How to Be Cybersecurity Network Administrator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increased prevalence of cyber-attacks has caused a dramatic increase in the need for skilled Cybersecurity Network Administrators. These professionals are responsible for safeguarding the networks of organizations and have become essential to the protection of critical data. In order to ensure the security of their network, Cybersecurity Network Administrators must be knowledgeable in areas such as firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and risk assessment tools.

they must stay up to date on the latest cyber threats and be able to quickly respond to any security breaches that do occur. Without the expertise of these professionals, organizations are at risk for expensive and damaging data breaches.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a cybersecurity network administrator, you should first earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. You should also take courses in network security and computer networks.
Gain Professional Experience. You should gain professional experience by working in a related field, such as network administration, systems engineering or IT support.
Consider Certifications. You may consider obtaining certifications from organizations such as the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) or the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
Pursue Advanced Degree. To increase your chances of finding a job as a cybersecurity network administrator, you should consider pursuing an advanced degree such as a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.
Keep Learning. As technology advances, it is important to stay up to date on the latest security threats and technologies. You should continue to learn new skills and stay abreast of the latest trends in cybersecurity.

The demand for skilled and qualified Cybersecurity Network Administrators is rapidly increasing as businesses become increasingly reliant on digital networks and data. As a result, it is essential for organizations to invest in the hiring and training of these professionals in order to protect their networks from cyber threats. To become a qualified Cybersecurity Network Administrator, individuals must possess a strong understanding of network security protocols, systems, and technologies.

they must be well-versed in risk management techniques and be able to identify and analyze unusual network behavior. By having knowledgeable and certified professionals on staff, businesses can ensure that their networks are safe and secure, allowing them to focus on their core operations.

You may want to check Cybersecurity Governance Analyst, Cybersecurity Communications Analyst, and Cybersecurity Business Systems Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Design and implement secure networks, systems, and applications.
Monitor and analyze network traffic to identify and resolve cyber threats.
Plan, implement, test, and document the security architecture and policies.
Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, and other network and security devices.
Develop, document, and review security procedures, standards, and guidelines.
Analyze security alerts and develop plans for resolution.
Perform vulnerability assessments and patch management for network systems.
Establish and maintain secure access control protocols for users and systems.
Collaborate with teams to ensure secure system operations.
Investigate and respond to security incidents and violations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in networking technologies, protocols, and systems
Ability to install, configure, and maintain network hardware, software, and systems
Knowledge of security principles, techniques, and tools
Understanding of active directory, firewalls, and encryption
Proficiency in risk analysis and risk management
Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures for network security
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Ability to stay abreast of emerging cyber threats and trends
Experience with monitoring and detection techniques

The most important skill for a Cybersecurity Network Administrator is the ability to identify and respond to potential threats. This entails having a thorough knowledge of existing cyber threats, as well as a proactive approach to security. Cybersecurity Network Administrators must be able to assess the potential risk of a given cyber attack, determine appropriate countermeasures, and implement them in a timely fashion.

An effective Cybersecurity Network Administrator must also possess strong problem-solving and communication skills, as these are essential for addressing cybersecurity issues. In addition, the Administrator must be well-versed in networking technologies, such as virtualization and cloud computing, in order to properly secure networks. Finally, an understanding of regulatory compliance requirements is also key in order to ensure that organizations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Cybersecurity Forensics Investigator, Cybersecurity System Administrator, and Cybersecurity Architect are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with network security and system administration?
How do you stay up to date with the latest security trends and technologies?
What steps do you take to secure a network?
What methodologies do you use to assess security threats and vulnerabilities?
How do you go about implementing, monitoring and enforcing network security policies?
How would you go about responding to a security breach?
What tools have you used to monitor network traffic?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot potential security issues?
How have you trained users on data security protocols and best practices?
How have you collaborated with other teams to ensure effective security processes?

Common Tools in Industry

Firewall. A network security system that blocks unauthorized access to a network or private computer. (Example: Cisco Firewall)
Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Software that monitors a network or system for malicious activity or policy violations. (Example: Cisco IDS)
Network Access Control (NAC). A system designed to restrict access to only authorized users and devices. (Example: Cisco NAC)
Antivirus software. Software designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from a computer system. (Example: McAfee Antivirus)
Data Loss Prevention (DLP). A set of tools and processes used to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of confidential data. (Example: Symantec DLP)
Vulnerability Scanner. A tool or program designed to identify potential vulnerabilities in a system or network. (Example: Nessus Vulnerability Scanner)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). A tool used to collect, analyze, and respond to security-related data and events. (Example: IBM QRadar SIEM)
Network Monitoring Tools. A tool used to monitor network activity and detect security incidents. (Example: Wireshark Network Monitoring Tool)

Professional Organizations to Know

ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
ISSA (Information Systems Security Association)
ISF (Information Security Forum)
ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium)
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
SANS Institute
Cloud Security Alliance
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
The Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST)
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

We also have Cybersecurity Consultant, Cybersecurity Manager, and Cybersecurity System Architect jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Firewall. A security system designed to protect a network from unauthorized access.
Anti-virus Software. Software designed to detect and remove computer viruses from a computer or network.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS). A system that monitors a network for malicious activity and alerts administrators when suspicious activity is detected.
Vulnerability Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities.
Network Segmentation. The practice of dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments to reduce the risk of a security breach.
Access Control List (ACL). A list of rules that determines which users or systems can access certain resources on a network.
Encryption. The process of encoding data so that it is unreadable without a key or password.
Risk Analysis. The process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing the risks associated with an IT system or network.
Network Monitoring. The practice of continuously monitoring a network for suspicious activity and responding to any threats or issues that arise.
Patch Management. The practice of regularly updating software with security patches to reduce the risk of a cyberattack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Cybersecurity Network Administrator? A1: A Cybersecurity Network Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer networks and systems to ensure they remain secure from cyber threats. Q2: What are the primary duties of a Cybersecurity Network Administrator? A2: The primary duties of a Cybersecurity Network Administrator involve protecting the organization's networks and systems from security threats, monitoring for any suspicious activity, implementing security policies, and auditing systems for any vulnerabilities. Q3: What qualifications are typically needed to become a Cybersecurity Network Administrator? A3: To become a Cybersecurity Network Administrator, individuals typically need to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology, as well as experience with network administration and cybersecurity technologies. Q4: What technical skills are necessary for a Cybersecurity Network Administrator? A4: Technical skills necessary for a Cybersecurity Network Administrator include knowledge of operating systems, networking protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and encryption technologies. Q5: How much does a Cybersecurity Network Administrator typically earn? A5: The average salary for a Cybersecurity Network Administrator is around $70,000 per year.

Web Resources

What Does a Network & Security Administrator Do? - Cambridge Colleg www.cambridgehealth.edu
Cyber Security Center | CSN www.csn.edu
Cybersecurity and Network Administration - Northwest State northweststate.edu