13 Top Network Security Certifications

In the digital age, safeguarding networks is crucial, and expertise in cybersecurity is in high demand. This guide explores the 13 Top Network Security Certifications, offering a roadmap for both seasoned IT professionals and newcomers. Join us on this journey to fortify digital defenses and navigate the cyber landscape with confidence.

The whole world is moving towards digitalization and virtually performing almost all activities online, over the internet. Network Security is the safety net, the protective shield which safeguards our online data, information and networks.

Network Security has gained huge importance and become a very prestigious career option. Let us learn more about Network Security, Types of Network Security and Top Network Security Certifications for professionals eager to pursue a career in, and aim to reach the zenith in the Network Security Domain.

What is Network Security?

Network Security is a strategy that includes defining a set of rules and policies to protect the integrity of our data, information and networks. It makes use of a variety of software and hardware technologies to build multiple layers of defenses to secure our data, information and networks, and block threats from fraudsters who try to gain unauthorized access.

What is the Importance of Network Security?

Most of us, now use, high speed connections at home. We also save a significant amount of information in our Mobile devices, Smart Phones, Laptops for the convenience of anytime, anywhere. Companies have a large amount of workforce working from remote locations. With social distancing and travel restrictions, even the older generation, who are not tech savvy, have been forced to go online for meeting everyday requirements.

All this creates a serious need to protect our important data, information and networks from being exposed to malicious activities and unauthorized access. Hence Network security is of highest important for home networks as well as corporate networks. Let us now understand the various Network Security Types which help protect us and our systems.

What are the Types of Network Security ?

We all are aware & use some level of security protocols in our everyday lives. For e.g. we use Passwords to protect our mobile devices, wireless connections and more. Similarly there are various types of Network Security which are used to create the complex network security architecture to prevent threats and attacks.

Various Types of Network Security are:

Firewalls, Email Security, Antivirus and Antimalware Software, Network Segmentation, Access Control, Application Security, Behavioral Analytics, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Intrusion Prevention System, Mobile Device Security, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Web Security, Wireless Security, You can read more about Network Security Types here.

What are the Careers in Network Security?

The primary responsibility of network security professionals is to save our online data and the network from being compromised during threats and malicious attacks. Also to set up a mechanism to bounce back to normalcy as early as possible, in the event of a mishap.

Professionals who want to make a career in this fast-growing and continuously evolving Network Security field, can consider job opening such as Network Security Engineer, Information Security Manager, Application Security Engineer, Cyber Security Engineer, and more.

List of 13 Top Network Security Certifications?

Earning Professional Network Security Certifications becomes a crucial differentiator when it comes to job prospects and career progression. These certifications validate your knowledge and skills required for carrying out Network Security activities proficiently.

Companies prefer to hire skilled professionals and experts in their field so that they can improve the efficiency of the corporate network security as well as the organization.

In this article, we provide you a comprehensive list of all the significant Top Network Security Certifications recognized worldwide.

1. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security)
2. Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)
3. Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
4. Check Point Certified Admin (CCSA)
5. Check Point Certified Expert (CCSE)
6. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist, Security (JNCIS-SEC)
7. Juniper Networks Certified Professional, Security (JNCIP-SEC)
8. Juniper Networks Certified Expert, Security (JNCIE-SEC)
9. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
10. Fortinet Network Security Architect (NSE 7)
11. Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE 8)
12. CompTIA Security+
13. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker

1. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security)

CCIE Security : CCIE Security is the highest level of Security Certification provided by Cisco and carries huge significance worldwide. To achieve CCIE Certification, you have to pass 2 exams.

Step 1: Written qualifying exam SCOR 350-701 – Exam Cost is USD 400

This exam validates, your knowledge of security infrastructure, network security, cloud security, content security, endpoint protection, secure network access, visibility and enforcements.

Step 2: Lab exam : CCIE Security v6.0 – Exam Cost is USD 1600

This 8-hour hands-on lab exam examines your skills & expertise right from designing and deploying to operating and optimizing Cisco security solutions.

2. Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)

CCNP Security Certification : Core Exam : 350-701 SCOR – Exam Cost is USD 400

CCNP Security Core Exam validates your knowledge of security infrastructure and skills in implementing Cisco security Core Technologies. It is the eligibility criteria for appearing for CCIE Security certification.

CCNP Security Certification Concentration Exams – Exam Cost is USD 300

CCNP Security Concentration exams focus on emerging technologies. Choose any one exam depending on your area of specific expertise

3. Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

The PCNSE certification validates professionals knowledge to design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and their knowledge of the overall Palo Alto Networks product portfolio.

4. Check Point Certified Admin (CCSA)

Check Point Software Technologies offers the Check Point Certified Admin (CCSA) R80.x. CCSA authorizes that you have the requisite knowledge to start-up, configure and manage daily operations of Check Point Security Gateway and Management Software Blades systems on the GAiA operating system.

Please note, it is advisable to have hands on working experience of 6 months to 1 year on various Check Point products before appearing for this certification.

5. Check Point Certified Expert (CCSE)

The Check Point Certified Expert Certification validates the knowledge to build, modify, deploy and troubleshoot Check Point Security Systems on the GAiA operating system. It tests your hands-on skills to debug firewall processes, optimize VPN performance and upgrade Management Servers. It is advisable to have completed Security Administration Course or CCSA certification (R80) before attempting this certification.

6. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist, Security (JNCIS-SEC)

Juniper Networks offers Internet Security Specialist certification for professionals experienced in using Juniper Networks Junos OS for SRX Series devices.

This certification authenticates your understanding of Application Security, Advanced Security Policies, Advanced Threat Prevention, High Availability Clustering, Virtual SRX or cSRX, Juniper Identity Management Services, SSL Proxy, Juniper Secure Analytics (JSA)

7. Juniper Networks Certified Professional, Security (JNCIP-SEC)

Juniper Networks Certified Security, Professional (JNCIP-SEC) certification covers advanced knowledge of the Juniper Networks Junos OS for SRX Series devices.

This certification validates your knowledge & skills regarding Firewall Filters, Troubleshooting Security Policy & Zones, Advanced Threat Protection, Edge Security, Compliance, Threat Mitigation, Logical and Tenant Systems, Layer 2 SEcurity, Advanced Network Address Translation and Advanced IPSec

8. Juniper Networks Certified Expert, Security (JNCIE-SEC)

The highest possible, Security Certification offered by Juniper Networks is called Security Expert. This certification is a 6 hour long practical exam which examines the knowledge and skills to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Junos-based security platforms.

9. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty Certification, authenticates the candidates knowledge and skills required to design, develop, and deploy cloud-based solutions using AWS, Implement core AWS services, Design and maintain network architecture for AWS services, and automate AWS networking tasks.

AWS recommends that candidates hold AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate before appearing for this Certification.

10. Fortinet Network Security Architect (NSE 7)

The Fortinet Network Security Architect (NSE 7) certification is ideal for network and security professionals having hands on experience using Fortinet solutions for designing, administration, and support of security infrastructures.

The NSE 7 Network Security Architect certification acknowledges your ability to deploy, administer, and troubleshoot Fortinet security solutions. To become NSE 7 Certified you must pass at least one of the following exams:

11. Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE 8 )

The NSE 8 Fortinet Network Security Expert Certification is the highest certification offered by Fortinet in the Network Security Domain. It recognizes your knowledge of network security design, configuration, troubleshooting complex networks.

This certification is recommended for networking security experts who have hands on work experience on Fortinet solutions. There is a written and a Practical exam, and you must pass both exams to obtain Fortinet NSE 8 certification.

1. Fortinet NSE 8 Written Exam: It consists of questions regarding design scenarios, configuration extracts, troubleshooting scenarios to validate your knowledge and experience about security networking and Fortinet solutions.

2. Fortinet NSE 8 Practical Exam : 2 days hands-on evaluation that requires you to configure and validate a complete network topology involving multiple Fortinet products.

12. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that focuses on latest techniques in risk management, risk mitigation, threat management and intrusion detection. It tests your knowledge regarding threats, attacks and vulnerabilities, Identity and Access Management, Technologies and Tools, Architecture and Design, Cryptography and PKI.

It is recommended to have 2 years of IT Administration focusing on Security and hands on experience on CompTIA+ for attempting this certification.

13. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker

An Ethical Hacker is specifically engaged by organizations, to assess whether it is possible to breach the security and bypass the systems and gain access to its data & information.

EC Council is a premier organization that provides the Certified Ethical Hacker Certification. This written exams tests your skills in Information Security Threats and Attack Vectors, Attack Detection, Attack Prevention, Procedures, Methodologies