What Is A Network Engineer? Its Role In Information Security.

Computer networks adapt so perfectly to our daily lives that people will only notice if these systems fail. For the average user, network errors can be a slight inconvenience. However, temporary network outages are more important to businesses. According to Statista, 25% of companies in 2019 report that the average cost of one hour of network downtime is between $ 301,000 and $ 400,000. About 15% of companies report that an hour of unplanned downtime costs more than $ 5 million.

Businesses use network engineers to protect their corporate networks from unplanned outages and security breaches. Programs like the Master of Science in Online Cyber Security (MSCY) can prepare professionals to play an important role as network engineering.

What Is a Network Engineer?

Organizations, governments, and even remote users have access to computer networks to perform their daily tasks. The infrastructure, which includes software and hardware, supports the connectivity and operations of the corporate network.

Network engineers design the computing infrastructure based on business needs and assess the organization as a whole and how information flows. Network engineers spend a significant amount of time graphing data streams, especially as networks grow in size and complexity.

After configuring the appropriate hardware, software, and services, network engineers test the system to ensure that the information is flowing correctly. In the event of an error or service interruption, the network engineer must troubleshoot, diagnose, and test the system until it works. After implementation, network engineers perform regular maintenance to protect and update the network.

Protection Against External Attacks.

Attacks on the network system are increasing. According to a TechRepublic report, more than 3,800 data breaches were published in the first half of 2019, 54% more than in the same period last year. Almost 90% of these data breaches are from external attacks. In addition to continually updating hardware to meet network demands, network engineers must install scanning and blocking systems to prevent phishing and ransomware attacks. Another part of network engineers is how to educate employees about these attacks and make sure they don't inadvertently leak suspicious information or emails.

Network engineers balance the importance of security with the growing demand for faster, more efficient and flexible computing and connectivity. Network Engineer must address changing technologies such as emerging fifth generation (5G) cellular systems as they upgrade and optimize their networks. Implementation of these technologies includes testing new processes and equipment, monitoring system performance, and completing user training manuals.

Network engineer salary

Advances in technology and the need to protect information are driving the demand for information technology professionals, such as network engineers. Based on PayScale data for October 2019, the average annual income for network engineers is $ 72,398.

How To Prepare Future Network Engineers

Students of the Online Master of Science in Cyber ​​Security Program at University of Norwich can prepare to become Network Engineers through core courses and professional focus.

Basic course

The following core courses provide students with the basic skills for information security and safety before pursuing a focus of choice.

Historical Foundations and Fundamentals of Information Assurance: Examine the evolution of networks, from the early theory of data structures and mainframe creation to today's advanced technologies. This course also follows the evolution of government policies and regulations regarding the protection of privacy and user data.

Information Assurance Technology: Students will learn how to protect information systems from internal and external threats by investigating vulnerabilities in physical building designs, such as access to doors and cards, and learn about tools against spam and security certifications. 

Human risk and factor management: The success of safety networks and systems depends on the people who use them. In this course, you will learn how to create an Information Assurance Program that incorporates human business factors, such as employee attitudes and behavior towards data and security. Understanding these factors helps future network engineers and other IT professionals identify and mitigate network system risks.

Information Assurance Analysis and Management: Explore the management of the information assurance program, from strategy development to measuring program success. Students will learn a variety of tactics to raise awareness about information assurance within the organization and how to communicate the value of the program to management.

Concentration

Students considering a career as a network engineer can benefit from focusing on one of the MSCY programs in Norwich.

Computer Forensic Investigation and Incident Response Team Management - Students focus on events during and after computer security incidents. In addition to creating a Computer Security Incident Response Team, students will learn how to manage incidents as they occur. Students will also learn how to complete computer forensic investigations after the event, search for program optimizations, and strengthen their knowledge of other domains.

Cybercrime and Critical Infrastructure Protection: Students will take a closer look at the people behind cyberterrorism and cybercrime, common hacking techniques, and how information security programs can counter these attacks. Additional courses will explore critical US infrastructure systems and networks, such as electricity, water, and fuels, and how to manage risk in these areas.

Cyber ​​Law and International Perspectives on Cyberspace: Students will focus on the legal aspects of public cyberspace and will investigate federal, general, and international laws that affect information assurance programs and professionals. Some key issues include privacy rights, governance frameworks, and geographic differences in cyber policy development.

Project Management: Students supplement their knowledge of network systems by learning the elements of project management. The courses cover areas such as leadership, communications and strategic management.

Vulnerability management: Students take a hands-on approach to testing computer networks and finding vulnerabilities. They also examine tools and controls for completing penetration tests and the legality of completing ethical safety tests.

Skills Required For The Future Of Network Engineering.

According to an article from the Robert Half Personnel Agency, many organizations require that a network engineer be the "master of all networks." Technical and communication skills are very important to aspiring network engineers.

Computer skills for network engineers.

It is important for network engineers to understand the hardware and software of local and wide area networks and their implementation in the network structure. Advanced knowledge of tools and concepts like Java, Python, blockchain, and cloud services is becoming increasingly important.

Mathematical understanding is another important skill to define a network engineer. Network engineers may not use advanced mathematics every day, but as network systems become more complex, it helps to understand how computers work mathematically.

Soft Skills For Network Engineers

Network engineers are often translators between business goals and technical needs. They communicate with business leaders and project managers to better understand business goals and technology solutions.

These communication skills are important if the system is down or if your organization experiences a network incident. Network engineers and their teams need to use problem-solving skills to identify problems, develop a remediation plan, and then communicate it to other members of the organization and other affected parties. In many cases, a detailed explanation of this plan requires that the technical terms be explained in a format that is easy to understand for those without a technical background.