Network Security Engineer Job Description

Network security engineers are responsible for provisioning, implementing, configuring, and managing many different hardware and software components related to network and security. These include firewalls, routers, switches, various network monitoring tools, and virtual private networks (VPNs). These engineers represent a company's first line of defense against unauthorized access from outside sources and potential security threats. A network security engineer not only knows how to mitigate potential threats that become apparent, but they also know how to strategize and prepare before any security threats are implemented.

A successful network security engineer must have prior work experience and a degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field

Duties and responsibilities of the network security engineer

Although the daily tasks of a network security engineer are determined by their employer, there are many basic activities associated with the role. Based on our analysis of job postings, these include:

Check network vulnerabilities

Network security engineers work with a larger information security team to evaluate, test, and troubleshoot technologies. They must identify, diagnose and resolve information security problems.

Prepare reports

Based on the findings, network security engineers produce comprehensive reports, including

results based on evaluations, findings, and proposals to further improve system security.

Produce documentation

To ensure the proper protocols and processes are in place, network security engineers create and maintain comprehensive documentation of the server and security infrastructure.

Create network security policies

Network security engineers play a role in developing comprehensive network security policies. This includes determining the security issues that need to be addressed; identify the security strategies necessary to address the risks; implement policies for the assignment of administrative tasks; keep up to date with audit logs to report suspicious activity; and devise network password procedures.

Manage supplier relationships

To be successful in this role, it is important to maintain strong relationships with integrators and vendors to maintain updates, installations, and planning along with exploring new features and innovative solutions.

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