While individual computers are powerful tools, their full potential isn’t realized until they’ve been hooked up to one another in networks or connected to the largest network of all, the Internet, where they can communicate with millions of others. Network analysts and administrators ensure that computer networks serve the needs of customers and fellow employees, while computer security workers keep networks safe from unauthorized intrusion.

Networking and computer security are growing fields with many opportunities for individuals who possess the technical know-how and training. Entry-level network and computer security administrators are involved in day-to day operations, responsible for:

• installing
• maintaining
• updating network hardware and software

With experience, administrators can advance to positions where they are responsible for developing and designing how networks and network security systems operate.

People who work with network and computer security must have strong technical knowledge as well as analytical and troubleshooting skills. Because the nature of the work requires interaction with computer users and other technicians, network administrators and computer support specialists should be able to communicate effectively what is often dry technical information.

Network administration, computer security, computer support and other related fields require a firm grasp of network-related computer technology, which may be learned in school or acquired through experience.

Many employers prefer to hire people with 2- or 4-year degrees, especially for non-entry level positions. If you already have a lot of experience but no formal training, earning a certificate will help demonstrate that you know what you’re doing. Some useful certifications include:

• S+
• CSA
• SSCP
• CISSP
• CISA
• CISM
• CSEC

If you are less than fully experienced, a 2- or 4-year degree will not only give you the technical know-how to work with computer networks and security, but will provide validation of that knowledge to a potential employer. Degrees in computer science, information technologies or other related fields are excellent preparation for networking or computer security work.

Since computer-related fields are always advancing rapidly, its also important for networking and computer security specialists to stay up-to-date on the latest technology, often by taking continuing education classes.

Businesses are increasingly relying on computer networks, meaning there will be plenty of future jobs for those who know how to build, maintain, and protect them. Many businesses are also becoming increasingly concerned with the threat of hackers and other security breaches and are likewise employing more and more people to install network security systems.

The amount of money network and security specialists earn depends largely on the type of work performed and their level of education. The median salary for computer support specialists are $40,430, while network and computer systems administrators earn about $65,260 a year.

Network security administrators are typically in-house employees, responsible for:

• Designing
• Developing
• Implementing security policies

Once a system is in place, the network security administrator is responsible for enforcing compliance with the security policies and managing the hardware that enables the network to operate, such as switches and routers. This position requires expert knowledge of:

• LAN
• WAN
• TCP/IP
• the internet
• load balancing
• TCP/IP

An important part of this job is to prevent hackers from entering the system by maintaining security devices such as firewall, IDS, and VPN. A certificate in network security administration (CNSA) is often a prerequisite for this type of work.

Network systems analysts design, build and maintain various types of networks. LANs, WANs, intranets, and the Internet are all constructed in different ways, so the Network systems analyst will perform different tasks depending on the type of system they’re dealing with. General responsibilities include:

• Hardware and software research
• Data modeling
• Performing cost-benefit analyses

Most network systems analysts specialize in specific types of systems, including telecommunications, business, or financial systems. Telecommunications in particular represents a field of significant growth and opportunity. Network systems analysts in this industry design, install and maintain voice and data communications systems between central servers and individual consumer devices.

While using computers comes as second nature to some, many people rely on others the guidance of others to learn how best to use them. Whether customers or company employees are in need of help, the computer support specialist is there to provide technical support and advice so they can get the most out of the program they’re using. Computer support specialist responsiblities are varied and can include:

• Answering questions
• Troubleshooting problem
• Running diagnostic tests
• Writing training manuals and websites

For people who know all about computers but have little or no formal training, becoming a customer support specialist can be a good way to get your foot in the door and demonstrate what you can do. Companies tend to prefer to hire internally and many qualified computer support specialists quickly find opportunities to move to product development, sometimes within months of the initial hiring.

Network administrators provide day-to-day support for network users in a variety of settings, from small offices and government agencies to the largest of corporate headquarters. While network systems analysts design how a network functions, the network administrator installs and maintains network hardware and software, and ensures that the network runs smoothly at all times. This means network administrators must have experience with the hardware and software used in the network, including:

• types of servers
• firewalls
• routers
• security software

Because of their close interaction with the network’s users, network administrators are often responsible for gauging how well the computer system addresses user needs and make suggestions for future improvements.

When a company thinks they might need security for their network or computer systems, it can hire a network security consultants to help determine what sort of security system is the right fit. Network security consultants help companies strike the right balance between, security, ease of use, price based on business goals as well as potential risks.

They should have experience using a wide variety of computer networks and security systems so they know what type of system will fit a customer’s needs. Because they often find themselves directing others, network security consultants often find experience in management helpful.

Companies employ computer security specialists to maintain their security systems, ensuring that employees have easy access to the data they need to do their jobs while preventing valuable data from being lost to those who shouldn’t have it.

Computer security specialists are responsible for making sure security software is up-to-date and working. Sometimes, they’ll try to find system weaknesses by backing into their own systems. When employees forget their passwords, computer security specialists help them get back into the system. They also monitor:

• Who is accessing what information
• Change the security files to allow new employees access
• Delete former employees’ accounts
• Perform other tasks necessary for protecting the computer network