Cisco IPS Specialists configure, deploy, and resolve the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) of Cisco to work smoothly in a completely secured framework. They can monitor and operate Cisco IOS Software and IPS technologies to defend, comprehend, and counter-intrusion attempts.
IPS detects any malicious activity occurring in the network by recording information about the intrusion, attempts to thwart it, and reports the activity. Placed in the direct communication route linking source and destination, it proactively evaluates, and initiates automated procedures on all traffic movements that enter the network. It alerts the administrator by sending an alarm, rids the network of malicious packets, obstructs traffic from the source address, and resets the connection.
By using a Cisco IPS, one can increase the availability of the network, resolve issues faster, and offer flexibility for implementation. It is considered an exact threat defense mechanism, as it foils Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), worms, malware, adware, spyware, and viruses. Owing to an increasing number of malicious attacks, IPS has become critical for both large and small organizations.
Specialists implement and oversee mission-critical systems and network which have to function correctly for a business to flourish. They do so by using advanced systems’ analysis procedures, besides implementing, testing, documenting, evaluating, and securing vital network and security systems.
They need to have excellent verbal and written communication skills, besides analytical skills.
Cisco IPS Specialist’s Job Description
Cisco security professionals have to manage all security equipment, such as the Cisco ASA, IDS/IPS devices of Cisco. They have to promptly act when alerts arrive by examining potential security and data issues.
Specialists must review switches, routers, and firewall configurations. They need to work with the different teams, such as telephony team, systems administrators, and application owners of business units, to come up with IT solutions to tackle threats to their business.
Specialists must communicate, implement, and apply technology-related policies to secure organizational data. It is their responsibility to develop, schedule, and initiate technology-related projects that directly impact their organization’s bottom lines.
Specialists will often prioritize, scrutinize, and sort out major technology matters for the management. They frequently suggest and guide their management, employees, and clients on technology matters.
Specialists will also have to maintain encryption devices, firewalls, monitoring devices, and intrusion prevention systems. They will have to work collaboratively with the IT team to test and implement disaster recovery plans.
Engineers must have a comprehensive understanding of LAN/WAN internetworking, including protocol network architecture, development interoperability, and needs for proof of concept.
Besides, specialists need to oversee the installation, execution, configuration, and maintenance of network components. They have to establish security processes to sort out data loss weaknesses, keep risks under check, and suggest system components or security changes when necessary. Specialists maintain the telecommunications data and voice networks, to meet customer requirements, organization’s objectives, and technological resources. They provide support for the strategic planning of telecommunications support.
Specialists manage and maintain the security operations process, such as Change Management, Incident Management, Problem Management, etc.
They plan, install, and provide support for various networking devices and services, such as load balancers, VPN, and QoS wireless. Specialists need to have expertise in Access Control, SSL Inspection, TCP\IP, Policy Management, and general networking structures.
Finally, they carry out security audits, assessments, and identify security breaches in the ecosystem.
Prospects for Cisco IPS Specialists
In the SD-WAN era, if network engineers do not reskill to be proficient in software, their partner business will lag, says networkcomputing.com. They also need to keep up-to-date with its ever-evolving security ecosystem.
Educational Qualifications and other Requirements for Cisco IPS Specialists
Cisco IPS Specialists need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or equivalent work experience along with a security certification in the Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS).
Experience supporting network environments using either McAfee Network Security Platform (IDS/IPS), Cisco Firepower, or Palo Alto-based solutions will be a big plus.
They should be conversant with the Cisco router, including Cisco ASA firewalls, BGP and EIGRP, VLANs, and Cisco switches.
Candidates must install, configure, and maintain switches, routers, and firewalls of Cisco and should be able to use Cisco security manager, besides installing and configuring hardware and software. Specialists should have experience in scripting languages, such as Python, Perl, and BASH.
Salaries for Cisco IPS Specialists
Cisco Network Security Engineers earn around $84,000 per year in the United States, according to payscale.com. Freelancers, on the other hand, earn $34.71 per hour, according to payscale.com.
Fieldengineer.com Helps Employers’ Find the Right Candidates
If you want to work as a freelance Cisco IPS Specialist in the Freelance Marketplace, visit Fieldengineer.com. It helps you to connect with employers seeking qualified candidates. More than 40,000 engineers from various fields in 170 countries are registered on it, making it easy for employers to hire candidates with the skill sets they require.
