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The paper emphasises key aspects in higher education in computer sciences to promote security in information technology (IT) and systemic thinking and risk assessment in enterprises. For identifying educational needs beyond pure computer science, the results of a literature survey exemplify the state of the art at small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Based on the erroneous assumption that a severe IT driven damage to business activities is unlikely, IT security as well as associated risk analyses often do not receive sufficient attention from senior management. Case studies about failing IT security broaden the perspective and outline further efforts towards IT as critical infrastructure. Lacks in holistic vision, awareness and communication are drafted. With regard to these aspects, the former Zurich based university of applied sciences HSZ-T, which has recently become part of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, has implemented educational concepts and curricula (namely the bachelor degree course in Informatics and the MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) programme in IT as well as in IT Reliability). Survey and case studies show convincing indications of congruity between the identified shortcomings and substantiates the educational concepts at ZHAW/HSZ-T who is specialised in in-service education of IT professionals and continuing training for senior professionals. The lecturers at ZHAW/HSZ-T experience the specific strengths and weaknesses not only of their students but also of the Swiss IT sector in general (e.g., basic understanding about (secure) IT operation, rarely known or used formalised risk assessment approaches, communication skills). The paper outlines the higher education in Switzerland and focus on the specific framework conditions and capabilities of ZHAW/HSZ-T: It exemplifies the efforts of the close cooperation of industry and academia to develop curricula with real-life relevance for reliable and secure operation of IT. |
