What does a network security administrator do?
A Network Security Administrator works to ensure the security of the network systems and data in a company. They are responsible for developing and implementing security programs and protocols, establishing security guidelines, monitoring the networks, keeping an eye for any suspicious activities, or performing interventions to protect networks and data. They also respond to distress and investigates breaches to prevent them from happening again. In some companies, a Network Security Administrator is also in charge of managing network security staff, supervising their performance for an efficient workflow.
Network security administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network security administrator resumes:
- Manage, configure, and verify available IP addresses.
- Install, configure and manage virtual servers in a VMWare environment.
- Monitor traffic/mail issues for IronPort and manage the VMWare network system, minimizing problems and maintaining smooth work flow.
- Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.
- Install and configure Cisco routers and switches for internet connectivity and establishing an enterprise network.
- Perform weekly internal and external systems and configurations vulnerability assessments of all network firewalls, switches and routers.
- Configure and maintain customer and company DNS records.
- Configure Cisco routers with load balancing using BGP and IGRP.
- Install and maintain Novell to UNIX connectivity and mainframe integration.
- Configure user access to local area network (LAN) resources.
- Create a DNS record and assign IP addresses using DCHP server.
- Involve in designing L2VPN services and VPN-IPSEC authentication & encryption system.
- Implement IPv6 addressing, work with TCP/IP protocols, commands and information.
- Work with OSPF as internal and BGP as exterior gateway routing protocol.
- Monitor, analyze and respond to various suspicious security events (SIEM, IPS/IDS/Firewall/Proxy/VPN/AD).
Network security administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Network Security Administrators are proficient in Network Security, Troubleshoot, and Switches. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Security Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Network Security, 8%
Network Security Administration -Responsible for firewall, network access, security policies and Internet monitoring in a large enterprise network.
- Troubleshoot, 6%
Maintained the operating systems, scheduled installation upgrades and troubleshoot operating system problems with resolutions.
- Switches, 6%
Administered and maintained Cisco Switches and Routers according to customer requirements.
- IDS, 4%
Configured and administered security equipment and software such as firewalls, IDS's, VPN, Anti-virus, and patch management.
- Security Policies, 4%
Authored and implemented information security policies, standards, guidelines and procedures across all computing platforms.
- Routers, 4%
Configured Cisco routers with Frame Relay, ISDN BRI, point-to-point, VPN and HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol).
"network security," "troubleshoot," and "switches" are among the most common skills that network security administrators use at work. You can find even more network security administrator responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a network security administrator to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Additionally, a network security administrator resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "administered, maintained, monitored, and repaired lan and wan and all peripheral hardware, data communication and software. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform network security administrator duties is analytical skills. Network security administrators responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Network security administrators also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "implemented a data encryption system for protecting data that was to be sent to black hills during the purchase of sourcegas. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for network security administrators to perform their duties. For an example of how network security administrator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a network security administrator: "created encryption policy and technical solutions to protect company mobile computing devices including laptops and smart phones. ".
The three companies that hire the most network security administrators are:
- Jacobs Engineering Group
2 network security administrators jobs
- Portland General Electric2 network security administrators jobs
- Robert Half2 network security administrators jobs
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Compare different network security administrators
Network security administrator vs. Network manager
A network manager is responsible for monitoring the efficient network connection of the company's technology systems, analyzing system designs, and overseeing installation processes and programs. Network managers inspect the efficiency of existing network management systems, upgrading network data to boost optimal performance and communication transportation. A network manager must have excellent knowledge of technology disciplines and should always be updated with the recent technology trends, guiding the network staff on their tasks and immediately resolving system defects and discrepancies.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a network security administrator are more likely to require skills like "ids," "security devices," "intrusion detection," and "juniper." On the other hand, a job as a network manager requires skills like "customer service," "fault management," "network hardware," and "project management." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Network managers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $105,251. Comparatively, network security administrators tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $104,482.network managers tend to reach similar levels of education than network security administrators. In fact, network managers are 2.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Network security administrator vs. Network engineer
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real network security administrator resumes. While network security administrator responsibilities can utilize skills like "network security," "ids," "routers," and "security devices," network engineers use skills like "firewall," "network design," "network performance," and "f5."
On average, network engineers earn a higher salary than network security administrators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, network engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $90,927. Whereas network security administrators have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $104,482.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Network engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than network security administrators. In fact, they're 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network security administrator vs. Security engineer
Security engineers are responsible for developing and overseeing data and security software to help prevent data breaches, leaks, and taps related to cybercrime. Other duties and responsibilities include developing new systems to help protect computer networks and assets, configuring firewalls, and conducting penetration testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities. Additionally, security engineers are responsible for investigating attacks and help prevent cybersecurity threat. They are also responsible for creating new processes for authorization, encryption algorithms, and authentication, and analyzing current security policies.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a network security administrator is likely to be skilled in "ids," "routers," "windows server," and "security devices," while a typical security engineer is skilled in "java," "cloud security," "infrastructure," and "application security."
Security engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $126,572. On the other hand, network security administrators are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $104,482.security engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to network security administrators. Specifically, they're 5.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network security administrator vs. Systems administrator
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
Types of network security administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
