Network Security Administrator Career Overview & Outlook

A trustworthy cyber security system is critical to every organization. To implement this, they need knowledgeable network security administrators who understand the entire system and keep it functioning optimally and securely.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a network security administrator? Is it a promising profession in the future? We’ll help you answer these questions.

Let’s read on to discover!

Job Description

Network security administrators are experts that manage, monitor, and administer security over one computer network or more. They ensure a network is secured from external and internal security incidents and threats. They are usually part of network operations and management teams.

These professionals also usually work with a team of other IT professionals to implement, develop, and maintain procedures, policies, and systems that protect against cyber attacks and threats.

They may be tasked with finding vulnerabilities in an existing system or process and recommending ways to mitigate those risks.

They manage, monitor, and administer security over one computer network.

Roles and Responsibilities

Here are some responsibilities of network security administrators they are likely to perform in their roles.

  • Installing, configuring, and managing virtual servers in VMWare.
  • Monitoring traffic/mail problems for IronPort and managing the VMWare network system, minimizing issues and maintaining smooth workflow.
  • Installing and configuring Cisco routers & switches for internet connectivity and establishing the enterprise network.
  • Experience in handling DHCP and other IP conflict problems.
  • Configuring and maintaining customer and firm DNS records.
  • Managing windows exchange server queues, email recovery, delays, disk health, and mailbox setup.
  • Implement IPv6 addressing and work with TCP/IP protocols, information, and commands.
  • Installing and maintaining Novell to UNIX connectivity and mainframe integration.
  • Creating a DNS record and assigning IP addresses utilizing the DHCP server.
  • Leading design and architecture sessions with clients. Initiating technical meetings with customer engineers to identify additional opportunities.
  • Integrating various kinds of cyber security data feeds into ArcSight.
  • Configuring user access to LAN (local area network) resources.
  • Developing and testing, flexing connectors for unsupported devices by ArcSight.
  • Configuring URL filtering to enable or disable user traffic access to websites.
  • Experience in designing and handling complex OSPF and BGP routing problems.

Where Do Network Security Administrators Work?

These administrators work in various settings, including government agencies, corporate offices, educational institutions, hospitals, and more.

They commonly work full-time during regular business hours but sometimes must work 24 hours daily to respond to network emergencies.

These professionals work with sensitive information, so they must be able to maintain confidentiality and follow security procedures. They may be required to travel to many locations to install or handle network security systems.

Network security administrators work in various settings.

Education

Network security administrators typically need the following qualifications:

Education Requirements

These professionals are commonly required to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Although several employers may consider candidates with a two-year associate’s degree, a four-year degree will provide more comprehensive skills and knowledge.

Larger corporations with higher risk can require a bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a related computer science field. A technical degree or a focused security master’s degree will be an excellent investment if you want to move into leadership roles.

Training and Experience

Network security administrators usually gain on-the-job training. That training often includes shadowing other network security administrators or learning from the supervisor.

Training may involve learning about the specific computer systems of the company and how to maintain them. It may also be about learning about the procedures and policies of the company.

These administrators can also gain off-the-job training through seminars and conferences. These seminars and conferences may help these professionals learn about industry trends and new technologies.

Certifications

Certifications are optional but recommended. They validate the qualifications of network security administrators and raise their earning potential.

Essential Skills

As a network security administrator, you will need these skills to be successful.

Ability to work independently

These professionals often work with a team or work alone, so they need to be able to work independently. They must take the initiative and responsibility for their job. Moreover, they can troubleshoot and solve issues independently.

Attention to detail

Focusing on detail involves noticing any small change in an environment or system. Security administrators must have excellent attention to detail as it lets them notice any change in an environment or system.

Problem-solving skills

These skills are essential for security administrators. They need to identify any potential threats and generate solutions to prevent them. They must identify vulnerabilities in their existing systems and build strategies to reduce them.

Communication skills

Security experts use communication skills to convey information to their clients, team, and other stakeholders. In addition, they use communication skills to interpret information from other people. Effective communication can build trust, a crucial aspect of security.

Technical skills

These are the practical skills these professionals need to perform their jobs.

These skills are the foundation of your experience and knowledge in a specific field. These professionals use technical skills to evaluate and reduce security risks, build security procedures and protocols and conduct security audits.

Essential Tools

We can’t underestimate the need for network administrator tools. Here are the top 13 tools that any network security administrator needs to get their job done.

  • FileZilla.
  • Clonezilla.
  • Wireshark.
  • Fiddler.
  • Notepad++.
  • Nagios XI.
  • DataDog.
  • PuTTY.
  • Perimeter 81.
  • Sysinternals Suite.
  • SoftPerfect Network Scanner
  • ManageEngine OpManager.
  • Paessler PRTG Network Monitor.
  • SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor.

Job Outlook

Network security administration careers are in high demand across the US in particular and the world in general.

Technology continues to evolve, leading to a greater need for professionals focused on network security. Because of the demand, network & security administrator careers are expected to grow by 5%.

Society is increasingly relying on technology while hackers find advanced, new ways to breach digital systems and devices. So the need for security skills is not waning anytime soon.

Network security administrators are in high demand across the United States.

Salary

The average salary of a network security administrator in the US is $91,574 per year or $44.02 per hour.

Experts on the lower end of that spectrum, or the bottom 10%, make about $53,060 per year, while the top 10% make around $137,757.

Location, years of experience, and qualifications affect how much network security administrators can expect to earn. These professionals make the most in Washington, Maryland, California, Oregon, and Virginia.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • You’re always learning.
  • High career progression.
  • Being a high-demand job.
  • High opportunity and salaries.
  • The opportunity to be self-employed.

Cons

  • Some boring tasks.
  • High-stress & demanding hours.

FAQs

What Certifications should I take to become a Network Security Administrator?

  • Network Traffic Analysis.
  • Cyber Security Source Code Defender.
  • CCNP – Cisco Certified Network Professional.
  • CSA – Certified Security Analyst.
  • CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
  • CompTIA Network+.
  • CompTIA Security+.

What books should the Network Security Administrator read?

General Reference.

Routing.

Troubleshooting.

UNIX / LINUX.

CISCO.

Wireless Networking.

Network Virtualization.

Network Analysis.

Network Security.

Staying Sane on the Job.

How To Become a Network Security Administrator?

Step 1. Complete Education.

A bachelor’s degree is not always needed to be a security administrator, but it is typically preferred. A degree in computer science or related fields is typically preferred but not required.

Many professionals also get into the area with a degree in other STEM specialties and even liberal arts majors, such as psychology or fine arts.

Step 2: Gain Experience.

The fact is that lacking a degree can be offset by hands-on experience in the information technology field.

Step 3: Show initiative.

When you are about to get into a new career path, you should take advantage of every possible way to stand out from others. Displaying a passion for a career specialty and the initiative to improve knowledge and skills without prompting will allow you to impress potential employers.

We recommend attending symposiums and conventions, signing up for a training course, and even attaining professional certifications. It will tell all employers you have the passion and drive it takes to succeed.

CompTIA A+ is considered a basic certification for IT operational and technical support skills, making it a good starting point.

Step 4: Professional certifications.

Most applicants for the roles of security administrators are quite new to cybersecurity; professional certifications aren’t normally a requirement for getting job offers. But any certification you can boast of will greatly benefit.

Some organizations deliver valuable certification courses, such as SANS Technology Institute, GIAC, EC-Council, and Infosec Institute.

What Are Network Security Administrator Job Titles?

All the positions listed below will fit a Network Security Administrator position:

  • Engineer.
  • Management.
  • Administrator.
  • Manager (Network Sec).
  • Architect (Network Sec).
  • Consultant (Network Sec).
  • Wireless Network Engineer.
  • Information Security Manager.
  • Wireless Network Engineer.
  • IT Director.
  • Specialist (Network Sec).
  • Systems Administrator (Network Sec).

Can the Network Security Administrator Work From Home?

Yes, work-from-home network administrators are responsible for installing, monitoring, and maintaining a computer network from a remote location.

Their tasks include working to repair connections and troubleshooting when issues arise. They also may develop security and connectivity procedures based on their employer’s or client’s needs. Remote administrators may work with a cloud-based system.

How Many Hours Do Network Security Administrators Work per Week?

Most work at least 40 hours per week, but they may also have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.

Career Advice

To land a Network Security Administrator position, start by acquiring an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field.

Also, you should consider getting a CompTIA Security+ certification which is great for beginners and intermediate learners.

What’s more, you need to find your colleagues and mentors who will help familiarize you with various environments and tools.

Thank you for your interest in this article!