Network Engineer → Network Security Engineer

A realistic transition from Network Engineer to Network Security Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 24%. Difficulty: Medium.

Difficulty: Medium6 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 24%

Transition from Network Engineer to Network Security Engineer.

Transferable skills

  • Network segmentation
  • Networking

Skills to learn

  • Firewalls (Fortinet/Palo Alto)
  • VPN / ZTNA
  • IPS / IDS
  • Scripting
  • Monitoring
  • Threat detection

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Network Engineer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Network segmentation
    • Networking

    Map transferable skills — Network segmentation, Networking — against what a Network Security Engineer needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Network Security Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Firewalls (Fortinet/Palo Alto)
    • VPN / ZTNA
    • IPS / IDS

    Technologies

    Palo AltoCheck PointIPsec

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Firewalls (Fortinet/Palo Alto), VPN / ZTNA, IPS / IDS.

  3. 3. Master advanced Network Security Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Monitoring
    • Threat detection
    • Scripting

    Technologies

    SSL VPNZTNASuricata

    Handle the advanced topics: Monitoring, Threat detection, Scripting.

  4. 4. Get productive with the Network Security Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    Palo AltoCheck PointIPsecSSL VPNZTNASuricataGitZabbix

    Be hands-on with Palo Alto, Check Point, IPsec and the rest of the target stack.

  5. 5. Practise Network Security Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Network Security Engineer tasks at work.

  6. 6. Get certified and position yourself as a Network Security Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    Fortinet NSE 7Palo Alto PCNSACisco CCNP Security

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Network Security Engineer, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes