Network Security Training
Network security training is the new buzzword of the digital age. With the risk associated with network data security registering an alarming increase, it is now essential to have trained network security personnel to defend networks against external and even internal threats. Such people must be able to conduct network security audits and use the latest network security software to secure the network. This software includes antivirus packages to defend against viruses, Trojans, worms and other malware. Also essential are intrusion detection systems and email security software. The latest tools in the security management of a network are identity management products that protect the network from internal threats.
To train people to protect a network there are levels of training one must go through. For someone new to network security training a beginning could be the Security+ certification. This could be followed by a CISSP security certification which would help you to develop a deeper understanding on data security. The next step would depend on where you want your career to go, possibly Microsoft, Cisco or SANS certifications. Although the certifications are important, being in a real computer security environment and experiencing the real threats involved are what make a complete network security professional.
A professional who has been through network security training and experienced in dealing with data thieves, cyber terror and other data threats acquires knowledge which can ultimately lead him to becoming the CSO or CISO of the organization. This specialized knowledge includes conducting data security threat assessments, working with data security software to lessen or negate that threat, assigning rights and privileges and working with incident response teams.
The newest concept in network security is that of the self defending ecosystem. Currently a number of point solutions are used in defending a network. These include IPS, IDS, firewalls and antivirus packages. In a self defending network point solutions are integrated to create a much stronger defense against external threat. A CISCO self defending network is an example of a self defending network. It consists of the Cisco Security Agent (CSA) containing the Cisco Trust Agent. Cisco routers and Cisco Switches are part of the self defending network that is constructed such that it acts much like the human immune system defending against viruses. This is the upcoming trend in network security training.
An important element in network security is the internal security audit. Ideally they should be conducted every 3-6 months. Much of the real “stuff” of security audits is learnt on the job and not through network security training. Security audits are usually done only on mission critical systems but they can be done much more extensively through automated tools. It consists in ensuring that there are no orphaned accounts, that people only have the privileges that they need for their job, data on specific access permissions and comparison of the centralized system to other networks in the company.
Assignments of rights and responsibilities are central to network security. One method may be through a dual check. For example when a new marketing employee joins the company, he is first affirmed by the marketing manager for the specific data access rights and then granted the rights by the IT custodian. Control is taught in network security training through single sign on technology, identity management tools or even customized solutions devised from within the company.
Network security training, its need and its use have arisen as the collective fallout of the internet and malefic intent. Since both of these can be expected to continue, Network security can only grow in importance, making network security training the new most sought after form of IT training there is. Like any other new breed of professionals network security personnel are likely to be highly sought after, highly paid and extremely necessary to IT industries worldwide. A combination of the skill, intent and function of Navy Seals with that of a manager and the mind of a coder is what the expected end result of network security training is.