What do you do if you're a network engineer trying to master and apply new security protocols?

1 Learn Basics

To begin with, ensure you have a solid grasp of the fundamental concepts underlying the new security protocols. This involves studying the protocol specifications and understanding how they differ from or improve upon existing standards. For instance, if you're learning about TLS 1.3, you should know what advancements it brings to the table compared to TLS 1.2, such as enhanced privacy and performance. Familiarizing yourself with the basics will make it easier to comprehend more complex implementation details later on.

5 Collaborate Widely

Don't hesitate to reach out to your peers for advice and insights. Collaboration can lead to a deeper understanding of how new security protocols operate in different environments. Joining study groups or attending workshops can be particularly beneficial, as these settings often provide a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Learning from others' successes and mistakes can save you time and effort in mastering new protocols.

6 Implement Safely

Finally, when you're ready to implement the new security protocol, do so cautiously. Start with non-critical systems to monitor the protocol's performance and identify any unforeseen issues. Gradually roll it out to more sensitive areas of your network while continuously monitoring for any security breaches or performance bottlenecks. Document each step of the process so that you can refine your approach for future implementations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?