How do engineers make cyber networks safer?

            An Engineer that is in charge of the cyber network’s safety is called a security engineer. Security engineers are employed by various companies and are most likely found in every company nowadays. Security engineers are responsible for the “implementation and administration of network security hardware and software, enforcing the security policy and complying with requirements of security audits and recommendations” (What Does). Networks can never be too secure, and no network stays secure forever, updates are always needed as well as close monitoring. Security engineers’ duties and responsibilities to make networks safer include:

• developing security standards and practices
• creating new ways to solve existing production security issues
• recommending security enhancements to management
• installing and using software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs
• assisting with installation or processing of new security products and procedures
• conducting scans of networks to find vulnerabilities
• conducting penetration testing
• monitoring networks and systems for security breaches or intrusions
• installing software that helps with notification of intrusions
• developing automation scripts to handle and track incidents
• testing security solutions using industry-standard analysis criteria
• watching out for irregular system behavior
• supervising changes in software, hardware, and user needs
• leading incident response activities
• leading investigations into how breaches happen
• reporting findings to management
• helping plan an organization’s information security strategy
• educating staff members on information security through training and awareness
• recommending modifications in legal, technical and regulatory areas

(What Does)

           Engineers must approach the security of a network or system as a whole using a top-down approach. Though, it might seem that security engineers have many responsibilities that may lead to a stressful career. However, security engineers are rarely alone and are usually part of an IT team. Working in a team, dividing responsibilities, and strong communication is key to keeping a safer network. The most stressful aspect, in my opinion, is conveying the importance of cybersecurity to non-technical employees. Indisputably, engineers are an important part of a healthy business.

Work Cited

“What Does a Security Engineer Do?” Career Explorer, Sokanu, www.careerexplorer.com/careers/security-engineer/.