Most of the organizations are connected across networks due to their nature of global operation in today’s digital world. Along with advancements in technology and networking infrastructure, the number of network threats and attacks also increases every year. According to recent reports, more than 50% of IT companies do not have skilled networking and network security professionals who could safeguard their system from network-based threats and intrusions.
The shortage of qualified professionals has made the Network Security Expert one of the most in-demand designations today. Today, companies want skilled professionals who can set up strong networks, protect them from attackers, and fix issues very fast before they affect business. Hence, careers in networking and network security provide wonderful growth, job security, and impressive salary packages.
Students and working professionals thus opt for structured training and well-known certification courses like CCNA, CCNP Security, CCIE Security, CEH, CISSP and other security courses to build a strong career in this field. Anyone can enter this field and grow into a skilled Network Security Expert with proper guidance and practical experience in labs.
This article will cover everything you need to know about becoming an expert in network security, including what certifications are needed and how to do them. Let’s jump right into it!
Who is a Network Security Expert?
A network security expert is responsible for protecting an organization’s IT network and systems from attacks and potential threats. Their primary responsibilities include designing, configuring, and managing organization’s security infrastructure such as firewalls (Cisco ASA, Cisco FTD, Fortinet, and Palo Alto) to limit access to authorized traffic, prevent intrusion attempts, and block unauthorized access. Furthermore, a network security expert constantly monitors the organization’s network to identify vulnerable sites and remediate problems as they occur, ensuring that all business functions run smoothly.
In today’s world, organizations have adopted the use of cloud systems, internal networks, and external servers, which may increase the chances of facing network threats. Network security professionals implement secure connection procedures such as VPNs. This includes remote-access VPNs for employees working from different locations and site-to-site VPNs to connect branch offices. They also control who can connect to the network using tools such as Cisco ISE, ensuring that only authorized personnel and devices can connect to the network. Through early detection of threats, enforcing security policies, minimizing threats, and maintaining the security of the network infrastructure, network security professionals help to secure the IT environment of the organization.
Top Certifications for Network Security Experts
The following certifications offer the right knowledge, practical skills, and industry recognition for successful career growth in the field of network security. Let’s dive deep into each of these certifications –
1. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
The CCNA course provided by Network Bulls has been specifically designed to allow anyone interested in networking to learn more about the subject and can also opt for CCNA certification. The Cisco CCNA certification is intended to be entry level, therefore this course covers many of the key concepts and skills needed to work in the field of networking (e.g. Routing and switching, LAN/WAN concepts, basic Network Security, etc).
You will receive hands-on training on actual Cisco routers and switches instead of using simulators, allowing for real-world experiences. The course content aligns with the most recent CCNA 200-301 exam blueprint, while the main areas of focus will include Network Fundamentals, Network Access, IP Connectivity, Network Services, Basic Security, and Network Automation.
With 24×7 access to a lab, practical assignments, and dedicated troubleshooting sessions, this course ensures that you have the skills necessary to install, configure and manage medium-sized Enterprise Networks.
Key Highlights:
- Knowledge of routing and switching concepts, IP addressing, LAN/WAN technologies, and network security principles.
- Practical, hands-on training on actual Cisco devices (routers: 1841, 2600; switches: 2950, 2960, 3550).
- Prepares students for entry-level positions such as Network Engineer and Network Administrator.
- Flexible training options: Regular track (1.5 months, 2 hours/day) or Weekend track (8 weekends, 3 hours/day).
- Average starting salary in India: ₹3–5 LPA for certified candidates.
2. CCNP Security (Cisco Certified Network Professional Security)
The CCNP Security program leads the individuals move from basic networking knowledge to advanced, real-world security expertise. It focuses on securing enterprise networks using firewalls, ISE, VPNs (Remote Access & Site-to-site) and other Cisco security devices. Students get hands-on experience in configuring VPNs, setting up advanced security policies, managing intrusion prevention systems, and safeguarding an organization’s data from sophisticated network attacks.
The courses comprises 100% practical training on actual Cisco ASA firewalls, routers, switches, and virtual devices. The students will get access to the fully equipped lab facility 24×7, scenario-based practice sessions, and free lab workbooks.
Highlights:
- Implementation of advanced security using routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Setting up VPNs, access control, and threat prevention systems.
- Scenario-based lab sessions for real-world enterprise networks.
- Hands-on training on actual Cisco devices and virtual appliances.
3. CCIE Security (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security)
The CCIE Security course is the highest level of networking certification, meant for professionals who want to master complex enterprise networks and advanced security technologies. This covers expert-level skills in the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of secure network architectures, including the deployment of next-generation firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion prevention systems.
It also includes extensive hands-on experience deploying Firewalls, preventing Advanced Threats through Network Access Control (NAC) and implementing Security Technologies from Cisco. In addition, each student will receive premium placement assistance and personality development training to prepare them for high-paying job opportunities with Fortune 500 companies around the world.
Highlights:
- This is an expert-level certification focused on designing and securing complex enterprise networks.
- Students will learn to troubleshoot complex network security problems in a realistic setting.
- Training by CCIE-certified trainers with access to actual labs and devices from Cisco.
4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
This course on CEH enables professionals to learn how to think like a hacker in order to protect an organization. Ethical hacking is the process of legally testing systems to find weaknesses before the hacker can exploit them. This certification will give them an edge in the competitive job market. It also opens up other network security job roles related to penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and many more.
The CEH program at Network Bulls is based on the very latest syllabus of the CEH v13 course, in which students get to participate in hands-on practice in Linux fundamentals, penetration testing tools, and live ethical hacking scenarios. Besides getting to know system vulnerabilities, hacking techniques, and preventive security measures, training will also prepare the learners for real challenging tasks in the field.
Highlights:
- In this course, one learns authorized and legal means of testing and securing computer systems.
- Hands-on training on actual hacking tools, techniques, and real-life scenarios.
- One can get job roles as an Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Security Analyst upon completion of the said certification.
5. Fortinet Certifications (NSE 1 to NSE 7)
The FortiGate Firewall course will be ideal for any IT and cybersecurity professional looking to master next-generation firewall technologies. FortiGate firewalls provide high-level threat protection, secure networking, and enterprise security. This course trains candidates to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot the FortiGate firewall in order to protect organizational networks from cyber threats.
While at Network Bulls, the training is provided on actual devices and not on simulators of FortiGate. Here, the students will get unlimited lab access, revision classes, and online or offline learning. Guided by industry experts, learners get to practice on real-world configurations, VPN setups, security policies, deployment strategies, and troubleshooting scenarios. On course completion, students would have gained hands-on skills to meet enterprise security challenges with confidence.
Highlights:
- Configure firewalls, VPNs, policies, and implement enterprise-level security setups.
- Students are trained for real-world threat mitigation and firewall management in scenario-based labs.
- It prepares the students for roles like Fortinet Firewall Engineer, Network Security Specialist, Security Analyst.
- Basic to advanced concepts will be covered in this intensive 30-day program.
6. Palo Alto Networks Certifications
The Palo Alto Firewall course is known for its maximum level of Cloud Security, Endpoint Protection, and Threat Intelligence Solutions. By completing this course, students will learn how to implement a combination of example best practices, technical capabilities, and organisational frameworks to protect their Data Centres, Cloud Platforms, and Enterprise Networks using Firewall Systems. Additionally, students will gain experience in reviewing Firewall Management, Threat Prevention, Policy Configuration, and Zero Trust Security Concepts in detail.
Network Bulls has created a hands-on training environment for all Network Security professionals by providing a 30-day Intensive practical training course under certified industry experts. This gives them the experience of working on real Palo Alto devices within virtual labs to learn advanced security techniques and real-time content inspection. In addition, this program prepares students for their Palo Alto certifications which will help them to be able to meet the challenges of Network Security in the new era.
Highlights:
- It provides expert-level training on next-generation firewall protection, threat prevention, and cloud security.
- Hands-on practice can be done on actual devices of Palo Alto and virtual labs.
- Students will master App-ID & Content-ID technologies for deep traffic inspection.
- You will learn how to implement Zero Trust Architecture using Palo Alto security features.
How Network Bulls Can Help You Become a Network Security Expert?
Networking Bulls is amongst the leading IT networking training institutes in India, which is aimed at building a successful career in Network Security and Cyber Security. With a blend of world-class training, hands-on learning, and guaranteed placements, Network Bulls ensures students become industry-ready right from day one.
The Network Security + Cyber Security Expert program is designed for beginners and transforms them into professional experts who can efficiently protect modern IT infrastructures from sophisticated cyber threats. What truly sets Network Bulls apart is its practical, real-equipment learning environment.
The best thing about this program is that it covers the full skill set needed for a successful security career, including CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCNA Security, firewalls (ASA, Palo Alto, FortiGate), VPNs, Ethical Hacking and core cybersecurity understanding.
Be it starting at zero or upgrading your skills for better opportunities, Network Bulls offers a clear and effective roadmap towards entering a high-paying, non-coding cybersecurity field.
Key Ways Network Bulls Helps You Succeed
- Assured 100% Placement with top companies, with starting salary packages upto ₹12 LPA in this course
- Master two high-demand skills, Network Security + Cyber Security, for wider job opportunities.
- Get completely prepared for one of the world’s most recognized Ethical Hacking certifications, the CEH v13.
- Hands-on training will be provided using physical and virtual devices: routers, switches, ASA firewalls, WLCs, ASAv, ISE and many more.
- 24/7 access to Asia’s Biggest Cisco Training Lab allows students to practice anything anytime with no restrictions.
With industry-recognized trainers, proven results, and India’s most advanced infrastructure, Network Bulls helps students become Network Security Experts with salary growth from ₹12 LPA to ₹45 LPA+ in a few years.
Conclusion
As Network and cyber threats increase year after year, organisations require confident professionals who can design and secure their networks and manage them accordingly.
Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CEH, and CISSP, along with specially trained courses on Fortinet and Palo Alto Technologies, can help you get a well-paying job in reputable organizations.
At Network Bulls, one can achieve this easily with expert trainers, fully equipped labs, real-world practice, and step-by-step guidance across all certification levels. With the selection of appropriate training and on a clear roadmap, one will emerge as a trusted Network Security Expert with great career prospects.
