Certified Network Security

What is Network Security?

Network security is defined by most experts as policies and practices that take preventive measures to protect network infrastructure from trespassing and illegal access. This requires the use of security software and hardware devices.

This can include staff being briefed about security practices and professionals receiving network security training.

Network Security: Why is it Important?

Many aspects of our daily lives have moved to the digital age. The internet is used to make financial transactions, communicate with our family and friends, purchase entertainment, conduct research, and perform other activities. Many of our personal information is online: everything from birth dates, social security numbers, credit histories, bank accounts, utility bills, health history, and many other details.

Hackers and cybercriminals have access to all data as well as all transactions. The higher the chance of compromise, the more we rely on the internet for our daily lives. The Internet of Things (IoT), which is gaining more importance, means that we rely more on wireless networks. This only increases the risk landscape and gives criminals more opportunities to commit fraud. Network security is too important for our commercial and personal lives. What types of network security do you need?

What are the Different Types of Network Security?

Cybersecurity professionals have a wide range of tools, methods, as well as practices for protecting their networks. Here is a top-level overview.

Software

Anti-virus, antimalware, and antivirus are all security software resources. These tools can be purchased as subscriptions or in suites. They are continuously updated by the vendor to stay on top of the latest threats. These tools monitor your network and block intruders, malware, and viruses.

It is a wise decision to get a security subscription, rather than buying a suite and loading it yourself. Subscription providers/vendors have a greater ability to keep up with the constantly changing cyber security landscape. Every day there seems to be another cyber threat or virus. Your software will not protect against those threats that it doesn’t know to exist. It’s best to let the subscription provider do all of that heavy lifting.

Password Protection

Although it is a very simple step, it is crucial. Strong passwords can be an effective and inexpensive way to keep systems, applications, and networks safe. You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to use strong passwords. We don’t mean “strong passwords” that are too complex like “password” and “99999.”

Firewalls

Imagine your network as a nightclub. The firewall is the bouncer who keeps out the undesirables. They block unauthorized users from entering the network. Anybody who has tried remote work and was denied access to their company’s main systems because they did not have the authorization required, knows firsthand how effective a firewall is.

Email Security Software

Email can be a weak link in any network. Cybercriminals love to send fake emails pretending to be from legitimate financial institutions and companies. One-click on a link in fraudulent emails can compromise your system. Email security software can filter out inbound threats and prevent certain types of data from being sent out.

Segmented Networks

This method sorts and divides traffic according to established criteria. Segmented networks can be used to limit users to a specific area. This allows them to focus their work in a particular area and keeps others from accessing data outside their reach. This helps to reduce the network’s weaknesses.

Network Security Jobs and Salaries

There is a growing demand for network security professionals due to cybercrime. Opportunities abound. The job security is excellent, and the pay is generous. Here are some examples of the most popular cybersecurity jobs and their salaries:

• Information Security Manager – $120,000 to $160,000
• Cybersecurity Engineer: $53,000 – $185,000
• Application Security Engineer: $81,500 – $191,500
• Cybersecurity Analyst – $53,000 to $116,000
• Penetration Testing: $70,000 – $169,000
• Network Security Engineer – $58,000 to $168,000

What are the Best Network Security Certifications

You must first master the skills and tools required to make a living in network security. Network security training is the answer. These courses give you the necessary knowledge to be able to secure these positions. They also provide you with a valuable certificate that proves that you are qualified.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important network security certifications.

1. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker

These IT security professionals are also known as “white-hat hackers” and their job is to hack into systems and identify vulnerabilities. They are hired by companies and organizations to identify weaknesses and then figure out how they can be fixed. This certification is highly sought after, considering how crucial cybersecurity has become.

2. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional

This certification is intended for security professionals with experience in developing and managing security policies, procedures, and standards. This certification is ideal for IT security professionals looking to advance their careers.

3. CISM: Certified Information Security Manager

This certification is essential for IT professionals with enterprise-level security management responsibilities. They develop and manage security systems, as well as best practices for organizations.

4. CCSP: Certified Cloud Security Professional

Due to increasing cloud migrations, this certification is highly sought-after. This course is for IS and IT professionals who use best practices in cloud security architecture, design, and operation, as well as service orchestration. This course is essential for anyone who works with cloud platforms.

5. CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor

This certification is for IS professionals who are primarily concerned with audit control, assurance, security. This certification will equip you with the necessary skills to manage and control enterprise IT as well as perform a security audit.

6. COBIT 5 Certification Training

This certification is beneficial to IT developers, managers, leaders, and auditors. COBIT 5 increases the information’s value by incorporating new ideas and theories about enterprise governance. This certification includes management techniques. It also provides internationally accepted principles, practices, and analytical tools and models, all of which are designed to increase trust in information systems and their value for individuals and organizations.

7. CompTIA+ Security+

This certification offers knowledge and training in cryptography and threat management, identity management, and security systems. It also provides risk identification and mitigation. This certification is for entry-level IT professionals.

The certifications that you choose will depend on your current career status. Each person’s ideal list may differ. The CISM and CISSP certifications are best suited to entry-level IT professionals.

There is no better way to become a more well-rounded IT professional than to slowly gain certification in all of the above areas. Even the most skilled cybersecurity professionals can benefit from some training. It doesn’t matter if there is a new cyber threat to be aware of or how to combat them, there are always new things to learn. You will be more marketable if you choose to move on. Upskilling can improve your standing in your company. Expertise, leverage, and freedom are all part of upskilling.