What are the most important network security competencies for new hires and mentors to focus on?

1 Fundamentals of networking

One of the most essential network security competencies is to understand the fundamentals of networking, such as protocols, architectures, devices, and services. You need to know how data flows across the network, how different layers of the network stack interact, and how to troubleshoot common network issues. You also need to be familiar with the tools and techniques for network analysis, monitoring, and testing, such as packet capture, network scanning, and ping. By mastering the fundamentals of networking, you will be able to identify and address network vulnerabilities, anomalies, and misconfigurations.

2 Security frameworks and standards

Another important network security competency is to know the security frameworks and standards that apply to your organization's network. Security frameworks and standards are sets of guidelines, best practices, and policies that help you design, implement, and manage network security. Some of the most common security frameworks and standards are NIST, ISO, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. You need to understand the objectives, requirements, and controls of these frameworks and standards, and how to comply with them. You also need to be aware of the risks, penalties, and audits associated with non-compliance.

3 Threat intelligence and analysis

A third network security competency is to be able to collect, analyze, and act on threat intelligence. Threat intelligence is the information about the sources, methods, and intentions of network attackers. You need to know how to gather threat intelligence from various sources, such as logs, alerts, reports, and feeds. You also need to know how to analyze threat intelligence using tools and techniques, such as SIEM, threat hunting, and incident response. By using threat intelligence and analysis, you will be able to detect, prevent, and respond to network attacks, and improve your network security posture.

4 Encryption and authentication

A fourth network security competency is to know how to use encryption and authentication to secure your network data and communications. Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable form using a key. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or a device using a credential. You need to know the types, methods, and algorithms of encryption and authentication, such as symmetric, asymmetric, hashing, digital signatures, certificates, and tokens. You also need to know the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of encryption and authentication, such as performance, compatibility, and key management.

5 Network security devices and software

A fifth network security competency is to know how to configure and operate network security devices and software. Network security devices and software are the hardware and software components that provide network security functions, such as firewalls, routers, switches, VPNs, IDS/IPS, antivirus, and malware removal. You need to know the features, functions, and limitations of these devices and software, and how to install, update, and maintain them. You also need to know how to use these devices and software to enforce network security policies, rules, and filters, and how to troubleshoot and resolve network security issues.

6 Network security skills and mindset

A sixth network security competency is to develop and cultivate network security skills and mindset. Network security skills and mindset are the abilities and attitudes that enable you to perform network security tasks effectively and efficiently. Some of the network security skills and mindset are problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, collaboration, communication, and ethics. You need to practice and improve these skills and mindset through training, education, certification, and experience. You also need to keep up with the latest trends, innovations, and threats in network security, and be ready to learn and adapt.

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?