Need Advice For Getting Into Network Security Field

Hi guys, I was hoping you guys could give me some advice about getting into the field of network security. First let me give you a little background about myself. I recently graduated from college with a Computer Information Systems degree and I currently work for a fortune 500 company doing legacy system programming, mainly in COBOL/JCL. I’ve taken some networking classes before, but it has been awhile since I’ve had them, for example I took a CCNA class at my high school, and some basic ones in college.

I really like programming, but I really want to get into network security as well, because it has always interested me. I was wondering if any of you guys in the field could give me some advice on where to start/order of steps I should go in, classes to take, and books to read. I looked around and some people have suggested to start out with Security+, then CCNA, then CISSP. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Definately start with the Security+ - Pick up a book on it, study, take the test for about $90 to $110 depending.

That'll give you a taste of what is to come. If you like it, understand it, and want to do more, move on to your CCNA and CCSP. Also, you'll want to look into Windows Security and Linux/Unix Security, depending on what you plan on working on.

You can do network security systems or you can work on security on systems. Its a niche market I'd say when it comes down to it. WAN Security is prized.. but once its set you don't have much to do.. and a lot of companies contract out on it.

But you could then move into security for LANs and System configurations. For example, setting up the LAN's security, user rights, group policies, desktop configuration, etc.

Figure out what you want to target and go with it... its a broad field and each specializes in areas. Its not a broad, all encompassing kind of position.