Network Security Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a network security engineer job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a network security engineer. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a network security engineer.
Who is a Network Security Engineer?
A network security engineer defends computer systems against online dangers such as viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. The network security engineer should be able to recognize current problems and create defenses against potential dangers. They can also configure and test systems’ hardware and software.
Network security engineers collaborate with bigger organizations to guarantee the security of network-related hardware and software, such as network monitoring tools, VPNs, and firewalls. They must be able to test new computers, software, switches, and routers before putting them into use. By doing this, business networks’ integrity will be preserved.
Network security engineers must be able to evaluate, debug, and correct network issues both locally and remotely. They should have experience supporting network services for end users, application developers, and operational staff. Through network management assistance, installation and modification, and administration, they must also be able to resolve problems with client businesses’ networks.
System testing, network monitoring, and security administration are the daily responsibilities of a network security engineer. A network security engineer’s duties also include proactively looking for vulnerabilities and threats and effectively mitigating them. This is in addition to dealing with issues when they arise.
Network security engineers should be ready to generate reports on attacks, assist the business with any required regulatory reporting, and give a strong plan for addressing those issues in the future, whether the attacks are successful or not. A network security engineer may also be approached for advice on staff training and organizational policy in data security and network security for smaller businesses without a sizable cybersecurity team.
Network Security Engineer Job Description
What is a network security engineer job description? A network security engineer job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a network security engineer in an organization. Below are the network security engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a network security engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of the network security engineer include the following:
- Change the system security’s technological, legal, and regulatory elements.
- Establish and uphold security guidelines.
- Change the architecture and protocol of the security system occasionally.
- Conduct forensic investigations, gather incident responses, and look at the intrusion and hacking occurrences.
- Create monitoring papers to record system weaknesses.
- Design, identify, and maintain the requirements for the system’s overall security.
- Develop tools for detecting threats and viruses.
- Direct the installation and setup of new hardware and software.
- Generate new approaches to address the dangers and security challenges that now exist.
- Install and configure firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- Inspect and test the system for hardware and software flaws.
- Maintain email security, online protocols, virtual private networks, and firewalls.
- Install and configure security infrastructure hardware.
- Identify cutting-edge techniques and technologies that enhance the system’s overall security.
- Evaluate the firm’s security level using analytical criteria accepted in the industry.
- Present the results of the security research and monitoring.
- Put in place regulatory frameworks in line with IT security.
- Let the organization know as quickly as possible about security incidents.
- Plan and monitor security measures to secure the network systems.
- Maintain servers and switches.
Qualifications
- High School Certificate, GED, or its equivalent
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field (Optional, but preferable by some firms)
- Master’s degree in relevant field (optional)
- Experience through internship
- Networking and IT security knowledge
Essential Skills
Here are the skills you require to excel as a network security engineer:
- Creativity
- Cloud Computing
- Detail-orientation
- Juniper
- Network Security
- Networking Skill
- Organization
- Linux
- Problem-solving
- Programming Language
- WireShark
Creativity
The ability to come up with original ideas and solutions is creativity. You might have to go outside the box as a network security engineer to identify effective solutions to defend computer systems from assaults. For instance, if a particular form of firewall is ineffective against some types of threats, you may use your ingenuity to think of a different, more successful approach.
Cloud Computing
The cloud is both the technology of today and tomorrow. The cloud’s expansion has been occurring at an incredible rate. Additionally, the enormous demand for it is a reflection of its promising future.
Therefore, while applying for the position, a network security engineer might benefit from having a basic grasp of cloud computing. Some examples you may learn about are Azure, AWS, and GCP. These will assist a corporation in growing thanks to conveniently available big data that the cloud enables one to store. The effectiveness, timeliness, and security of crucial data will all rise.
Detail-orientation
The ability to pay close attention to details allows for accurate corrections. This skill enables you to recognize possible vulnerabilities and develop solutions that fully address them, making it valuable in network security engineering.
Juniper
For network security experts, understanding Juniper is crucial since it enables them to comprehend the software that many businesses utilize. They may use this information to their advantage should they need to alter their current configuration or fix a system issue for a business. Additionally, it facilitates communication with coworkers who might be knowledgeable about this particular software.
Network Security
Although it may not be the only task a network security engineer performs, network security is one of their most important duties.
A network security engineer should know about the methodology, procedures, and security protocols network systems use. They should be in charge of responding to sudden cyberattacks or virus infections by doing their best job.
Networking Skill
Being well-versed in network topologies and kinds, such as WAN and LAN, is essential to a network security engineer’s job.
Users may connect to and communicate with other machines and users across broad demography due to the network architecture. The Internet is among the most prevalent WAN instances.
One of the fundamental skills a network security engineer should have is a thorough understanding of WANs and other types of networks, as businesses frequently use these networks to share and communicate significant amounts of data or information. You can see the vast potential this network has by using the Internet.
Organization
The ability to keep track of papers, records, and other materials so you can locate them when needed is known as organization. As a network security engineer, it’s critical to maintain organization because your work may entail a variety of computer system-related files and information. Keeping track of this data might make it easier to find what you need quickly and prevent confusion or errors.
Linux
Computer systems that can run Linux are one kind of software. It is frequently used in cloud computing, which includes distant data storage instead of data storage on specific PCs or servers. As a result, resources may be used more effectively, and processing times can be increased. You might need to know how to configure Linux-based systems as a network security engineer to monitor incoming data streams or identify system intrusions.
Problem-solving
Network security engineers must be able to recognize problems with their systems and find solutions. They could have to resolve technical challenges, assess the efficacy of particular remedies, and figure out how to avoid reoccurring problems in the future. This might assist them in keeping a safe system that safeguards the consumers’ information. They must be able to tell when a problem is outside the scope of their knowledge so they can look for further resources or support.
Programming Language
Just consider the influence you might have if you were proficient at writing code and had a thorough understanding of network engineering. A network security engineer may think creatively about solutions while writing code by utilizing various tools and technologies. Learning a programming language like Python, Perl, C++, Java, etc might improve your working style, resulting in a more effective and efficient workflow.
Wireshark
Network security engineers can inspect the data packets of an internet connection using the protocol analyzer, Wireshark. They may use this program to find vulnerabilities and criminal behavior on their business network. Additionally, it provides them with knowledge of how various protocols operate, which may be helpful when resolving client problems.
How to Become a Network Security Engineer
Below are the steps to becoming a network security engineer:
Step One: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Most network security professions call for at least a bachelor’s degree, especially in a discipline that involves computers, such as computer science or programming. Prospective graduates, for instance, can learn about cutting-edge technologies and other knowledge that may help them become network security engineers through management information system (MIS) programs.
Network security professions can also be accessed through degrees in other disciplines. For instance, students can study the variations across enterprises and organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors through programs like online business administration degrees. Graduates may be able to apply their broad knowledge to more specific sectors by using the core business information they have acquired. Understanding the different organizational structures may also help one better comprehend the kinds of data generated by each and the variations in data protection requirements.
Step Two: Obtain a Master’s Degree
Some businesses prefer those with master’s degrees, which can help graduates ready to pursue leadership roles. An online master’s degree in software development is one instance where graduates gain adaptable abilities that may be useful for many job trajectories. Included in the list of skills are learning and improving one’s programming abilities, understanding databases and cloud computing, and designing and implementing accessible user interfaces.
Step Three: Take Hands-on Practice
Although classroom instruction is very beneficial, it doesn’t always provide the hands-on, in-the-moment training that network engineers need to succeed. To practice coding, problem-solving, and platform-specific programming, look for internships, contract projects, and other practical experiences.
Step Four: Gain Work Experience Through an Internship
Beyond schooling, gain work experience through an internship. Gaining work experience and taking an effort to expand one’s skill set may make a person stand out from the crowd. Learning the ins and outs of relevant computer disciplines like data networking and programming languages can help you advance your career as a network security engineer.
Step Five: Get Certified
You can now prepare for one of the top networking certifications after gaining some practical experience and confidence. A completed certification quickly demonstrates to potential employers your dedication to high networking standards. Some of the certifications are Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, etc.
Where to Work as a Network Security Engineer
A network security engineer has a wide range of career options. Network security Jobs are accessible in every sector of business. Every organization, including financial institutions, educational institutions, medical facilities, IT service providers, retailers, insurance agencies, and more need a dedicated or hired network security engineer to protect their vital corporate network.
During ordinary business hours, network security engineers generally operate in an office setting, however, they may be available round-the-clock to handle emergencies. Additionally, they could go to other sites to set up or fix security systems. They must always be able to preserve confidentiality and adhere to security protocols since they deal with sensitive information.
Network Security Engineer Salary Scale
In the United States, a network security engineer makes an average pay of $120,000 per year or $61.54 per hour. Some experienced professionals earn up to $155,208 yearly, while entry-level ones start at $99,049 annually.
In the United Kingdom, a network security engineer makes an average pay of £50,000 a year, or £25.64 an hour. Some experienced professionals earn up to £67,267 yearly, while entry-level ones start at £40,000.
Network security engineers make an average of CA$42.64 per hour or CA$83,148 annually in Canada. The more experienced engineers earn up to CA$130,029 yearly, while entry-level roles start at CA$68,211.
In Australia, a network security engineer makes an average pay of AU$134,501 per year or AU$68.97 per hour. The more experienced engineers earn up to AU$165,000 yearly, while those at the entry-level may start at an average of AU$109,374 annually.
In Germany, the average salary for a network security engineer is €83,079 per year or €40 per hour. A Network Security Engineer can expect to make between €57,491 and €101,273 per year on average.
A network security engineer makes an average annual salary of €60,000 or €30.77 per hour in Ireland. More experienced ones earn up to €80,000 yearly, while the ones at the beginners level may start at €48,250.
In Nigeria, a network security engineer makes an average yearly pay of ₦5,004,004. Starting salaries for network security engineer entry-level jobs may be around ₦2,250,004 annually.
Salary ranges might differ significantly depending on various crucial aspects, including education, location, certifications, skills, and expertise in the field.