What Is a Network Security Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a network security engineer, your job duties include configuring routers, switches, firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and other network monitoring tools against intrusions. You need technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills to carry out your network security tasks. Your job is to ensure that your company’s internal networks are protected from potential online threats, like hackers and malware that can steal or corrupt sensitive data from websites, computer programs, databases, and servers. You need to remain current with new developments in the field to master fast-evolving network security technologies.

To pursue a career as a network security engineer, you need a strong background in information technology (IT) systems and security software and hardware. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT, while others accept years of IT experience instead of formal education. Additional qualifications are available, like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC). Your responsibilities include analyzing your company’s network-based security needs and implementing hardware and software network security solutions.