Unlock Your Future: A Comprehensive Career Roadmap for Aspiring Multivendor Network Security Engineers

Introduction

Welcome to your comprehensive career roadmap for becoming a Network Security Professional. This customized guidance is specifically designed for individuals switching from other fields, those with no experience, or engineers with up to five years of experience only. By following this structured pathway, you will gain a robust multivendor skillset, making you a highly versatile and sought-after professional in the network security domain.

Step Up Your Career: Achieve These Exciting Job Roles with Your Network Security Roadmap. 

 Entry-Level Roles (No Experience to 2 Years of Experience)

Required Skills/Certifications:

• CompTIA ITF+
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Fortinet NSE 1, NSE 2, NSE 3
• Basic knowledge of networking and IT fundamentals
• Basic Linux and Windows operating system knowledge adds significant value.
• Free system, network, and security skills courses from Google, Coursera, and government training programs will add significant value. 
• Soft Skills: Communication, mailing, reporting, client handling, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial.
• A minimum of a 12th-grade pass or any stream of bachelor’s degree enhances your qualifications.

Job Roles:

1. IT Support Technician
2. Trainee, Internship roles then start junior level roles
3. Helpdesk Support Technician
4. L1 (Level 1) network engineer
5. Network Support Technician
6. Junior Network Engineer
7. System Support Specialist
8. Desktop Support Technician
9. IT Helpdesk Specialist

Mid-Level Roles (2 to 5 Years of Experience)

Required Skills/Certifications:

• CompTIA Certified Security+
• Cisco Certified CCNA
• Fortinet Certified NSE 4
• Palo Alto Certified  PCCSA
• Palo Alto Certified PCNSA
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
• MikroTik Routers and Wireless skills will be value-added in Nepal/India
• Essential Cloud Skills: Basic administration and networking in Azure, AWS, and GCP are a must for starting your high paid career.
• Intermediate knowledge of network security and systems administration

Job Roles:

1. Network Engineer
2. L2 (Level 2) network engineer
3. Network Administrator
4. System Administrator
5. IT Security Analyst
6. Cybersecurity Analyst
7. Technical Support Specialist
8. Network Security Engineer

Advanced-Level Roles (5+ Years of Experience)

Required Skills/Certifications:

• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
• Fortinet Certified NSE 5, NSE 6
• Palo Alto PCNSE
• Cisco Certified CCNP
• ‎EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• More vendor specific skills are required as per the job role and project scope. 
• Advanced knowledge of network security, routing, and switching
• Multi-cloud and automation skills are essential for L3 network, security, and cloud roles.
• Vulnerability assessment, patching, Vendor management, ITIL, Leadership skills 

Job Roles:

1. Senior Network Engineer
2. Senior Network Security Engineer
3. Junior-L3 network engineer
4. Senior System Engineer
5. IT Security Engineer
6. Cybersecurity Engineer
7. Network Security Consultant
8. Network Security Specialist 

These roles are designed to provide a clear pathway based on experience and certification levels, helping you to target the appropriate job opportunities as you progress in your network security career.

Certification Path Workflow

1. Foundational IT Certifications

1. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
   • Description: Provides essential knowledge of IT basics.
   • Benefits: Ideal for understanding the fundamentals of IT, especially for career switchers.
2. CompTIA A+
   • Description: Covers foundational IT skills and knowledge.
   • Benefits: Validates skills in areas such as hardware, networking, and troubleshooting, forming a strong base for further certifications.
3. CompTIA Network+
   • Description: Focuses on foundational networking concepts.
   • Benefits: Establishes a solid networking foundation, essential for understanding more advanced security concepts.

2. Core Networking Skills

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
   • Description: Covers a broad range of networking fundamentals.
   • Expiry: 3 years
   • Cost: $300
   • Benefits: Provides a strong foundation in networking, critical for implementing and understanding security measures.

3. Foundational Security Knowledge

5. CompTIA Security+
   • Description: Validates foundational skills in cybersecurity.
   • Benefits: Provides a broad understanding of security concepts, forming a solid base for specialized security certifications.
6. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
   • Description: Focuses on cybersecurity operations.
   • Expiry: 3 years
   • Cost: $300
   • Benefits: Enhances skills in security monitoring and incident response, preparing you for real-world security challenges.

4. Specialized Vendor Certifications

7. Fortinet NSE 1 to NSE 4
   • NSE 1: Network Security Associate
     • Description: Introduces basic network security concepts.
     • Cost: Free
     • Benefits: Ideal for beginners, providing a foundation in network security.
   • NSE 2: Network Security Associate
     • Description: Builds on NSE 1 with a deeper understanding of Fortinet solutions.
     • Cost: Free
     • Benefits: Enhances knowledge of Fortinet products.
   • NSE 3: Network Security Associate
     • Description: Focuses on Fortinet product knowledge.
     • Cost: Free
     • Benefits: Equips you with skills to describe key Fortinet products and solutions.
   • NSE 4: Network Security Professional
     • Description: Specializes in the configuration, management, and troubleshooting of FortiGate devices.
     • Expiry: 2 years
     • Cost: $400
     • Benefits: Validates skills in handling Fortinet’s security solutions, crucial for network security roles.
8. Palo Alto Networks Certifications
   • Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA)
     • Description: Provides foundational knowledge of cybersecurity and Palo Alto Networks technology.
     • Expiry: 2 years
     • Cost: $100
     • Benefits: Introduces Palo Alto Networks security operating platform and basic security concepts.
   • Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)
     • Description: Validates knowledge of the core features of Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls.
     • Expiry: 2 years
     • Cost: $155
     • Benefits: Focuses on the implementation, configuration, and management of Palo Alto Networks firewall technologies.

Recommended Certification Path Workflow

1. Step 1: Start with Fundamental IT Knowledge
   • CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+): Gain essential IT knowledge.
   • CompTIA A+: Build foundational IT skills.
   • CompTIA Network+: Establish a solid networking foundation.
2. Step 2: Obtain Core Networking Skills
   • Cisco CCNA: Develop a comprehensive understanding of networking.
3. Step 3: Build Foundational Security Knowledge
   • CompTIA Security+: Acquire broad security knowledge.
   • Cisco CyberOps Associate: Gain expertise in cybersecurity operations.
4. Step 4: Specialize in Fortinet Technologies
   • Fortinet NSE 1 to NSE 4: Progress through foundational to professional levels, specializing in FortiGate configuration and management.
5. Step 5: Diversify with Palo Alto Technologies
   • Palo Alto PCCSA: Start with a foundational knowledge of Palo Alto Networks.
   • Palo Alto PCNSA: Learn to configure and manage Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls.

Start your journey today and become a well-rounded network security expert capable of tackling diverse security challenges and advancing your career in the cybersecurity domain.

By following this roadmap, you will gain essential IT knowledge, core networking skills, and specialized security expertise across leading vendors. Practical experience and continuous learning will be key to your success.

Certification Path Cheat Sheet

Step	Certification	Expiry (Years)	Cost In India (USD)
Step 1: Fundamental IT Knowledge	CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)	Never Expires	120
Step 1: Fundamental IT Knowledge	CompTIA A+	3	232
Step 1: Fundamental IT Knowledge	CompTIA Network+	3	338
Step 2: Core Networking Skills	Cisco CCNA	3	300
Step 3: Foundational Security Knowledge	CompTIA Security+	3	370
Step 3: Foundational Security Knowledge	Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate	3	300
Step 4: Specialize in Fortinet Technologies	Fortinet NSE 1	2	0
Step 4: Specialize in Fortinet Technologies	Fortinet NSE 2	2	0
Step 4: Specialize in Fortinet Technologies	Fortinet NSE 3	2	0
Step 4: Specialize in Fortinet Technologies	Fortinet NSE 4	2	400
Step 5: Diversify with Palo Alto Technologies	Palo Alto PCCSA	2	100
Step 5: Diversify with Palo Alto Technologies	Palo Alto PCNSA	2	155

Motivational Guidance

For Students with Low Economic Backgrounds

1. Focus on Free Certifications First:
   • Start with Fortinet NSE 1 to NSE 3, which are free and provide a strong foundation in network security.
2. Gain Practical Experience:
   • Work in entry-level IT jobs or internships to gain hands-on experience. Aim to work for at least 1-2 years in the real-time domain before pursuing more advanced certifications.
3. Continuous Learning:
   • Utilize free resources like YouTube channels to enhance your knowledge and skills.
   • Practice regularly in labs to solidify your understanding of the concepts.
4. Build a Strong Resume:
   • Highlight your free certifications and practical skills in your resume.
   • Improve your interview skills and create an attractive resume with guidance from mentors like Jiwan Bhattarai.
5. Prepare for High-Demand Certifications:
   • Once you have practical experience, aim for certifications like CCNA, NSE 4, and PCNSA.
   • These certifications are highly valued and will significantly boost your career prospects.

Recommended Free Resources for Self-Paced Learning

Here are some highly recommended YouTube channels to help you with your certification journey. These channels offer comprehensive tutorials and resources to support your FREE learning.

• Professor Messer: Excellent for CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, A+, Network+, and Security+.
• Mike Meyers: Great resource for CompTIA certifications.
• Kevin Wallace: Comprehensive tutorials for Cisco certifications (CCNA and CyberOps).
• Urdu IT Academy: free e-learning charitable platform dedicated to making a positive social impact. (CCNA, RHCSA, MCSE, AI, Programming, etc)
• David Bombal: Linux, Python, Ethical Hacking, Networking, CCNA, Virtualization and other IT related topics.
• Jeremy’s IT Lab: is for people looking to learn about Cisco networking, and networking in general.
• Practical Networking: By presenting complex technology simply, practical, immediately applicable. Networking Technology topics covered
• Flackbox: Basic CCNA Free Lessons.
• CyberInsight: Networking, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Devops lessons.
• NetworkChuck: Helpful to obtain your CCNA, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+
• Chris Greer: Analyzing protocols with Wireshark and other packet shredding tools with Troubleshooting and Cybersecurity.
• StudioSec: Make cybersecurity easy for you with helpful Lessons. From the basic concepts to more technical aspects.
• Fakhar Mirza: Free CCNA, MS Office, ASA Firewall, Cisco ISE, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator lectures.
• Rob Riker’s Tech Channel: This channel is good for those with an interest in Cisco networking.
• Routergods: Dedicated Free learning videos for CISCO Technologies and Wireshark, Networking LABS. 
• Fortinet NSE Training: In-depth training for Fortinet NSE certifications.
• Palo Alto Networks: Detailed videos on Palo Alto certifications (PCCSA and PCNSA).
• IT Education Nepal: IT career learning motivation, IT Fundamentals+, Network+, CCNA, IP subnetting, Grade 1 to Class 12th Computer Science, IT Courses and much more in Nepali language.
• Nepalese IT Study Community: Network+, CCNA content in Nepali language.

By following these channels, you can gain valuable insights and knowledge to help you succeed in your certification exams and advance your career in network security.

Official References

• Fortinet Training and Certification
• Cisco Certification:
• Palo Alto Networks Certification:
• CompTIA Certification

By following this roadmap and leveraging the available resources, you can build a solid foundation in network security, gain valuable practical experience, and achieve advanced certifications that will open up numerous career opportunities. Stay motivated, keep learning, and work towards your goals step by step.