How to become a security systems administrator

How to become a Security Systems Administrator

Becoming a security systems administrator involves a combination of education, technical skills, and practical experience. Here are the general steps you can take to pursue a career as a security systems administrator:

• Earn a Relevant Degree: Many employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field. A degree provides a solid foundation in computer systems, networks, and cybersecurity principles.
• Gain Technical Skills: Develop proficiency in cybersecurity technologies and practices, including network security, endpoint security, encryption, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and security incident response. You can acquire these skills through formal education, self-study, online courses, certifications, or hands-on experience.
• Obtain Certifications: Consider earning industry-recognized certifications to validate your skills and knowledge as a security systems administrator. Popular certifications for security professionals include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (see below).
• Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in cybersecurity or related roles. This could include internships, part-time jobs, freelance work, or volunteer positions. Practical experience is highly valued by employers and can help you develop the skills and expertise needed for a career as a security systems administrator.
• Apply for Entry-Level Positions: Start your career by applying for entry-level positions such as cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, or network security engineer. These roles provide valuable experience and opportunities for growth within the field of cybersecurity.
• Continue Learning and Advancing: Stay updated on emerging cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies, and continue to expand your skills and knowledge through ongoing training and professional development. Consider pursuing advanced certifications, attending workshops and seminars, or pursuing a graduate degree to further specialize in areas of interest within cybersecurity.

Certifications
There are several certifications that are highly regarded for security systems administrators. These certifications validate your skills and expertise in various aspects of cybersecurity and are widely recognized by employers in the industry.

• CompTIA Security+: This entry-level certification covers foundational cybersecurity concepts, including network security, cryptography, identity management, risk management, and security operations. It is suitable for security systems administrators who are new to the field or looking to validate their basic cybersecurity knowledge.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Offered by (ISC)², the CISSP certification is a globally recognized credential that validates expertise in various domains of cybersecurity, including security and risk management, asset security, communication and network security, security engineering, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security. It is ideal for experienced security systems administrators who want to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Offered by the EC-Council, the CEH certification validates skills in ethical hacking techniques and tools used by malicious hackers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems. It covers topics such as footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, enumeration, system hacking, malware threats, sniffing, social engineering, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, session hijacking, and web server hacking. It is valuable for security systems administrators who want to understand how hackers operate and how to defend against their attacks.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: This certification validates skills in cybersecurity operations, including security monitoring, threat detection, analysis, and response. It covers topics such as security operations center (SOC) operations, incident response, threat intelligence, and network intrusion analysis. It is suitable for security systems administrators who work in SOC environments or are responsible for monitoring and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), the GSEC certification validates skills in foundational cybersecurity concepts, including network security, cryptography, access controls, security policy development, and incident response. It is suitable for security systems administrators who want to demonstrate their expertise in basic cybersecurity principles and practices.