The responsibilities of a network security engineer include the design and administration of security systems for organizational networks, among other responsibilities. A network security engineer is responsible for safeguarding computer systems against cyber threats such as bugs, malware, and hacking attempts. To be effective, an information technology professional must be able to identify existing issues as well as develop safeguards to prevent future threats. It is necessary to perform testing and configuration of hardware and software systems.
What is the role of a network security engineer?
A network security engineer is responsible for ensuring the integrity of an organization’s data by continuously monitoring the network for security breaches, conducting simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities, and developing security protocols to thwart potential threats. A cybersecurity engineer is responsible for dealing with viruses, phishing attacks, spyware, Trojan horses, and other types of common weaknesses.
Those wishing to pursue a career as network security engineers would be well served by honing their data-security skills, such as installing firewalls and data encryption programs that safeguard sensitive information.
How to Become a Network Security Engineer (Steps to Take)
Aspiring technology professionals can pursue a career as a network security engineer by following the steps outlined in this section.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
To work in network security, most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field such as computer science or programming, though not always. Graduates of management information system (MIS) programs, for example, can learn about emerging technologies and other information that will be useful to them as they pursue a career as an information security engineer. A focused degree program, such as Maryville University’s online bachelor’s in cybersecurity, provides a solid foundation for a career in network security and provides a direct path to employment.
A variety of degrees in a variety of fields can also be used to advance one’s career in network security. Students can learn about the differences between businesses and organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, for example, through offerings such as online business administration programs. Graduates may be able to apply their general business knowledge to more specialized fields as a result of their foundational business knowledge. Furthermore, gaining a better understanding of the various organizational structures can help you gain a better understanding of the different types of data that each generates and how their data protection requirements differ.
Step 2: Complete a Master’s degree program.
Some employers may prefer that candidates have a master’s degree, which can be beneficial in preparing graduates for positions in management and other leadership roles. Take, for example, an online master’s degree in software development, which helps graduates develop transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of different career paths. Skills covered include developing and refining programming abilities, mastering databases and cloud environments, and designing and developing accessible user interfaces, among other things. The curriculum is broad in scope while also being highly specialized.
The following courses are offered as part of Maryville University’s 30-hour degree program, which can be completed online in as little as 12 months:
- Introduction to Database Programming Principles
- Designing User Interfaces and Data Structures
- A software architecture that is based on object-oriented principles.
- Students who want to learn how to become a network security engineer should consider Maryville
- University’s online master’s in cybersecurity program, which offers career specificity for those interested
- in learning how to become a network security engineer. To take advantage of the Maryville Virtual
- Lab, students must be able to train from virtually any location in the world and on any online device. The curriculum is designed to teach techniques that will prepare students to pursue careers as network security engineers after completing the program.
The following courses are offered as part of the online master’s in a cybersecurity degree program:
Incident Management and Breach Response for Mobile Device Hacking and Forensics
Controls for Forensic Examination and Analysis in the Interest of Effective Cyber Defense
Step 3: Gain hands-on experience on the job
On top of educational qualifications, work experience and the willingness to advance one’s skillset go a long way toward making one’s self stand out in a crowded field. Learn as much as you can about related computer fields, such as data networking and programming languages, to establish a strong foundation as a network security engineer.
Other measures that can be taken to advance one’s career include the following:
- Obtaining network security certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional, helps to legitimize network security skills.
- Taking the initiative to keep up with trends that affect large amounts of data is essential.
- Obtaining a fundamental level of experience through an internship or other on-the-job training program
- Competencies of a Network Security Engineer
- The following are examples of talents and skills that are particularly well suited for careers in network security:
Analysis skills are required for thoroughly examining computer systems and networks, as well as for identifying weaknesses
Meticulous attention to detail that helps to prevent stealthy cyber-attacks is essential.
Innovation and resourcefulness in identifying security risks and devising innovative solutions to mitigate or eliminate them.
Effective problem-solving abilities for quickly identifying and correcting network flaws
Effective communication skills are required to train coworkers and leaders on potential threats and protective measures.
The following are examples of technical network security engineer skills:
- Understanding current information security trends is required.
- IT networking and programming abilities are required.
- The ability to detect, track, and resolve threats such as malfunctions and attacks is essential.
- Skills in the development of security protocols, including authentication systems
- Administration of firewalls, routers, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other security tools is a required skill.
- Ability to maintain server, LAN, and WAN architecture Infrastructure documentation, as well as the ability to generate event reporting
- Understanding of cyber laws and regulations, as well as compliance
- Salary and Employment Prospects for Network Security Engineers
- From 2018 to 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 32 percent increase in the number of people working in network security engineering jobs. It is expected to grow as more people realize the importance of data security in the face of a steady increase in cyberattacks, which include large-scale data breaches, mobile malware attacks, and ransomware threats to institutions ranging from municipalities to healthcare facilities, among others.
Compensation in the field of network security is generally based on years of experience. In its confirmation of the following sliding pay scale for network security engineers, PayScale says:
- Experience ranging from one to four years: $74,000
- Experience ranging from five to nine years: $88,000
- Between ten and nineteen years of experience: $110,000.
- More than 20 years of experience is worth $114,000.
- Obtaining an education and training in network security may also open doors to other network security positions with higher pay, such as lead software security engineer and chief information security officer, among others.
With Maryville Online, you can begin your journey to becoming a Network Security Engineer right away.
Almost every aspect of our lives is now influenced by computers in some way or another. Maryville University offers a variety of online computer science degree programs to aid in the development of the cybersecurity and software development experts of the future, among other things. Students can complete these courses online, giving them greater flexibility in incorporating education into their already hectic schedules. This degree program, in particular, helps students deepen their understanding of software design and application development, and it can set professionals on the path to becoming network security engineers after they complete their bachelor’s degree in computer science. There is no application fee, and there is no requirement for prior experience. It can be completed in as little as one year if you work hard.
