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Network security engineers keep a company’s security systems up and running. They implement and test new security features, plan upgrades, troubleshoot, and respond to security incidents. They enforce policies and help to ensure that networking systems can withstand potential security problems or natural disasters.

Become a network security engineer

Network security engineers keep a company’s security systems up and running. They implement and test new security features, plan upgrades, troubleshoot, and respond to security incidents. They enforce policies and help to ensure that networking systems can withstand potential security problems or natural disasters.

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What does a network security engineer do?

Plan and maintain

Network security engineers configure network monitoring tools, like routers, switches, and firewalls against intrusions. They maintain the hardware and software that act as the first line of defense in the case of an attack. They devise comprehensive network security policies and take a lead role in putting together business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Monitor and test

Network security engineers monitor the effectiveness of security controls and compliance policies. They ensure that changes do not affect the integrity of network security. They test hardware and software for potential vulnerabilities and monitor backup and disaster recovery systems.

Incident response

Network security engineers track and respond to security incidents. They identify security measures to improve incident response and address security issues. They coordinate incident response across teams and ensure that noncompliance issues are resolved in a timely manner.

Top network security engineering tasks

Network configuration

Network maintenance

Troubleshooting

Incident response

Why become a network security engineer?

Network security engineers create a significant impact at any company. Their efforts help safeguard an organization’s systems, data, profits, and reputation. Because they work in an evolving environment where new threats emerge regularly, this can be an exciting option if you enjoy a challenge and love to learn.

It might be the role for you if . . .

You enjoy:

  • Researching emerging trends
  • Enforcing policies
  • Collaborative problem solving

You excel at:

  • Understanding security systems
  • Identifying security vulnerabilities
  • Disaster recovery planning

How much does a network security engineer make?

Entry level

$ 83,100

Average salary

$ 91,200

Expert level

$ 101,200

Popular certifications for network security engineers

CCNP Enterprise certification

The CCNP Enterprise certification can help you prove your skills in the ever-changing landscape of the enterprise network technologies. The certification covers core technologies and an enterprise focus area of your choice.

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CCNP Security certification

Earning the CCNP Security certification proves that you can step into the cybersecurity environment and protect the networks and data that clients rely on. CCNP Security tests your knowledge of enterprise infrastructure, virtualization, assurance, and more.

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Let’s build the bridge to possible

Explore the Enterprise certifications community

Not sure where to begin? The Enterprise certifications community is where you can ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other members as you prepare for your certification exam.

Join the Enterprise certifications community

Explore the Security certifications community

The Security certifications community is buzzing with learning tools, training resources, preparation material, and industry guidance to help you build an IT career through Cisco certifications.

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