Network Security Administrator
As computers continue their take-over of the civilized world, the need to keep them secure grows. This makes the job of network security administrator one of this decade’s growing career paths. And one of the better-paying ones, as well.
The need for network security professionals is obvious. Digital information is breakable, bendable and quite open to theft. Viruses and hackers have reached epidemic proportions in any country where there are a lot of computers and adequate Internet access. A network security administrator has the skills necessary to keep information safe and secure from all such threats.
All reliable studies show that this is a good time to get involved in the field of network security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, for instances, is predicting that in the next seven years, positions in the field of network security will grow faster than the average in other career fields. And while it’s theoretically possible to get into this field by sheer knowledge and experience, increasingly, education and certifications are required. Those who have additional certificates and training are the ones most sought after by the better-paying businesses.
And make no mistake: The salary potential as a network security administrator is significant. Generally, the annual pay runs between $60,000 and $100,000. The average is nearly $80,000 in the United States.
The network security administrator is responsible for designing, developing and implementing the company’s computer security policies. After this system has been established, the administrator enforces compliance with the security policies. He also manages the hardware which enables the company’s network to operate, such as the routers and switches. It’s also the security administrator’s job to prevent hackers from being able to enter the company’s system by maintaining security features such as a firewall, VPN and IDS.
Increasingly, a CNSA, or Certificate in Network Security Administration, is required for the security administrator. A minimum Associates Degree and often a Bachelors Degree in Computer Systems or related field is required. Nearly all courses in this field will train the aspiring security administrator in the areas of firewall technologies, security risks, remediation, network security design,, network implementation, and troubleshooting techniques.
The network security administrator’s career path is an exciting one who enjoys the challenge of protecting computers from the new breed of workplace adversaries—and for the person willing to learn the skills necessary.
