with 10 percent saying they are interested and another 17 percent saying they would consider it. Six percent of working adults are employed in these fields now and 9 percent previously worked in these fields. Examples of jobs in security fields include cybersecurity, corporate security planning, law enforcement, Homeland Security, risk management, emergency management, information security, corrections and court system positions. "With increasing global demand for security across every industry, it is critical for education to align itself with industry needs and prepare security professionals to support an ever- changing and complicated workforce," said Marks. "Many are not aware of the incredible career growth that is available in the sector and the broader business skills that are in-demand. Aspiring security professionals must develop business management skills, such as strategic planning, contingency planning, supply chain knowledge, STEM literacy, people management and financial planning. Education options in the sector are evolving to more closely mirror employers' priorities and help security professionals pursue fulfilling career paths." More Information and Complete Details: www.phoenix.edu ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |