Network Security Engineer: Job Role and Key Skills for 2021
A network security engineer identifies and addresses security gaps in a system.
Network security engineers take care of every aspect of a network’s security. They identify and address the security gaps in a network. They also create policies to defend network infrastructure in case of a cyberattack and are responsible for quick disaster recovery. This article informs you about the key skills required for this job role.
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Who Is a Network Security Engineer?
Network security engineers take care of every aspect of a network’s security. They identify and address the security gaps in a network. They also create policies to defend network infrastructure in case of a cyberattack and are responsible for quick disaster recovery.
There has been an undeniable surge in the number of cyberattacks across all geographies. A cybersecurity incident has enormous ramifications for a company’s reputation and finances. The average cost of a malware attack on a company is around $2.6 million, and a data breach can cost as much as $3.9 million.
It is no longer true that only big firms are targeted for phishing, malware, or cyberattacks. Typically, all SMBs are ill-prepared to deal with a cyberattack. Nearly 45% of SMBs surveyed said that their security posture was ineffective in addressing cyberattacks, according to the Global State of Cybersecurity in Small- and Medium-sized Business, conducted by the Ponemon Institute.
Around 40% of mid-market businesses (with 250 to 499 employees) said that they “experience eight hours or more of system downtime due to breaches”. The same report also points out that an SMB can face up to 5,000 security alerts per day — surprisingly, only 55.6% of them investigate these security warnings.
A network security engineer safeguards all network elements, including computer networks, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), internet connections, intranet, and other data communication systems.
Also Read: What Is Network Security? Definition, Types, and Best Practices
Rising security risks due to the increased remote workforce
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a catalyst for digital transformation across business verticals and business models. As the dependence on digital tools grows with increasing digitization, there will be a greater need to ensure that digital assets and organizational data are protected. With an increasing number of companies expanding their use of mobiles, wireless devices, and IT networks, demand for network security engineers will only increase.
The pandemic is pushing organizations to revisit their network security strategy, especially with remote working becoming the norm. There has been a marked increase in the demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to ISC2, the global cybersecurity workforce will grow by 145% by 2025. The same study said that 65% of surveyed organizations report a shortage of cybersecurity staff, and lack of skilled and experienced cybersecurity personnel is the biggest job-related concern among respondents.
All these factors make the network security engineer a sought-after profile. According to Cybersecurity Ventures’ prediction, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2021, up from one million in 2014. Further, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 32% growth rate in network security engineering careers between 2018 to 2028. A surge in cyber threats such as data breaches, malware, phishing, and ransomware is leading to an unprecedented demand for qualified network security experts.
Also Read: Top 8 Big Data Security Best Practices for 2021
Key Job Role of a Network Security Engineer
A network security engineer must take appropriate measures to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities or gaps in a network. They should also ensure that they put the latest security measures in place. Network security engineers should also upgrade software and hardware and regularly implement security patches to address any weak links or gaps in the system.
Below is a list of tasks that a network security engineer needs to do on a day-to-day basis.
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- Ensure proper and regular maintenance of firewalls.
- Make sure that web and email security protocols are maintained.
- Track, record, and monitor any security issue.
- Resolve any vulnerability or security issues that may arise.
- Ensure periodic testing of the organization’s network and systems from a security point of view.
- Be aware of the latest threats in the cybersecurity domain to guide and advise the organization regarding the up-gradation of systems.
- Put identity and access management (IAM) policies in place to prevent unauthorized access to company data.
- Ensure that systems are back up and running in case of a security attack.
- Make sure that security policies are updated on time and are always up to date.
- Maintain servers, routers, and switches as required.
- Maintain firewalls, VPNs, VLANs, VoIP, and web and email security programs and protocols regularly.
These are just a few tasks that a network security engineer is responsible for. It is a multifaceted role that evolves as the technology landscape changes. A successful network security engineer also needs to possess excellent communication skills — they need to regularly communicate with the senior management about network strategies and new measures that can be adopted to enhance security.
Further, network security engineers have to keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity news and happenings. This is important for two reasons. Firstly, they have to be aware of the latest methods used by malicious elements to break into organizations’ systems. Secondly, network security engineers have to guide their organizations on adopting the latest technologies to safeguard their systems.
If you are involved in an IT-related job, such as database administrator, computer system analyst, or network administrator, you can easily enhance your skills and progress to become a network security engineer.
A network security engineer is also referred to as an information security engineer, information security architect, network architect, network and security engineer, cybersecurity engineer, security network engineer, and security solutions architect. These titles may be different, but the job responsibilities essentially remain the same.
Also Read: 5 Ways to Prevent a Physical Breach from Compromising Network Security
Key Skill Requirements for Success in 2021
With growing digitalization, newer ways are continuously being devised to breach computer systems and compromise sensitive information. As a network security engineer, one always has to stay a step ahead of hackers and malicious elements to ensure the security of systems.
This job role demands exceptional skills to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities in the system at any given point in time. A network security engineer needs to continuously upgrade their skills to keep up with the changing market scenario. Here are a few skills that are required for this role.
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- Proficiency in conducting regular vulnerability assessments of the systems to prevent any security incident.
- Thorough knowledge of programming languages such as Java, C++, and Javascript.
- Expertise in penetration testing, networking, system administration, and operating systems.
- Awareness of the latest methods used by hackers and malicious elements to break into systems.
- Competency to use the available tools to discover any dubious movement in the system.
- Capability to manage risk and ensure disaster recovery in case of a security event.
- Soft skills, including effective communication with team members and senior management and fast decision-making. Communication skills are crucial for growth as a network security engineer.
- Knowledge of cyber laws and compliance requirements as per the law of the land.
- Ability to conduct an in-depth analysis of computer networks and identify any vulnerabilities or gaps in the system. Attention to detail is a fundamental personality trait of a network security engineer.
- Quick decision-making to ensure faster recovery in case of a security event; this also helps in the quick-fixing of flaws.
Also Read: Security Certifications vs. Experience: Which One Is More Important?
A network security engineer should be a fast learner. They should be able to communicate well with team members and be up-to-date about new certifications and skills to acquire. Typically, this professional should have a bachelor’s degree in information technology (IT), information systems (IS), computer programming, engineering, computer science, or related fields. One can also opt for a targeted degree program such as a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, which is directly related to network security.
Alternatively, degrees in other fields can also be a stepping stone to a career in network security. For instance, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, along with a certification course from a prominent organization such as Cisco or any other major software firm, can open up cybersecurity opportunities for aspiring individuals.
Some organizations prefer a candidate with a degree in business administration because it helps in a greater understanding of the organizational structure. It enables the engineer to get a better understanding of the specific cybersecurity needs of different departments and industry verticals. A thorough grasp of business and operational processes allows security professionals to look for problems in not-so-obvious areas and plug any security gaps. Some organizations also look for candidates with degrees such as a master of business administration (MBA) in information systems.
Over the last few years, certifications have emerged as a popular way to develop expertise in this growing area. There is constant debate on whether experience is better than certification. While relevant experience definitely counts, certification helps in demonstrating one’s expertise in the network security domain. Acquiring certifications helps in manifesting the knowledge and expertise for various operating systems and software.
Many entry-level and mid-career certifications, through organizations such as Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP), E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), and Computing Technology Industry Association (CTIA), among others, are available today. At the same time, there are several certifications in cybersecurity that you can opt for to validate your skill sets. It’s best to choose a program that offers an on-the-job experience, so you are better prepared to face the real challenges encountered by a professional.
Learn More: 7 Cybersecurity Certifications for IT Pros to Uplevel Career in Security
Takeaway
The coming few years are likely to witness an upswing in the number of jobs for network security engineers. Whether big or small, a growing number of firms are digitizing their operations and processes and will need to protect their increasing digital and IT assets. The COVID-19 pandemic has further made enterprises extremely mindful of the need to protect their infrastructure and data. There is greater stress to safeguard and secure digital assets, as the dependence on them is ever-growing as time passes by.
All this bodes well for the requirement and role of network security engineers in the foreseeable future. This role is a multifaceted one that demands expertise in technology and excellent communication skills. Further, one has to upskill continuously. Are you up to it?
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