By the end of 2024, cybercrime will have cost the world economy nearly $9.5 trillion dollars, and according to Cybercrime Magazine, those numbers are projected to top $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Given these incredibly high stakes, organizations around the globe are seeking cybersecurity experts to protect their networks and data.
This surge in demand means that network security engineers have become some of the most sought-after professionals in today’s job market, and can play an instrumental role in helping businesses limit their losses and strengthen their security systems. Read on to explore what a network security engineer does, the skills needed to be successful and expert tips on how to land the perfect job.
What Is a Network Security Engineer?
Network security engineers are the backbone of an organization’s ability to fight cybercrime. They are IT professionals who design, implement and monitor some of the world’s most advanced network security systems.
General responsibilities for a network security engineer include:
- Identifying security gaps
- Managing information and data access
- Maintaining and updating firewalls
- Developing security protocols
In an environment where poor network security can cost private companies and government organizations billions, the need to protect information and data from cybercriminals is greater than ever before.
What Does a Network Security Engineer Do?
A network security engineer is responsible for carrying out a wide range of tasks that ensure effective security controls and compliance. Day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Configuring monitoring tools
- Maintaining hardware and software
- Devising network security policies
- Putting together disaster recovery plans
- Monitoring the effectiveness of security controls and compliance policies
- Testing hardware and software for vulnerabilities
- Staying up to date on latest security trends
It’s important to note that the role of a network security engineer can overlap with other positions in this field. The following job titles share similar responsibilities:
- Security Software Developer
- Application Security Engineer
- Penetration Tester
- Vulnerability Analyst
- Secure Code Auditor
These professionals utilize an array of cybersecurity techniques and collaborate to ensure the safety of network systems and applications.
Skills and Education Required to Become a Network Security Engineer
In order to be a successful network security engineer, candidates need to show a range of skills, meet certain education requirements and receive relevant certifications, including:
Technical skills:
- Knowledge and understanding of networks
- Firewall management
- Experience with intrusion detection/penetration testing
- Experience with different operating systems
- Programming knowledge/experience
- Knowledge of current and evolving security trends and threats
- Experience with routers, servers, TCP/IP, Adaptive Security Compliance, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Soft skills:
- The ability to clearly communicate across teams
- Self motivation and the ability to lead teams and projects
- Problem solving and critical thinking to find innovative solutions
- Adaptability to adjust to changes and disruptions
- Good time management to complete tasks within deadlines
Education:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as IT, computer science, or computer programming
- Some positions may require a master’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science or related field
Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIH) Security
- Juniper Networks Certified Expert Lab Exams Security (JNCIE-SEC)
How to Become a Network Security Engineer: Career Path and Job Titles
Becoming a network security engineer takes the right combination of education and experience. Here are some helpful tips to meeting network security engineer requirements as well as related job titles.
Career Path
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, network engineering or cybersecurity
- Consider earning a master’s degree to specialize in specific fields
- Gain relevant work experience and consider an internship
- Earn relevant certifications on specific practices and programs
Related Job Titles
- Information Security Engineer
- Cybersecurity Software Engineer
- Senior Network Security Engineer
- Information System Security Engineer
- Security Architect
Companies Hiring for Network Security Engineers
From entertainment and retail to banking and manufacturing, companies from a wide spectrum of industries are seeking qualified network security engineers to keep their systems safe.
A search on LinkedIn* found a list of notable companies hiring for this role, including:
- Netflix: The international streaming media service recruits network security engineers to safeguard its online services.
- Skechers: The athletic footwear brand seeks network security engineers to secure digital assets and its ecommerce platform.
- Cisco: This multinational digital communications conglomerate is always on the lookout for talented network security engineers to maintain the integrity of its high-tech services and products.
- National Wildlife Federation: Non-profit conservation organizations around the globe hire network security engineers to protect sensitive data and IT systems.
- Google: Large technology companies like Google require network security engineers to develop and maintain secure software systems and sensitive user information.
- Meta: Companies like Meta help people connect across various online platforms and need network security engineers to secure user data and protect digital assets.
- PayPal: Financial tech companies around the globe employ network security engineers to protect sensitive financial data and transactions.
- Regions Bank: Banks and financial institutions rely on network security engineers to safeguard their networks and systems.
- Bosch USA: Engineering and technology firms like Bosch need network security engineers to configure monitoring tools and devise network security policies.
* Search was conducted in September 2024, some job listings may have changed.
Salary and Job Outlook for Network Security Engineers
So, how much do network security engineers make? With demand for cyber and network security professionals on the rise, here are some salary ranges from leading job aggregator sites*:
- $118,566 (Indeed)
- Total pay range of $118,000 to $189,000 with a base pay of $93,000 to $145,000 (Glassdoor)
- Average of $124,948 (ZipRecruiter)
The job outlook for this type of position is very promising; for example, employment of information security analysts, a related position, is expected to grow 32% between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the national average.
*Salaries were retrieved in September 2024
With the threat of cybercrimes on the rise, companies of all sizes are hiring skilled network security engineers to help safeguard their critical IT systems. As a result, candidates hoping to break into this exciting industry are enrolling in advanced degree programs like the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering and Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership.
Download this free eBook to learn more about Top Paying Cybersecurity Jobs
Network Security Engineer FAQs
Citations:
AppSec Engineer, “The Definitive Guide to Becoming an Application Security Engineer.”
https://www.appsecengineer.com/blog/guide-to-becoming-an-application-security-engineer
Astra Security, “90+ Cyber Crime Statistics 2024: Cost, Industries & Trends.”
https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/cyber-crime-statistics/
CipherText, “The Cost of Cyber Theft to the U.S. Economy in 2024.”
https://ciphertex.com/2024/05/24/the-cost-of-cyber-theft-to-the-u-s-economy-in-2024
Cisco, “Becoming a Network Security Engineer.”
https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/tech-roles/security-engineer.html#tabs-35d568e0ff-item-194f491212-tab
CISA, “Security Architect.”
https://www.cisa.gov/careers/work-rolessecurity-architect
CompTIA, “Your Next Move: Vulnerability Analyst.”
https://www.comptia.org/blog/your-next-move-vulnerability-analyst
Coursera, “What Is a Security Engineer? 2024 Career Guide.”
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-a-security-engineer
Cyber Security Jobs, “Security Code Auditor Jobs.”
https://www.cybersecurityjobs.com/security-code-auditor-jobs/
Cybercrime Magazine, “2024 Cybersecurity Almanac: 100 Facts, Figures, Predictions and Statistics.”
https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybersecurity-almanac-2024
Forage, “What Is a Network Security Engineer.”
https://www.theforage.com/blog/careers/network-security-engineer#h-what-does-a-network-security-engineer-do
Indeed, “Network Security Engineer Skills and How to Improve Them.”
https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/network-security-engineer-skills
Institute of Data, “The Role of a Cybersecurity Software Engineer.”
https://www.institutedata.com/us/blog/a-cybersecurity-software-engineer/
Institute of Data, “Why Network Security is Important.”
https://www.institutedata.com/us/blog/why-network-security-is-important
Security Intelligence, “What Does a Network Security Engineer Do?”
https://www.theforage.com/blog/careers/network-security-engineer#h-what-does-a-network-security-engineer-do
University of San Diego, “Penetration Testers on the Front Lines of Cyber Security.”
https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/vulnerability-and-penetration-testing/
University of San Diego, “Security Software Developer [Career and Salary Guide].”
https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/secure-software-development/
ZipRecruiter, “What Is an Information Security Engineer and How to Become One.”
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Information-Security-Engineer/What-Is-How-to-Become
