Network Security Specialist Job Description. What exactly does a network security specialist do? What skills should they possess? How much experience do they need to get started?
Network security specialists ensure that networks remain secure from threats such as viruses, malware, spam, phishing attacks, etc. They also monitor network traffic and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Network Security Specialist Job Description
Network security specialists are responsible for assessing, monitoring and securing computer networks from a wide range of threats. They may also take part in training employees on how to use network resources and how to avoid potential dangers such as phishing or social engineering.
To do this job successfully, network security specialists should possess:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. A good understanding of technology and its implications on the organization. Strong communication skills.
The ability to work in a team environment with little supervision. Knowledge of firewalls, routers and VPN. Knowledge of intrusion detection systems. Network security specialists may need to be certified by their employer or by a third party.
Security is one such certification that network security specialists may choose to obtain. It is offered by the (ISC)2 , an international non-profit organization that promotes the information security industry by setting professional development standards and facilitating educational programs, including the Security+ program.
Network Security Specialist Skills
The most important skill required for this job is problem-solving ability. Network security specialists must be able to assess problems quickly and find solutions to them efficiently so as to ensure that networks remain secure from threats.
Other important skills include: Analyzing problems quickly Troubleshooting skills Excellent analytical skills Good communication skills Ability to work on a team Ability to multitask Ability to research issues Ability to understand and follow security policies Knowledge of protocols like TCP/IP, SMTP, HTTP etc. Knowledge of firewalls, proxies etc.
A network security specialist should have knowledge of intrusion detection systems (IDS) because they help identify threats early so that they can be dealt with more effectively and efficiently before they become bigger issues for the organization.
Finally, they should also have knowledge of other technologies used in information assurance such as VPN and VoIP as well as knowledge of encryption algorithms such as DES, 3DES, Blowfish, AES etc.
Network Security Specialist Salary
How much does a network security specialist make? The median annual salary for information assurance professionals was $90,810 in 2014. Then, the bottom 10 percent earned less than $57,300 while the top 10 percent earned more than $152,990 per year that year. The middle 50 percent information assurance professionals earned between $64,690 and $111,320 per year.
Network Security Specialist Jobs Network security specialists are working in many different industries such as healthcare, financial services, government, retail and hospitality.