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What skills, training, or certification do I need to get started in a career for network security

I'm looking for a way to get a career in networking security but I just don't know where or how to start do I need to look for an internship for networking or something?

technology information-technology security cybersecurity cyber-security
Thank you comment icon Hi Jerry. Do you have a 2 year college nearby? You could call the college and ask to speak to someone in their career prep department, or someone in their computer science department and ask them if they could point you in the right direction to get advice on the best place to start preparing for a career in network security. Good luck. Barry Loudermilk
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Melanie’s Answer

Hi Jerry,
Network security is a great place to start, but like some have mentioned, this is a core skill for a lot of other positions within the cyber industry. I would make sure to keep your mind open as you take courses (a lot online and through different organizations) to learn about these other areas as well. For example, don't rule out SD-WAN or other areas of software-defined networking, it's absolutely where the industry is heading and not as much on traditional networking (like hardware firewalls/switches/etc.).
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Alex’s Answer

Hi Jerry,

Great question! I have interacted with numerous employers and recruiters and they all really say the same thing. Personal projects will be your greatest gateway into the cyber security industry. Not only do personal projects show initiative, but they show creativity and problem solving skills too. Projects don't have to be big, even just finding a tutorial out there and putting your own spin on it is very highly looked upon. Also don't think a project has to be coded either. There are so many security projects I have seen that have no coding involved whatsoever. If you are into offensive security, a great place to start is "hack the box" or "try hack me". These show employers you have real world experience. Certifications are great as well but they are mostly theory based and involve very little practical application to pass. I currently hold the "CompTIA Security +" and "CCNA" certifications. These taught me a lot about proper practices and procedures but I work with other interns that had no certifications and just a ton of projects. All-in-all its a matter of picking your poison. Hope this helps and good luck!

Best,
Alex Nasca
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Ben’s Answer

Hello Jerry,

Keep in mind that someone working in Cyber Security should also understand Networks. With that in mind Comp Tia has some good certifications that can get you started. CompTIA has Network+ and Security+. If you understand Networks, then you can just go to Security +, but if not, I would suggest taking Network + first then, Security +.

This is a good choice for a career as there will be growing demand. There's a plethora of resources out there and study guides. It might be worth checking Udemy. Sometimes they have sales and someone can find a class for as little as $15!

Generally speaking these are the skill sets you should have for working in this field:

Problem-Solving Skills- Need to be able to identify issues and find solutions.
Technical Aptitude- You would be working with Techies, so you should understand the tech world and be able to speak the jargon.
Attention to Detail- Problems aren't always easy to find. You should be ready to dive in deep and find out what's happening.
Communication Skills- You would be interacting with others on your finding and issues your working on.
A Desire to Learn- Once you get into the field, you'll constantly be learning about new techniques and approaches to working in the field.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Jerry,

Pathway to Network Security Career

To embark on a career in network security, it's essential to have a solid grounding in computer science and networking principles. Most roles in this field necessitate a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related discipline. However, some companies may consider equivalent professional experience as a substitute for a formal degree.

Certifications to Boost Your Profile

To further validate your network security expertise, consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications. Here are some popular choices:

CompTIA Security+: This certification validates your fundamental security skills, understanding of terminology, and familiarity with technologies.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification is centered on cybersecurity management, covering areas such as security and risk management, communication and network security, and software development security.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): This certification emphasizes the auditing, monitoring, and assessment of an organization’s information systems.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification equips you with the skills to detect and rectify vulnerabilities in systems and networks.

Practical Experience

Securing practical experience through internships or entry-level roles can be instrumental in paving your way into the network security industry. Internships allow you to work closely with seasoned professionals, understand industry best practices, and expand your professional network. Entry-level roles like network administrator or junior security analyst can help you hone practical skills and gain familiarity with various security technologies and tools.

Continual Learning

Keeping pace with the latest trends, threats, and technologies in network security is key to career progression. Engage in online courses, attend workshops, or participate in local cybersecurity meetups to stay informed about industry advancements. Many vendors and training organizations offer product-specific training to help you master their solutions.

Recommended Reading

Here are some authoritative reference titles to deepen your understanding:

CompTIA Security+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition by Chuck Black
CISSP (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide by Mike Chapple, James Michael Stewart, and Darril Gibson
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Version 11: Study Guide by Kimberly Graves, Kristin Judge, and Matt Walker

Stay blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
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Claire’s Answer

Hi Jerry! There are lots of programs available online now to help you get started in building the skills needed to be in info security. I also recommend looking at job postings for the roles you see yourself in, take note of the qualifications listed, and that can help give you an idea of what companies are looking for!
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Lou’s Answer

Take computer science classes if you are in high school

Look at Cisco Network certification classes
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Eleanor’s Answer

Hi Jerry!

Here's a good reference for InfoSys certifications that employers are currently looking for: https://www.coursera.org/articles/popular-cybersecurity-certifications
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