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What is a network security specialist and how to become one
Network Security Specialists set up and maintain the network security systems of an organization. You are in charge of building firewalls and setting up antivirus software that identifies network security threats and breaches. Network security specialists have an in-depth knowledge of the effect of malicious threats to systems, can access the risk level, and develop suitable ways to counter them. Your responsibility also includes ensuring that both the hardware and software systems can handle security requirements. Expert knowledge of the tactics and methods used for attempted unauthorized system access is necessary to carry out security upgrades accordingly. A network security specialist works with other managers to enhance proper security processes and procedures. They're also responsible for the creation of network security policies and regular performance reports.
You must have a degree in computer science, information technology, or any other related field. Additional certifications like CEH and CISSP would be beneficial. A network security specialist is also required to have in-depth knowledge about database security, computing ethics, and system administration. The average salary of a network security specialist is around $73,932 annually.
What general advice would you give to a network security specialist?
Laura Kier
Network Design and Administration Instructor
Avg. Salary $82,206
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 32%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%
Asian 9.64%
Black or African American 9.15%
Hispanic or Latino 8.99%
Unknown 6.09%
White 65.70%
Genderfemale 16.42%
male 83.58%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Network security specialist career paths
Key steps to become a network security specialist
Explore network security specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific network security specialist skills
Skills Percentages Network Security 11.92% Incident Response 6.49% IDS 5.28% Firewall 5.11% Switches 3.51% Complete relevant network security specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network security specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a network security specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network security specialist resumes.Gain additional network security specialist certifications
More About CertificationsNetwork security specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific network security specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for network security specialists include Security 5 Certification and CompTIA Radio Frequency Identification (RFID+) Certification (CompTIA).
Research network security specialist duties and responsibilities
- Achieve a reputation as a security and technology leader in the LINUX world, interview profiled by several LINUX publications.
- Manage project to maximize available bandwidth and throughput by implementing QOS technologies including compression, traffic shaping and priority/custom queuing.
- Install new firewalls, switches and routers contingent on management schedule.
- Create encryption policy and technical solutions to protect company mobile computing devices including laptops and smart phones.
Prepare your network security specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network security specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a network security specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable network security specialist resume templates
Build a professional network security specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your network security specialist resume.
Apply for network security specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a network security specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first network security specialist job
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Average network security specialist salary
The average network security specialist salary in the United States is $82,206 per year or $40 per hour. Network security specialist salaries range between $60,000 and $112,000 per year.
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Network security specialist reviews
talking to people
outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.
Updated January 8, 2025
