Network Security Consultant

Network Security Consultant Career Overview

Would you be surprised to hear that hackers are in high demand at a number of Fortune 500 companies? In the field of network security, the skills to pick apart a complex network and overcome security obstacles are turned to good use in strengthening computer network security and ensuring that hackers and data thieves can't get in uninvited.

In the past decade, computer networks (and more recently, wireless networks) have become ubiquitous. They are in use everywhere, from homes and apartments to local businesses and government offices. Although a simple password may be enough to protect a home network, larger and more complex networks demand complex and ever-changing security applications and infrastructure. As more "smart phone" style cellular phones come in to use, securing their networks will eventually become a major part of the sector.

Often times, network security consultants are people who started with a passion for computer science and the workings of early computer networks. The field began as ambitious hackers performed exploits on companies and individuals. This needling and distraction from malicious hackers brought some of the ambitious hackers around to the other side, ethically hacking systems to find security holes which could later be fixed. A major part of any network security consultant's work is constantly testing and updating the network they are working on to make it as hacker-proof as possible.

Network security provides a wide array of possible work environments. A network security consultant could find a regular contract with a major corporation, or work with many small businesses. They can work from home or go to an office or different offices every day. A very important component of the network consulting industry is the trust built with clients. A network security consultant's clients grant him access to the most private and sensitive information about their business and without strong trust the relationship quickly falls apart.

It has become normal for Americans to interact with computer networks throughout the day, at work, at home, and even while shopping or going out for some entertainment. The integration of technology and instantly available information in our daily lives is accelerating at a rapid pace. As miniaturization of computers and the availability of high-speed wireless networks continue, the field of network security consulting is poised for incredible growth.

Network Security Consultant Training and Education

A talented network security consultant has nearly limitless earning potential. Most network security consultants will enter the field with a degree in mathematics, computer science, or engineering. As with many careers, network security consultants working on cutting-edge projects may have a host of different advanced degrees, usually in different specializations of computer science. Although technical skills are important, a successful network security consultant will also have excellent communication and management skills. Often times a client will have a hard time understanding exactly what his network security consultant is doing and why he is doing it, and being able to translate the language of technology for the layman can give a network security consultant a major advantage.

Network Security Consultant Salary Outlook

Currently, the median salary for a network security consultant is $78,042. Although there is more security in working for a large company, on average the best paid network security consultants are self-employed, making a median of $98,521.

As with most computer related jobs, job outlook for network security consultants is very positive. Due to the increasing complexity of computer software and the amount of sensitive information now being stored within databases, security is more important than ever. In the next ten years, large firms are expected to dedicate a lot of resources into “cyber security” creating many jobs in administration positions, as well as an increase in overall salary for consultants.

Network Security Consultant Work Environment

Network security provides a wide array of possible work environments. A network security consultant could find a regular contract with a major corporation, or work with many small businesses. They can work from home or go to an office or different offices every day. A very important component of the network consulting industry is the trust built with clients. A network security consultant's clients grant him access to the most private and sensitive information about their business and without strong trust the relationship quickly falls apart.

Today, network security research focuses heavily on going in to stop the seemingly endless tide of spam that has washed over email inboxes. While it may not be too time-consuming to delete letters from Nigerian bankers on your private email account, corporations and governments receive unbelievable amounts of spam that can weaken the effectiveness, speed, and security of their networks. Network security specialists are working on both hardware and software solutions to solve the problem, and it is one of the most promising sectors of the industry.

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