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Requirements to building a Career in Network Security
Posted Date: 29 Mar 2008 Resource Type: Articles/Knowledge Sharing Category: Entertainments
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Posted By: Olufemi Member Level: Diamond
Rating:  Points: 5
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A person responsible for building network security, and protecting a network requires solid networking knowledge. Start by mastering the fundamentals of Networking. Focus first on building your Networking expertise - fundamental networking skills and knowledge. Have a good grounding in the fundamentals - knowledge, skills and experience - Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), network gear and remote equipment. It also helps to have a good foundation in tech support.With a foundation in tech Support / Networking - hardware and software, you can then proceed to build on that with security experience by developing your security skills and knowledge.
Security Foundation
You must have knowledge about threats to network security and how to combat them. How can you keep out the bad guys and help secure networks. Such threats include worms, unauthorized access, e-mail attacks, malicious code viruses, availability issues, network vulnerabilities and social engineering. The technical aspects of network security, includes designing, configuring, and installing security tools.
Security professionals need to have a good grasp of encryption technologies, authentication, network security tools, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual private networks, identity services, security management, as well as key information security principles and concepts.
Education
Certifications and academic education programs are the most popular options for acquiring the knowledge you need. But consider don’t certification and degrees purely as alternatives. They are best used to complement each other.
A degree program in computer science, electrical and electronic engineering or similar fields of study is a good starting point when using the formal education academic option. In such a discipline, always look for opportunities to choose network and security electives.
Certification always helps in the Networking/Security sphere. Certifications focus more on specific skills in a particular area. Such skills are usually required and valued by industry. Training, books and practice tests are some of available certification preparation options. Internationally recognized network recognized standards include:
Network+ ;
MCSA/MCSE ;
Linux+ ; and
CCNA.
Information security certifications you should consider are: Security+, MCSE+Security, Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
The certifications are all valuable but each has its own target audience. Focus on your situation and your need.
As a newcomer I will suggest that you don't aim too high as a starter. Always match your certification with your level of experience. I suggest using the knowledge / certification "ladder" approach. Start with foundational certifications and follow-up with higher-level certifications as you acquire network and security experience.
Certification and degrees are both valid routes for acquiring IT education. Your need and situation should determine the route you will take. However, if you have the opportunity, it is often better to start off with your degree program. Degrees give you a broader outlook and background. And this always pays off eventually, especially as you progress in your career.
Build your career by investing in a working combination of these career options - training - experience - degree program - certification - knowledge resources (books, Internet).
For example, you can start your degree program and then add certifications to equip you with industry needs and give you the edge for future opportunity as you progress. In many areas of IT, quite a few students in university have already realized the importance of this combination by investing in certifications before they graduate. But I must emphasize that these are just suggestions - your need and situation are paramount in what you do.
Other education – ethics, law, non-tech
In addition to networking and security knowledge, I would suggest that you develop an interest in learning about cybercrime, investigations, ethics, computer crime laws, privacy, legal liability and other non-tech issues that are critical subjects within information security. It’s not just about tech know-how. The security professional should have a good grasp of the issues involved. For example, to stop the attackers, it certainly helps to think like an attacker.
Experience
Note that education alone is not enough to build a career in network security. Regardless of your background, people who move into network security benefit tremendously from real-life working experience. You simply must practice what you have learnt. As you pursue education through your degree and certification programs, always look for work experience opportunities. Your education works better for you if complemented with hands-on system and network experience that helps you reinforce and focus your interests and learning much more effectively.
Beginners in particular should look for entry-level system or networking positions or internships - in cybercafes, ISPS, etc. Be ready to start from the basics and work your way up. Such opportunities can provide a solid foundation into network security.
Don't be reward-focused but be more contribution and learning (practice) focused. Always look for such opportunities as you develop your career. Your interest should be in increasing your value rather than your cost - value to clients, employers, colleagues, and to yourself.
You can also build a home laboratory for learning key skills and for more experience. Many commonly used technologies are easily available on the Internet as freeware or shareware. Practice gives you a better understanding of the theories and features of such security technologies.
Olufemi
Nigeria
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Responses
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| Author: Shinu 31 May 2008 | Member Level: Gold Points : 2 | Excellent Details and well written articles always require appreciation. Very Good
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