What Do Network Security Engineers Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for network security engineers?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what network security engineers do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Network Security Engineers Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about network security engineers by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Network Security Engineers plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Popular Job Titles For Network Security Engineers
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Cybersecurity Analysts
- Information Security Analysts
- Information Systems Security Officers
- IT Auditors
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Auditors
- IT Security Analysts
- Information Security Specialists
- Security Analysts
- Subject Matter Experts
- Incident Response Analysts
- Security Specialists
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for network security engineers can be found.
Best Industries for Network Security Engineers
Network Security Engineers Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 21.5%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 8.3%
- Depository Credit Intermediation: 6.3%
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 6.1%
- Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services: 5.5%
- Scientific Research and Development Services: 4.1%
- Other: 48.2%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of network security engineers can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2023, about 21.5% of all jobs for network security engineers were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Management of Companies and Enterprises (8.3%), Depository Credit Intermediation (6.3%), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (6.1%), Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services (5.5%) and Scientific Research and Development Services (4.1%).
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Degree Options for Network Security Engineers
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prepare yourself for an in-demand career in cybersecurity where you’ll build defensive and offensive strategies for cybersecurity to mitigate risks and protect people, processes and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build in-demand skills in programming, data management and cloud computing with Franklin’s online data science bachelor’s degree.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Excel in the rapidly growing healthcare industry with comprehensive training in healthcare management, informatics and systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Prevent costly security breaches by implementing adequate security measures to protect data in any industry or government sector.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
What Do Network Security Engineers Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what network security engineers do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work network security engineers do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that network security engineers tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for network security engineers, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Network Security Engineers
Based on 54,396 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Network Security Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security | 26,550 | 49% |
| Auditing | 20,508 | 38% |
| Vulnerability | 16,559 | 30% |
| Computer Science | 14,760 | 27% |
| Incident Response | 14,058 | 26% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Network Security Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Management | 23,469 | 43% |
| Communication | 21,309 | 39% |
| Operations | 15,688 | 29% |
| Information Technology | 13,556 | 25% |
| Leadership | 13,056 | 24% |
Based on 54,396 job postings related to network security engineers, cyber security was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 49% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for auditing, vulnerability, computer science, incident response and information systems were also highly sought.
As for common skills, management was the most desired skill found in job postings for network security engineers, followed by communication, operations, information technology, leadership and research.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security | 26,550 | 49% |
| Auditing | 20,508 | 38% |
| Vulnerability | 16,559 | 30% |
| Computer Science | 14,760 | 27% |
| Incident Response | 14,058 | 26% |
| Information Systems | 12,316 | 23% |
| Risk Analysis | 12,080 | 22% |
| Security Controls | 9,556 | 18% |
| Risk Management | 9,201 | 17% |
| IT Security | 8,747 | 16% |
| Firewall | 8,411 | 15% |
| Security Information And Event Management (SIEM) | 7,969 | 15% |
| Operating Systems | 7,963 | 15% |
| Cyber Threat Intelligence | 7,337 | 13% |
| Project Management | 6,863 | 13% |
| Linux | 6,666 | 12% |
| Information Assurance | 6,558 | 12% |
| Information Systems Security | 5,962 | 11% |
| Network Security | 5,919 | 11% |
| Security Requirements Analysis | 5,463 | 10% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Management | 23,469 | 43% |
| Communication | 21,309 | 39% |
| Operations | 15,688 | 29% |
| Information Technology | 13,556 | 25% |
| Leadership | 13,056 | 24% |
| Research | 10,915 | 20% |
| Writing | 10,376 | 19% |
| Problem Solving | 9,889 | 18% |
| Planning | 9,103 | 17% |
| Investigation | 8,693 | 16% |
| Security Policies | 8,657 | 16% |
| Coordinating | 8,054 | 15% |
| Detail Oriented | 7,281 | 13% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 6,754 | 12% |
| Governance | 6,546 | 12% |
| Presentations | 6,362 | 12% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 5,280 | 10% |
| Self-Motivation | 5,272 | 10% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 5,130 | 9% |
| Customer Service | 4,969 | 9% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Network Security Engineers
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analysts | 10,497 | 16.5% |
| Information Security Analysts | 9,459 | 14.8% |
| Information Systems Security Officers | 12,362 | 19.4% |
| IT Auditors | 4,672 | 7.3% |
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 4,147 | 6.5% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was cybersecurity analysts, with 4,817 unique job postings. Information security analysts were second, with 3,395 postings, followed by information systems security officers, it auditors and cybersecurity specialists.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to network security engineers.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analysts | 10,497 | 16.5% |
| Information Security Analysts | 9,459 | 14.8% |
| Information Systems Security Officers | 12,362 | 19.4% |
| IT Auditors | 4,672 | 7.3% |
| Cybersecurity Specialists | 4,147 | 6.5% |
| Auditors | 5,038 | 7.9% |
| IT Security Analysts | 1,751 | 2.7% |
| Information Security Specialists | 2,043 | 3.2% |
| Security Analysts | 1,405 | 2.2% |
| Subject Matter Experts | 1,803 | 2.8% |
| Incident Response Analysts | 1,303 | 2% |
| Security Specialists | 1,462 | 2.3% |
| Incident Managers | 933 | 1.5% |
| Information Security Officers | 1,103 | 1.7% |
| Security Operations Center Analysts | 1,062 | 1.7% |
| Incident Response Managers | 934 | 1.5% |
| Cyber Defense Analysts | 924 | 1.4% |
| Security Operations Analysts | 1,047 | 1.6% |
| Cyber Threat Hunters | 785 | 1.2% |
| Audit Supervisors | 1,037 | 1.6% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for network security engineers? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for network security engineers.
How much do network security engineers make?
Network Security Engineers: How do you become one?
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