Is learning computer networking useful for cyber security?

August 12, 2022

Absolutely. You must have a solid understanding of computer networking in order to comprehend the fundamentals of cyber security. You can better understand how networks may be exploited and secured if you really comprehend topics like Ethernet, IP, TCP, and VLANs (to mention a few). Any certification or course in cyber security will demand you to have a thorough grasp of networks’ operation and all of their protocols.

As far as I can understand, to enter the field of cyber security, you don’t actually need any prior coding or networking knowledge. Asking 10 individuals what “Cyber Security” is can elicit between 11 and 20 different replies, demonstrating how hazy the whole field is. There hasn’t been much agreement among the people I’ve contacted. Despite having one thing in common, the folks are passionate about whatever cyber security is, and they don’t take criticism well and possess a thorough grasp of networking, including TCP/IP, UDP, ports, and the ISO OSI model.

It would be beneficial to have some programming knowledge, at the very least scripting in (say) Python. However, something like C may also come in handy. A knowledge of human behavior will help you comprehend their objectives. Humans will always be the greatest defense and the weakest link in cybersecurity.

You must be aware of the services that are operating, the ports and protocols they are using, as well as what is permitted in and out if you are responsible for safeguarding a server on your network. All of that is networking. On TCP port 3389, an MS Terminal Server service will be active. Therefore, you must understand how to manage that traffic. Additionally, you must be able to monitor network traffic for harmful indications of an assault.

That depends on how successful you want to be. In my experience with application security, the more basic networking knowledge one has, the more successful one may deploy security measures. Would you want someone to help safeguard the network and advise your network/system administrators on the best ways to deploy repairs if you were a manager? Additionally, if you were a network administrator, wouldn’t it be simpler to communicate with someone who really knew networking? These uncommon cyber security specialists are in great demand and earn the highest wages.

So I advise you to thoroughly study networking. For a while, I worked as a network administrator. and learn the Windows and Linux operating systems. Utilize as many network surveillance technologies as you can. Where are assaults most likely to happen? How can I best protect these? Apply fixes in accordance with the manufacturer’s advice. Read and learn about the most recent trends often. Obtain the Network+, CCNA, Security+, CISM, and CISSP certifications. After that, you’ll be in a great position to work in cyber security. You may always return to networking since you will already be an expert at it.

The apex of this business is not certifications. They aren’t even respected in many locations. They do, however, include systematic learning. You should constantly be learning new things. Never stop learning. An IT certification enables you to demonstrate your understanding of new topics after learning them in an organized manner. They are not the magic solution, but when it comes to employment, someone with certification is worth more than someone without one. It demonstrates learning, a commitment to the subject matter, and most importantly, an investment in oneself. that you want knowledge and greater proficiency in the field.

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Sam Fareed

Lead Instructor qualified in CISSP, CCIE, and MCT with 25 years of training experience in Toronto.