Transitioning From Network Administrator To Cyber Security - Your Absolute Guide

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them. — Chris Grosse

For a professional, stuck in a dead-end job, a career transformation can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. It brings in the possibility of starting afresh and opens up a whole new world for you. But on the other hand, it makes you come across numerous risks involved in chartering into a new domain. And when the domain is something as new and challenging as cyber security, the decision can be harder. However, interestingly, cybersecurity opens up career opportunities for professionals from multiple domains, such as network and system administration. The post below offers a brief on successfully switching from network administrator to cyber security.
 

Who Are Network & System Administrators?

Network and system administrators play a crucial role in safeguarding the organisation’s data and IT infrastructure. They ensure that the computer networks, servers, and software systems function seamlessly. These professionals oversee the configuration and monitoring of network devices, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and implement security measures. Additionally, they work on managing and maintaining servers, operating systems, and software applications.
 

These professionals are responsible for tasks like installing and configuring servers, monitoring system performance, and performing routine maintenance. A network and system administrator is also responsible for documenting, creating, and maintaining technical documentation and network/system diagrams.

Key Responsibilities of Network & System Administrators:

1. Configure and maintain computer network, including routers, switches, and firewalls
2. Monitoring network performance and troubleshooting connectivity issues
3. Managing user accounts, permissions, and access controls
4. Conducting routine maintenance tasks, such as backups and software updates
5. Ensuring high availability and reliability of server infrastructure

Why Cybersecurity As A Career?

Why pursue a career change to cyber security?
 

Cyber security is currently a highly promising career domain with a zero-unemployment rate. Thus, even amidst the ongoing layoffs, the demand for cyber security professionals is at its all-time high. The world today needs close to 3.5 million skilled cyber security professionals (source: cybersecurityventures.com) to prevent the alarming rise in cybercrimes.
 

As businesses get more closely involved with digital and cloud technology, the risk of online attacks follows suit. These establishments are urgently looking for skilled professionals to protect their system networks, devices, and apps from hackers.
 

Unfortunately, there is an acute shortage of professionals in the security domain. In India alone, there is a 30% demand-supply gap for cybersecurity jobs (source: economictimes.indiatimes.com). Currently, close to 25,000 cyber security jobs remain open for threat analysts, ethical hackers, penetration testers, and cyber forensics analysts’ profiles. And organisations are willing to pay close to INR 20 LPA or more for the right candidate, depending on their experience and location (source: Glassdoor.com).
 

With the rising demands for cybersecurity professionals and the wide opportunities available, a career transition from IT auditing to cybersecurity will be rewarding.
 

Network & System Administration vs Cybersecurity

Network and system administrators and cybersecurity professionals have distinct roles in the organisation’s IT infrastructure. However, they work in complementary areas to ensure a secure and efficient technology infrastructure for the company.
 

Network and System admins focus on managing and optimising networks and systems, ensuring the IT team operates seamlessly. On the other hand, cyber security professionals specialise in locating and mitigating potential threats that could impact the IT infrastructure of the company.
 

Networking and sys admins possess strong technical skills in areas like networking protocols, server administration, and troubleshooting. However, cybersecurity professionals are primarily concerned with identifying and mitigating risks, running security controls, and responding to security incidents.
 

Why Do Network & System Administrators Need To Understand Cybersecurity?

Cyber attackers are targeting small and large businesses alike. Data breaches can not only lead to mammoth financial losses but also deal a blow to the reputation of an orgtanisation. Network & Sys Admins with a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles can defend an organisation’s IT infrastructure from hackers.
 

Their knowledge and expertise in cybersecurity will help in securing the IT environment of the company. With relevant knowledge and skills, they can identify potential vulnerabilities, implement appropriate security measures, and respond effectively to security incidents. This will go a long way in safeguarding sensitive data and preventing unauthorised modifications or data breaches.
 

Roadmap to transition from network administrator to cyber security

The first task is to build a solid foundation in cybersecurity. Your existing professional background renders an upper edge here as cybersecurity professionals need to have a basic know-how in networking. And you already have that. But, you will need to know a bunch of additional stuff as well for a smooth career change into cyber security.
 

Here is a detailed roadmap to help you transition into this domain.

1. Sign up with a certification course

Enroll in certification cybersecurity training programs to build your foundation in cybersecurity.
 

2. Aim for specialisation

Depending on your preferences, you can achieve specialisation in one of the multiple cybersecurity domains- such as Pentesting cybersecurity training programs, Cyber Forensics, and so on. However, you should also aim for global certifications in cybersecurity. Employers are willing to pay higher salary for cybersecurity experts holding global certification like C|PENT, CEHv12, C|HFI, etc.
 

You will find specially designed cyber security certification course that help to crack the global certifications.
 

3. Hands-on experience

Participate in internship programs to develop hands-on experience. DataSpace Academy offers internship opportunities for every level of cybersecurity training program.
 

4. Continuous learning

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. So, you have to stay updated with the latest threats and technologies to succeed in your career.

Wrapping Up

There is a global crisis for skilled cybersecurity professionals. On the bright side, cyber security is one of the best career options with a high salary. Many organisations are looking for well-skilled and experienced security professionals and newcomers with the right soft and hard skills.
 

Thus, transitioning from Network & System Administration to cybersecurity could be highly beneficial for you. Do you want to leverage your career toward success? Then, Dataspace Academy could be your trusted academic partner. We offer numerous beginner-friendly and advanced courses in cybersecurity that can help you build a career in this domain.
 

Q1: Is there a difference between cybersecurity and Network & System Admin?

Yes. Cybersecurity and Network & System Admin are both technology-based domains. While cybersecurity deals with web-related security from hackers, Network & System Admins manage and optimise networks and systems.
 

Q2: What are the most important skills for a career in Cybersecurity?

Important skills for building a cybersecurity career include Risk Assessment, Digital Forensics, and Penetration Testing.
 

Q3: How can I transition from Network & System Admin to Cybersecurity?

For transitioning to cyber security from Network & System Admin, you can start with the cybersecurity essentials program and then shift to cyber forensics or pentesting courses.
 

Q4: What are the most common job roles in Cybersecurity?

The most common job roles in the field of cybersecurity include Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, and Cybersecurity Engineer.