A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, manages, and monitors an organization's network security infrastructure, safeguarding data from cyber threats by configuring firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion systems, conducting vulnerability assessments, responding to breaches, and developing disaster recovery plans to ensure network integrity and confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
- Design & Implementation: Creating security blueprints, deploying firewalls, VPNs, and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).
- Monitoring & Analysis: Continuously monitoring networks for suspicious activity, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Vulnerability Management: Conducting security audits, penetration tests, and assessments to find weaknesses.
- Incident Response: Leading efforts to contain and recover from cyberattacks, malware, and breaches.
- Policy & Compliance: Developing and enforcing security policies, ensuring adherence to standards.
- Maintenance & Updates: Keeping security hardware, software, and protocols up-to-date.
- Disaster Recovery: Creating and testing plans for data backup and recovery.
- Collaboration: Working with IT teams to integrate security with overall network operations.
Core Focus Areas
- Protecting sensitive data and information systems.
- Mitigating risks and reducing system vulnerabilities.
- Staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Essential Skills & Knowledge
- Deep understanding of network architectures (LAN, WAN, VPN).
- Proficiency with security tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS).
- Problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills.
- Knowledge of security protocols, encryption, and best practices.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree/Master in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Key Technical Skills
- Networking:TCP/IP, routing (OSPF, BGP), VLANs, DNS, VPNs, firewalls, proxies.
- Security Tools:SIEM, IDS/IPS, Endpoint Security, DLP, IAM, Vulnerability Scanners.
- Cloud:AWS/Azure/GCP security.
- Protocols:LDAP, RADIUS, SNMP, SMTP, TLS, SSH.
- Programming/Scripting:Familiarity with scripting (Python, PowerShell) for automation.