Think about all the sensitive information you send over computer networks on a daily basis; your credit card number and bank account information are just the tip of the iceberg. Network security specialists are the professionals who work to keep computer networks secure and safe from attacks and breaches. They install software and perform system upgrades that make a computer network more likely to remain secure. They also analyze issues with data communication, in order to pinpoint weaknesses in the network's data protection. If a network does experience a security attack, network security specialists respond to the attack, in order to mitigate the severity of the data leak. Some also perform the responsibilities of a computer forensic specialist, gathering information after a cyber crime or attack that can be used in to build a criminal case.

Most network security specialists will need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, network administration, or a related major. A master's degree can prepare security specialists for managerial roles or help them negotiate a better salary. These degrees may require research on an IT-related project, as well as advanced coursework. Several nonprofit trade groups and IT product manufacturers offer their own professional credentials, which can also increase one's job prospects.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts excellent job opportunities for network administrators in the next few years; network security specialists are a subset of this group. As more sensitive information is sent via networks, more security workers will be needed to protect this data. Applicants with a college degree will have the best job prospects. The middle half of network security specialists earn $52,000-84,000 a year.

Career Specializations

Network security professionals are a subset of computer security specialists. While some network security specialists work only with LAN and WAN networks, others also provide other information security services to clients. Some also work in computer forensics and cyber crime areas, gathering evidence after a security breach. Others install programs which help secure a computer's general systems and data, rather than just working with networks.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete 
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete 
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete 

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Education & Certification Requirements 

Most computer and information technology professionals working in security areas will need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant area. There are a number of pertinent college majors that can help launch a network security career, including computer science, management and information systems, information science, and network administration. During these degree programs, students learn about algorithms, computer programming, computer systems, databases, and more. Bachelor's degrees also require students to take about half of their courses in general education areas, such as English, math, social studies, and the humanities. An associate degree in an IT area, plus professional certification, may qualify individuals for some network security specialist positions; however, those with only two years of formal education may have limited advancement opportunities.

A master's degree in network administration, computer systems security, or management information systems is required by some firms for IT management positions, and these graduate programs can certainly help increase one's employment prospects in the IT world. There are two types of master's degree programs in IT: professional and traditional degrees. Professional degrees require students to complete a set of courses in advanced computer systems topics, as a prerequisite to graduation. Traditional degrees also require students to do research on an information technology project and to write a thesis about their findings. Both degrees are good preparation for a network security career.

Along with a bachelor's or master's degree, would-be network security professionals can increase their employability by earning voluntary professional certifications. These are highly regarded in the IT world and can help make up for a lack of professional experience. The nonprofit industry trade group CompTIA offers the Security + credential, which covers network security as well as other security topics. Microsoft and Cisco offer certifications on their particular products, which can also be useful.

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Salary Information

Network security specialists are a subset of network administrators. New network administrators with a bachelor's or master's degree can expect job offers of around $52,000, depending on the type of firm. Network security specialists with professional experience in their field can expect higher salaries, ranging from $66,000-84,000 a year. Computer systems design, private firms, elementary and secondary schools, and colleges and universities are sectors which employ a large number of network administrators. Computer systems design firms have a high average salary for network administrators, at $70,000 a year, while elementary and secondary schools have a relatively low average salary, at around $61,000. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Network security specialists should have excellent job opportunities in the coming years. As more and more sensitive information is communicated via networks, and as security breaches become more common and complex, network security workers will be hired in increasing numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts job growth for network administrators at around 23 percent by 2018, which is much faster than the national average rate of 7-10 percent. Security specialists who can also act as network administrators, installing, upgrading, and maintaining network systems, will have more job opportunities.

While new jobs in network administration and security will abound, the best opportunities will be for applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree and professional certification. However, job growth will increase so much that those with associate degrees and professional certification should also be able to find employment. (BLS) 

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Related Careers 

Network administrators are also experts in computer networks. However, these workers do not only focus on security issues and breaches; they are also responsible for installing new networks and updating and maintaining them over time. Network administrators who are versed in security techniques will have better job opportunities in the coming years.

Web developers are a subset of computer programmers who are responsible for developing web applications and websites. Like network security specialists, web developers must also understand security threats in order to build websites that can withstand security attacks. A bachelor's degree in an IT-related topic is the best preparation for a career in web development.

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