Information is key in this Digital Age. Hackers can easily manipulate data, hiding amongst other files or applications. Suddenly, when a large corporation is ready to roll out an important campaign, the hacker might strike - replacing the marketing with some embarrassing imagery or message. The entire corporate reputation may be damaged. How can customers trust a company that can't even guarantee that its own data is secure?

Moreover, many corporations have important customer databases filled with personal information. These data deposits can be damaging in the wrong hands. The information technology specialist will ensure that this private identification information is kept secure.

The government has massive files on millions of people - bank account statements, credit scores, driver's license, driver's license records, education diplomas, housing contracts, mortgage payments records, phone bills, social security payments, tax returns, vehicle registrations and so on. Different government levels will need more information technology experts to manage, store and protect this important information. The public sector is a prime location for information technology jobs.

While computer science emphasizes the mathematical algorithms underlying the computer calculating system, the information technology degree attempts to take the computer focus higher to the network. Information technology concentrates on "data management" along a larger set of computers, forming a network. Originally, data was fairly uniform and unadorned. Over time, technological advancements have expanded and decorated data and information with many new manifestations.