Cybersecurity Feeder Roles:

Network Engineer

Transitioning into a Cybersecurity Career

A Network Engineer is an individual who is responsible for maintaining and administering a company’s computer network. The maintenance portion of the job typically includes the maintenance of computer networks, hardware, and software to ensure the system is running efficiently. Network Engineers are also responsible for performing disaster recovery operations as well as developing systems to protect the company from any software attacks. A network engineer must be able to think proactively and consider the potential network dangers a company might face before the problems ever arise.

Common skills needed for a networking position: 

  • Network engineering
  • Technical support
  • Routers
  • Wide Area Network
  • System Administration
  • Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
cybersecurity feeder roles

Network Engineering as a Feeder Role

network engineer transitioning to cybersecurity career

Individuals in networking, or network engineering, positions may be qualified to transition into a role in the cybersecurity field. Network Engineer is considered a feeder role in cybersecurity jobs as the individuals in this role are already experienced in protecting a companies’ network and software. Networking professionals are trained to continuously check the network systems of a company to prevent future damages and attacks, while also thinking ahead of future issues that may hurt a company and how to prevent them from happening. These skills can allow a network engineer to transition into a cybersecurity position such as an Incident Analyst/Responder, Cybersecurity Specialist, or Cyber Crime Analyst.

cybersecurity career path graphic

Preparing for the Field

In order to transition into the cybersecurity industry, a network engineer may need to advance their skill set.

Skills to Learn:

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  • Cryptography
  • Risk Assessment
  • Information Security
  • Security Operations
  • Python

An individual’s level of education and experience will determine whether they are able to transition into an entry-level, mid-level, or advanced level position in the cybersecurity industry. Some individuals may find it beneficial to begin in an entry-level position in order to learn more about the cybersecurity industry before advancing to more complex job positions. Some individuals may be qualified to begin in a managerial role and use their knowledge from network engineering to lead a cybersecurity team. To better understand the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) necessary to succeed in the cybersecurity industry, and to see employer work roles where your KSAs may align, register with CyberKnights and take the cybersecurity skills assessment today!