Turn Computer Networking Training into a Cyber-Security Career

Cybersecurity is a multi-trillion-dollar industry in need of savvy IT professionals who can help prevent cyberattacks¹. With a foundation in computer systems and networking, including the installation, maintenance, and protection of IT systems, you could be a valuable asset to a cybersecurity team. And with demand for cybersecurity jobs expected to grow significantly over the next decade, you could find entry-level work in the present that could help you build a long-term career for the future².

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is an applied science that protects applications, data, devices, systems, and networks from unauthorized use and criminal attack. Some common examples of cyberattacks that compromise security are:

• Password Attacks - Gaining access to your password to access personal and financial information.
• Phishing - Tricking email and text users to gain access to personal information like passwords, social security numbers, credit cards, and banking information.
• Malware - The use of spyware, viruses, ransomware, and other malware to infect your devices.
• Spoofing - Pretending to be an organization or a person to trick you into giving up personal information.
• Ransomware - Malicious software that an attacker installs on your device to block your access until you pay a ransom.
• Denial-of-service - Overwhelming a system with traffic so it crashes.

What is Computer Networking?

Computer networking is how the internet, intranets, and various communication systems interact with one another. Key components of computer networks include:

• Nodes: individual devices, like computers, printers, and servers
• Links: the communication pathways that connect network nodes
• Protocols: the rules that govern how data is transmitted and received in a network
• Topology: the physical or logical layout of nodes and links in a network
• Router: a networking device that connects multiple networks together and directs data traffic between them
• Switch: a device that connects multiple devices within the same network
• Firewall: security software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules
• LAN (Local Area Network): a network that covers a small geographic area, such as a single building or campus
• WAN (Wide Area Network): a network that expands to a larger geographical area
• Wireless Networking: connecting devices without the need for physical cables

Do Computer Networking and Cybersecurity Overlap?

Computer networking and cybersecurity are interconnected fields; you can't have one without the other. Computer networking provides the infrastructure for communication, while cybersecurity protects the data and systems within that infrastructure. The integration of security measures into network design and management is critical for IT safety.

Roles for Computer Systems Technicians

With training in computer systems and networking, you can apply for entry-level IT positions such as Computer and Information Systems Technicians, Software Support Technicians, Systems Administrators, Computer Support Specialists, and Help Desk Support Technicians. The more experience you gain, the better chance you have for advancement within computer networking or moving into cybersecurity positions.

Transitioning from Computer Networking to Cybersecurity

Whether you already have computer systems and networking credentials or are just starting out, training on computer systems is a good foundation to a cybersecurity career. You can better protect a system when you know how it's built, maintained, and operated.

Computer systems programs introduce you to core principles and procedures of networking concepts, office applications, computer hardware and software, and desktop operating systems. Hands-on programs teach you how to troubleshoot real-world issues in real time. And an internship can further your understanding, providing you with the opportunity to apply IT practices and principles under the supervision of a qualified IT professional. Training in computer networking can also prepare you to sit for important certifications such as CompTIA, A+, and Network+. Your computer systems program will also introduce you to the critical need for cybersecurity. You learn about network security concepts, strategies, and techniques. Understanding systems and networks before diving into cybersecurity can be extremely helpful. It gives you context to understand cyberthreats and helps you put better security measures in place. A networking background may make it easier to switch to cybersecurity roles.

If you choose to study computer networking and systems, you gain knowledge on how to set up networks, analyze and measure their performance, and how to optimize and repair networks. You get to learn all the ins and outs of the systems you need to protect in cybersecurity. Your computer networking education will prepare you to discuss common topics in cybersecurity such as risk mitigation, network security, and best practices for information storage. Along with a formal education, there are industry-recognized certifications you can earn to further stand out. In the cybersecurity space, certificates like the CompTIA Security+ or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can help give a boost to your resume and career search.

What Do You Need to Know to Work in Cybersecurity?

There are many crucial security components for both networking and cybersecurity. Among the skills that you can learn in a computer systems and networking program that are transferrable to cybersecurity are:

• Firewalls: Used to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic, firewalls serve as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks. They act as filters to prevent unauthorized access and protect against cyberattacks like malware.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems: Part of network security, these systems monitor network or system activities for malicious actions or security policy violations. They help to detect and prevent potential hacks.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Providing secure communication over the internet, VPNs are standard security protection for organizations across the country. They encrypt data traffic to ensure network integrity for secure remote access.
• Network Protocols and Encryption: Secure protocols like the HTTPS you see in a URL ensure secure data exchange over a computer network. They're especially important on eCommerce sites and healthcare websites to protect sensitive information, like personal medical records and banking information.
• Encryption: Used in networking and cybersecurity, encryption makes sure that data transmitted over the network is secure and cannot be easily intercepted or tampered with.
• Access Control and Authentication: Like many other protections, access control and authentication prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Security Policies: Organizations establish security policies for user access, data protection, and network monitoring.
• Compliance: Network security ensures that cybersecurity standards and regulations are met and properly implemented. For example, compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA requires secure network practices.
• Incident Response and Forensics: Computer networking and cybersecurity require response to security incidents and investigation after one occurs. The two disciplines are linked to mitigate threats, analyze vulnerabilities, restore network operations, and analyze logs and other data to understand what happened.

Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

With knowledge and experience in computer systems, networking, and cybersecurity, you may be able to pursue a variety of cybersecurity careers including:

Junior Information Security Analyst

If you enter the cybersecurity industry, you act as the first line of defense against cybercriminals for your organization. As a junior information security analyst, you participate in risk meetings and intelligence source reviews. You assist in the creation of compliance and process documents and may be required to conduct research on new and existing strategies used by cybercriminals. You may help set up firewalls and other software to prevent breaches and develop plans and best practices for other employees to follow. You report any attempted breaches to your security manager and your team works to keep your company's network and sensitive information protected at all times.

Junior Incident Analyst

A single cybersecurity incident can wreak havoc on an organization. For example, an employee in the company may interact with a phishing email, click on a link, and accidentally install some form of malware onto their work computer. Without the proper line of defense, your organization could be at risk. As a junior incident analyst, you try to block the damage, restore systems, or escalate the issue to a manager if it is beyond your expertise. You also make note of attacks and make sure others are aware that it is circulating.

Junior Penetration Tester

If you have ever wanted to be on the other end of information and cybersecurity to see where cyberattacks come from and how they affect networks, consider a job as a penetration (pen) tester. While many pen testers have bachelor's degrees, you may be able to become one with knowledge, experience, and the proper security clearance. As a pen tester, you run simulated cyberattacks on behalf of your company to test the strength of their network protection. In this role, you design penetration tests to perform on your organization's network, and if any are found, you report the vulnerabilities to the other members of the cybersecurity team, and finally devise a strategy to prevent breaches.

Cloud Security Specialist

Not all data are stored on devices and local servers. Instead, much of a company's info and sensitive files are stored in the cloud. And while cloud providers have layers of intensive security, nothing is completely foolproof. That's why organizations rely on cloud security specialists. Much like other security specialists, you are tasked with the evaluation of the existing cloud infrastructure of a company's network, the identification of shortcomings in the system and potential threats, as well as new software and strategies that can be implemented to strengthen the network security. You work closely with cloud engineers to ensure the health of your systems remain in the best shape possible.

Which Careers Path Sounds Right To You?

Although Lincoln Tech does not offer a cybersecurity program, Lincoln Tech does offer a Computer Systems Support Technician program that teaches you about computer networking and introduces cybersecurity. Computer networking is a way to gain experience in the field. In addition to hands-on IT training, you also participate in a 150-hour professional internship so you can gain real-world experience, discover what you might like best about an IT career, and build your resume. Fill out the form to request more information about the program.

¹ Article "New survey reveals $2 trillion market opportunity for cybersecurity technology and service providers" published on October 27, 2022 at https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/risk-and-resilience/our-insights/cybersecurity/new-survey-reveals-2-trillion-dollar-market-opportunity-for-cybersecurity-technology-and-service-providers. Retrieved on March 22, 2024.

² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited March 13, 2024).

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