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Network Security Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Familiarity with network architecture, network security concepts, authentication and authorization ... Job Title Security Consultant Intern 2027 Date posted 14-Aug-2026 Job ID 128712 City / Township ...

Familiarity with network architecture, network security concepts, authentication and authorization ... Job Title Security Consultant Intern 2027 Date posted 14-Aug-2026 Job ID 128712 City / Township ...

Cybersecurity, Information Security, or Network Security * Cyber Forensics * Systems or Network Engineering and Administration * Computer Science or Software Engineering We expect the candidate to ...

Cybersecurity, Information Security, or Network Security * Cyber Forensics * Systems or Network Engineering and Administration * Computer Science or Software Engineering We expect the candidate to ...

Cybersecurity, Information Security, or Network Security * Cyber Forensics * Systems or Network Engineering and Administration * Computer Science or Software Engineering We expect the candidate to ...

Familiarity with network architecture, network security concepts, authentication and authorization methods, and encryption protocols. * Exposure to one or more cybersecurity domains such as Threat ...

... networking, cloud environments, and end-user support. This is a great opportunity for someone ... security initiatives and learn about multi-layered security practices Assist with maintaining on ...

IT Intern

Palatine, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Basic Networking. * Infrastructure Support. * Enterprise Security Awareness. * Professional ... The selected intern may assist with: * IT Help Desk Operations. * Microsoft 365 Administration.

IT Intern

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.76/hr

... networking, cloud environments, and end-user support. This is a great opportunity for someone ... Support data security initiatives and learn about multi-layered security practices * Assist with ...

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Network Security Intern information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$25

How much do network security intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for network security intern in Illinois is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a network security intern do?

A Network Security Intern assists with the protection and monitoring of an organization's computer networks and systems. Their tasks often include helping to configure firewalls, monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, assisting with vulnerability assessments, and supporting the IT team with security-related projects. Interns also learn about security protocols, incident response, and best practices in cybersecurity. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to the tools and techniques used to safeguard digital assets.

What are some common challenges faced by network security interns during their internships?

Network Security Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving cyber threats, learning new security tools and protocols quickly, and understanding the organization's unique network architecture. Balancing hands-on technical tasks with documentation and compliance requirements can also be demanding. Additionally, interns typically collaborate closely with senior security analysts and IT teams, which requires effective communication and a willingness to learn from feedback in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network security intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Network Security Intern, you need foundational knowledge of networking concepts, cybersecurity principles, and coursework in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with network monitoring tools, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA is often valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you investigate threats and collaborate with security teams. These skills and qualities are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, supporting incident response, and maintaining a secure network environment.

What is the difference between Network Security Intern vs Cybersecurity Intern?

AspectNetwork Security InternCybersecurity Intern
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of networking, certifications like CompTIA Network+Fundamental cybersecurity knowledge, certifications like CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentHands-on with network devices, security tools, and monitoring systemsBroader security tasks including threat analysis and vulnerability assessments
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, network-focused roles in various industriesSecurity teams across industries, broader cybersecurity focus
Search & Comparison IntentPeople interested in network-specific security rolesIndividuals exploring general cybersecurity internships

The main difference between a Network Security Intern and a Cybersecurity Intern lies in their focus areas. Network Security Interns primarily work on securing network infrastructure and devices, while Cybersecurity Interns have a broader scope that includes various security aspects beyond networks. Both roles require foundational security knowledge and certifications, but Network Security Interns tend to focus more on network-specific tools and environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Security jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Network Security jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Network Security Intern jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Network Security Intern jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Network Security Intern job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,994 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

GTG Intern - Cybersecurity

Grainger Businesses

Chicago, IL • On-site

$36/hr

Internship

Posted 7 days ago


Grainger rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 182 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 365 rated logistics


Job description

Work Location Type: Hybrid
About Grainger:
W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenances, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.
Compensation:
This position is hourly, and the starting pay rate is $36/hour
The rate of pay provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The rate reflects the expected base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position.
Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.
Internship Overview
The Grainger Technology Group (GTG) internship is a 10-week, paid program based in our downtown Chicago office where interns work across teams such as Product Engineering, Cybersecurity, Applied Machine Learning, User Experience, Digital Experience Analytics, and more to help build the technology that keeps Grainger and its customers moving. As a GTG intern, you will be treated as a member of the team and contribute to meaningful work tied to real customer and business outcomes, not a separate side project. You will gain hands-on exposure to modern technology stacks, digital platforms, AI-enabled workflows, and enterprise systems while learning from experienced team members. Throughout the summer, you will also participate in networking, social, and professional development events and present the work you accomplished to senior leadership.
Position Details
As a Cybersecurity Intern, you will work with security analysts, engineers, architects, and risk partners who help protect the technology, data, operations, and customer experiences behind a large enterprise. You will join a team focused on a specific security function and contribute to work connected to real security outcomes rather than a standalone intern exercise. Depending on business need and alignment with your skills, you may gain exposure to technical security operations, governance/risk/compliance, identity and access management, security engineering, or incident readiness.
You Will
  • Support security team members in monitoring Grainger's environment for signs of compromise and support responses to potential security incidents.
  • Assist with supporting and analyzing proactive security program processes, asset inventories, platform monitoring, or infrastructure/resource provisioning activities to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Learn how systems and applications connect, how identities and access are created and mapped, and how security controls support business processes.
  • Support vulnerability management processes by reviewing findings, helping track remediation, and validating closure.
  • Gain exposure to SIEM platforms for alert triage, log analysis, and basic threat detection
  • Use tools such as Jira/Service Now or similar platforms to manage work, document progress, and support team backlogs or sprint cycles.
  • Explore appropriate use of AI-enabled research, prompt engineering, scripting, or automation where appropriate while validating outputs and investigating root causes.
  • Communicate with team members, document processes, make technical recommendations, and help colleagues become more resilient to cyber threats.
  • Build new learning foundations by working across unfamiliar code, tools, systems, and business contexts with curiosity and ownership.
  • Present your work, impact, and key learnings to technology leaders at the end of the internship.

You Have
  • Expected graduation with a bachelor's degree between December 2026 and June 2027.
  • Preferably pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Engineering, Criminal Justice, Business, or a related field; equivalent practical experience, micro-credentials, military experience, law enforcement experience, internal technical experience, or demonstrated self-directed learning will also be considered.
  • Foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, cloud or infrastructure concepts, applications.
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity concepts such as vulnerability management, log analysis, incident response, or threat detection.
  • Interest in one or more cybersecurity paths, such as Security Operations/SOC, security engineering, governance/risk/compliance, identity and access management, threat detection, incident response, or security awareness.
  • Curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to validate information, investigate root causes, and avoid over-reliance on tool-generated answers.
  • Interest in AI-enabled workflows, prompt engineering, scripting, automation, or security tooling, with a willingness to learn how and when to use these tools responsibly.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, adaptability, attention to detail, and ownership.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Does not require sponsorship.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
We are also committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

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About Grainger

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money. We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Industry

Office administration and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, IL, US

Year founded

1927