However, firewalls, Antivirus software does not always detect and stop viruses or harmful malware, which may lead to data loss.
A typical day of a Firewall Engineer revolves around the day-to-day security operations and system change lifecycle of critical security devices and tools. It is the responsibility of this individual to look into the IDS/IPS, web proxy servers, baseline security, device monitoring and response, proactive fault management, vendor engagement, and perimeter hygiene of the systems.
The engineers will design, build, manage the security infrastructure of IT systems. The professionals play a significant role in installing hardware, configuring the firewall, setting up virtual private networks (VPNs) and other upgrades. Even though their job focusses more on the technical aspects, the engineers sometimes engage with clients and resolve their issues. The Firewall Engineers are proficient at change management and disaster response and prefer functioning within a team.
Job Description of a Firewall Engineer
Deployment & Maintenance
The engineer will be responsible for taking care of the security of a computer network through the implementation and maintenance of software. Usually, the professional uses the firewall to keep the network protected from external threats. Firewalls are programs on a computer or built into devices as firmware. They act as a defensive measure to control what external sources can communicate with a network.
Use of Firewall software
The work involves the use of software to ensure the protection of computer networks from malicious threats. The individual usually installs firewall software to the computers, or the computers come with the firewall software on the device’s firmware. Firmware means a computer program installed as part of a piece of hardware to protect and monitor the network even further.
Install & Maintain the Firewall
The engineer should create a new secure firewall program and modify the existing one. The maintenance is done to protect or address network issues. The support and installation of the network firewall is an essential task as it will protect the company’s network from all the external sources. To avoid any attacks on the network, the individual is also responsible for upgrading the systems from time to time.
Effectiveness of Security
Security depends on the activities performed by its users. The Engineer must ensure the protection of networks is up and running 24/7 without any downtime. The engineer must educate and share tips with users on how to use their computer systems effectively and how the company information on the network can be kept secure. The professional also helps to reduce the need for service requests, as other users can understand the system better and efficiently resolve their issues.
Design Security Systems
The Firewall Engineers are responsible for reviewing the security requirements of the clients. They usually coordinate with the other engineers and will decide on an overall technical approach. The professionals will start working on the approved designs only after they reach a final agreement.
Skill Sets
Computer Network Defense
The engineer must have good knowledge of computer network defense; it helps them to detect, monitor, protect, analyze and defend against network infiltrations resulting in service/network denial, degradation, and disruptions.
Network Security
A proper Network Security is crucial because it allows authenticated users to have unique privileges. However, on the other hand, it is not possible for viruses and other malware programs to be detected by a firewall. So, a sound engineer must have anti-virus software or an intrusion prevention system (IPS) running in the firewall system to prevent and detect virus attacks on the network.
Infrastructure Design
A Firewall Engineer must have good knowledge about the hardware and software resources of an entire network that enable network connectivity, communication, operations and management of an enterprise network.
Educational Qualifications
The candidate who wants to pursue a career in this filed must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems engineering or telecommunications engineering. If the individual has a master’s degree and relevant work experience, it is an added advantage.
Certifications
CSX Practitioner Certification (CSX P)
CSX Practitioner Certification proves that the candidate has good knowledge about firewall technologies, patching and anti-virus experience. It also states that they are capable of implementing common security controls, perform vulnerability scans and some analysis.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The certification is for professionals who are in charge ensuring that an organization’s IT and business systems are monitored, managed and protected. It enhances the expertise and skills in assessing vulnerabilities and instituting technology controls. It is specially designed for security professionals.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker certification validates the individuals in the specific network security discipline of Ethical Hacking from a vendor-neutral perspective. The main areas of focus are common exploits, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures using hacker techniques, and tools.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification verifies the technical skills and experience in implementing and managing a security program. It is designed for professionals such as security engineer, security architect, and others.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification verifies the professionals’ skills to install, configure, and troubleshoot the network. They will have a strong hold on networking devices.
Firewall Engineer Salary
According to Payscale, on an average, an engineer to fill this position will earn about $75,000 per year. The highest paying skills associated with this job are Checkpoint, Virtual Private Networking (VPN), and IP Network. The average salary as per Glassdoor is $138,322 per year and will differ from place to place. The Indeed Salary estimate shows that the average salary for a Firewall Engineer is $98,594 per year in the United States.
The Career Outlook for Firewall Engineer
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Firewall Engineers are expected to have excellent career growth in the coming years. There is supposed to be a 6 percent growth for network and computer system administrators sectors. The extensive use of Information Technology is one of the primary reasons for increasing job opportunities. However, at the same time, there are chances of cloud computing cutting down work for network administrators.
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