Network Security Specialist
The Network Security Specialist is responsible for overseeing the computer networks for any security threats or unauthorized users. The Security Specialist will have to identify the compromised machines and will provide a brief of the security measures taken by them. They have to evaluate the security risks and come up with proper response procedures. The other additional tasks include creating and examining the software deployment tools, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
The Security Specialists also conduct in-depth research about the new security devices as well. They may have to install computer security software, conduct regular security audits, prepare security status reports, and assist in disaster recovery.
Job Description
The Network Security Specialist job involves evaluating log files from different sources such as network traffic logs, firewall logs, Domain Name System (DNS) and several others to locate the possible threats to network security. The professional is responsible for gathering network intrusion artifacts that include domains, Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) and certificates. They have to utilize the discovered data to assist in the mitigation of potential CND hunts and incidents.
The Security Specialist must evaluate the identified malicious network activity to understand the effects on system and information. They have to maintain a record of network-based tactics, techniques, and procedures used by an attacker to gain unauthorized system access. The professionals must keep track of the CND incidents from the beginning through final resolution. They have to conduct real-time CND incident handling to offer necessary support to the deployable incident response teams.
The Network Security Specialist must circulate technical reports in response to the conducted analysis. They have to assist with developing and maintaining SOPs and should analyze network device configurations for any distrustful configurations. The Security Specialist has to evaluate network topology and device configurations to pinpoint critical security concerns and offer the best security practice recommendations. The professionals must gather network device integrity data and put to use specialized tools to locate unauthorized access such as configuration changes, interface changes, physical access, unscheduled reboots, blocked attempts, and downgraded encryption.
It is the responsibility of the Network Security Specialist to gather network device integrity data with the help of specialized tools to identify hardware and software modifications. They have to assist in network device integrity analysis on multi-vendor products. The Security Specialist must play an active role in building firewalls, setting up anti-virus software and keep an eye on the organization’s network to detect any threats or breaches. The specialist has to understand the levels of risk create suitable responses.
The Network Security Specialist should evaluate the network flow data, signature-based IDS events, and full packet capture (PCAP) data. The professionals have to examine the open and closed source information on related threats & vulnerabilities and prepare the initial reports. They have to manage and examine signature-based IDS alerts and related packet data (PCAP). The Security Specialist must perform high-level incident handling functions. They must recognize and extract network indicators from incident reporting. The professional will suggest new IDS signatures and detection strategies.
The Security Specialist must create final reports and evaluate the incident reports. The professionals should work in collaboration with the analysts to investigate cyber events. They have to analyze cyber indicators and play a critical role in the development of IDS signatures and detection mechanisms. The Network Security Specialist must keep track of the trends and activities on network sensor platforms. They should offer a technical assessment of cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
The Network Security Specialist should provide all the support to the IT Security team to understand the security requirements. They must perform security engineering activities through a Lean and Agile approach. The professionals must conduct threat and vulnerability assessments such as DDOS assessment and security analysis. They must have a base security solution in place while developing and delivering the general risk and compliance practices. The Security Specialist has to develop data protection, privacy and audit practices while establishing gap analysis and mitigation methodologies. They have to act as a technical interface when providing technical solutions to clients.
The professional is responsible for protecting and improving the network environment. They have to focus on the network service improvement and operational task improvement. The Network Security Specialist has to take care of the Network & appliances. They have to make sure that the hardening and patching of devices meet the industry standards. The professional oversee the end to end implementation of network devices, related appliances, and leased links. The Network Security Specialist will identify and resolve network problems remotely and on-site. They have to ensure to implement monitoring for security solutions.
Educational Qualification
The Network Security Specialist must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, telecommunications, electronics&electricals or any other related field. As part of the course, the professionals will learn about solving technical security problems and creating network security policies. The main areas of focus are web programming, database security, digital forensics, computing ethics, network architecture and systems administration. Usually, organizations hire candidates with prior and relevant work experience, whereas some businesses are in search of candidates with a master’s degree or a specialization related to security or networking.
Certifications
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNPSecurity)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional(CISSP)
Salary
According to Payscale, the Network Security Specialist earns about $73,932 annually and $30.52 on an hourly basis in the United States. As per Neuvoo, for this position, the professional earns about $79,835 per year or $40.94 per hour. The professionals at entry-level positions start at $18,525 per year, whereas the experienced workers make up to $106,750 per year. The Glassdoor salary estimate states that on an average the Network Security Specialist makes about $67,620 per year. The Indeed salary figures show on an average, the professional salary ranges from approximately $57,271 per year for Network Specialist to $114,677 per year for IT Security Specialist.
Job outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have any data specifically related to Network Security Specialist. But, the recent job outlook stats for Information Security Analyst, a closely related position shows that there is expected to be 18 percent growth in the sector from 2014-2024.
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