What Does a Data Network Security Administrator Do?

Data Network Security AdministratorA data network security administrator fulfills an important role in companies all over the world by designing and maintaining database systems and regulating access to these systems. A career as a data network security administrator is a great option for individuals with an interests in areas such as computer science, information technology, computer programming, system administrations, and quite a few other technical disciplines.

Job Tasks

The networks for which data network security administrators are responsible can vary largely in size and complexity. Data network security administrators might handle smaller and simpler LANs, or Local Area Networks, or they may handle larger networks up to the scale of GANs, or global area networks. Data network security administrators work with both wired and wireless networks, and they often need to be familiar with a variety of different configurations. It is typical that data network security administrators working with smaller networks actually have more responsibilities than those working with larger networks due to the fact that they must handle many tasks independently without the help of specialists.

The major tasks of data network security administrators can be divided into the overall task groups of management, troubleshooting, self-education, and implementation. Often, management tasks take up the majority of a data network security administrator’s job. These management duties typically involve monitoring traffic and usage, maintaining account and both allowing for and limiting access privileges for certain users, keeping network logs updated, keeping the network updated, writing documentation to explain the network to users, and more.

Places Where Data Network Security Administrators Work

Many different types of companies and organizations need to rely on the knowledge and expertise of data network security administrators, according to Wisegeek. Those interested in pursuing a career as a data network security administrator can find work at firms that design computer systems, telecommunications companies, educational institutions, financial firms, and government agencies.

Skills That Are Necessary To Carry Out Job Tasks

Because data network security administrators need to address technical issues constantly in their work, they need to have strong critical thinking skills and the ability to solve complex problems. Understanding systems analysis and systems evaluation is important in keeping sometimes highly complex networks running properly. Yet social skills also tend to be important for data network security administrators, because they often must impart their knowledge to others at the organization for which they work. A good data network security administrator is able to express himself or herself well both in writing and when speaking to colleagues.

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In order to accomplish all of the job tasks for which data network security administrators are responsible, those who wish to pursue such a position need to be thoroughly educated at least up to the Bachelor’s degree level. As their work is highly technical and specialized, data network security administrators need to have a sound grasp of computer science, information systems security, computer systems networking, and more. An individual aspiring to a position as a Data Network Security Administrator needs to enjoy working with computers and have an understanding of technology.