Network Security in Canada

Network security is a vital part of every Canadian organization. As companies expand their online presence, as new technologies emerge, and as new threats come to light, companies continue to expand their company’s computer network security. The repercussions of a network security breach are too great for companies to ignore. Cyber-attacks continue to become more complex and companies must have the proper protection in place so they do not become the next victim.

As a result, network security skills and network related position continue to among the most highly touted IT-related skill sets. Companies looking to hire and expand their IT department want people that have the skills, ability, and knowledge to protect their network. They want people who are not only educated through proper training, but who can also exhibit the practical skills, as well as the ability to be creative and think outside the box.

With many companies having some difficulty finding qualified professionals with network security skills, there is a great opportunity for IT professionals who take the initiative to gain network security credentials.

Components of network security skills

There are two main subject areas that IT professional needs to have education and experience in:

• Computer networking skills: This includes skills related to development, configuration, customization, and trouble shooting of network set ups.
• Computer security skills: This includes skills related to authentication, virtual private networks, intrusion detection, firewalls and anti-virus.

A new approach to network security skills

IT professionals need to move beyond the basics when it comes to network security; they need to move from a reactive approach to a more proactive approach. No longer can you wait for attacks to happen. Companies need take measures that prevent intrusions before they happen.

In this sense, network security professionals need to put themselves in the attacker’s shoes and start thinking like them. They need to ask themselves what techniques and approaches they would use if they wanted to infiltrate your organizations network. Professionals must have the ability to examine networks and find the gaps or cracks in the system that could be a target. It is this proactive approach that will allow companies to self-assess and repair potential issues before they become large-scale problems.

Network security certifications

Cisco has recently added a number of new network security certification programs to its repertoire. To get these certifications, professionals need to have their CCNA security certification as a pre-requisite.

• Firewall Security Specialist: This certification validates the skills required for the development and implementation of perimeter network security solutions. Professionals with these skills will have the ability to develop and design secure business solutions related to network access.
• IOS Security Specialist: With this network security certification, professionals will have the ability to display skills related to network switches and router security. They will be able to secure the network as well as provide security services related to firewall policy, virtual private networks, and advanced switch security.
• VPN security specialist: This certification will allow professionals to maintain, configure, support and problem solve solutions for virtual private networks.

Here are some of the other network security certification programs that are offered by Cisco that will help professionals develop their network security skills and abilities:

• ASA specialist
• IPS specialist
• Network admission control specialist
• Security sales specialist
• Security solutions and design specialist
• Web security field engineer specialist

There is no shortage of certification programs out there for IT professionals to develop their network security skills. And, with these skills in demand, attaining certification is an effective step to gain employment for people seeking the following positions:

• Network Security engineers
• Network Consultants
• Network Architects
• Network security administrator
• Security analyst
• Network support specialist
• Network engineer