Developing secure digital networks and protecting them is important for any company that uses them for its employees or services. A network security specialist provides valuable services to companies by protecting their networks from hackers and other potential risks. Learning about the best reasons to become a network security specialist can help you decide whether you want to pursue the career. In this article, we discuss what a network security specialist is, list eight reasons to become one and provide tips for pursuing this role.
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What is a network security specialist?
A network security specialist is an information technology professional who manages and maintains a company’s digital network. Their responsibilities include protecting the network against internal and external security risks. They do this by assessing the company’s network structure to identify strengths and weaknesses within the system and finding ways to improve it. Other responsibilities for a network security specialist may include:
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Analyzing official company policies and best practices related to network security to identify areas for improvement
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Making recommendations to senior representatives of the company about steps to take to enhance overall security within the organization
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Implementing new security procedures, including installing and maintaining new software and hardware, and providing instruction to employees
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Identifying security flaws and providing repairs or updates to address them
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Simulating access as an outside party to determine whether individuals outside of the organization can access the network
8 reasons to become a network security specialist
Here’s a list of reasons to consider whether working as a network security specialist is a career opportunity you want to pursue:
1. Expansive learning opportunities
Digital security is an extensive field, and it continues to grow as technology becomes an increasingly important part of how modern businesses function. Becoming a network security specialist can provide you with a wide range of opportunities for learning and specializing in the industry, which can help you develop your skills and become a more appealing job candidate. This can help you find career opportunities that align with your capabilities and your interests, which may improve your career outlook.
2. High advancement potential
Network security is a field that offers the potential for strong professional growth and financial compensation. Effective network security can protect companies against potential digital threats, which can save them a lot of money and help maintain their reputation. This can make it a valuable role in an organization, and companies might offer strong compensation packages to attract the best network security specialist to protect their data and network.
3. Variable work
Network security is a continually changing field as the technology professionals use continues to develop. This means the responsibilities of people in this role constantly change, which can provide opportunities to learn and do new tasks or techniques regularly. The tasks you perform can vary from day to day in this role. You may work on developing new software one day and performing system maintenance or testing the next. Some tasks can be in response to an incident, or they can be to prevent a potential one from occurring.
4. Industrial stability
The expanding presence of technology in business can lead to an increase in demand for technology professionals, which can make a network security specialist career have strong job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% growth in job opportunities for information security professionals from 2020 to 2030, which is significantly higher than the average for all occupations during that time. The agency cites an increase in small and medium-sized businesses that are adopting cloud services as the main reason for the projected job growth.
5. Intellectual engagement
Identifying potential problems within a security infrastructure and devising and implementing solutions can be an intellectually stimulating career opportunity. You might work proactively and create plans to address potential risks, or you can work reactively and determine the best way to address an ongoing issue. Because of this, people with strong problem-solving skills who enjoy using logic and critical thinking may enjoy working as network security specialists.
6. Continued development
Working as a network security specialist can be a first step in seeking senior information security positions. Your experience working as a network security specialist can allow you to demonstrate your capabilities while continuing to gain knowledge to keep your security protocols current and reliable. You may use these skills in positions such as network administrators or information security managers, which can come with a promotion in job title and a pay increase.
7. Meaningful work
The work you complete as a network security specialist can be extremely important. Small groups or individuals have the potential to cause significant disruptions in a business or industry if they access a company’s network. Being able to provide strong network security can keep your company operating without interruption and keep providing the services it offers to its customers or clients.
8. Increasing flexibility
The growth of digital technology also provides stability for career options outside the network security field. As businesses continue to increase how they use new technologies, such as cloud computing to decentralize their networks, there can be network security roles in various industries you can consider. For example, you might find jobs for a company in finance, marketing or sales to protect their internal networks. This can provide you with more chances to find a job that aligns with your work preferences and needs.
Tips for finding work as a network security specialist
If you’re interested in a career as a network security specialist, consider these steps:
Prioritize learning
The threats that networks encounter can increase as the technologies businesses use continue to develop. This can make it important for network security specialists to learn and develop their industry skills continuously. If you’re pursuing a job in the field, an interviewer may ask questions about modern network security concerns, and staying knowledgeable can help you answer them correctly and make a stronger impression. Once you have a network security job, staying informed about the latest developments in both threats and solutions can help you be more effective.
Get Certified
Computer science fields, such as network security, commonly have certifications and credentials you can pursue. Completing a course from a reputable provider can add credibility to your skills as a network security specialist. Certificates can comprise a range of skills, such as a certificate in a particular coding language, safety feature or operating system. Earning network security certifications that improve skills for your desired career specialty can help qualify you for more jobs during your search.
Maintain a professional network
Building a strong professional network can be helpful to network security specialists, whether they’re independent contractors or work for a company. Professionals who provide strong results to their clients may ask a client to recommend their work to others, which can provide them with more job opportunities. Having connections in the industry can help you learn about new jobs or discover which companies are a good fit for you, and you can use them as references when you seek new opportunities.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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