With career prospects in the private and public sectors, network administrators fulfil a crucial role in configuring and maintaining computer system networks. This technological assistance is increasingly crucial to ensure workplace cyber security. Given popular digital tools and evolving hacking risks, employers now require greater expertise to secure all-important business networks.
Network security employment is rising to meet an ‘epidemic’ of hacking – the second most reported crime globally in 2016. From employee negligence to suspicious gadgets, network administrators can help protect businesses from hacking risks – saving them great time and money down the road.
Are you curious about the security of computer networks? Find out how network administrators can help eliminate cyber threats.
Businesses are in the Right Hands with Trained Administrators
Cyber threats often arise from mismanaged access. Security is ensured through careful delegation of network information, allowing each employee a network access level corresponding to their duties and expertise. Placing administrative duties in the hands of unqualified professionals, businesses expose themselves to risks that threaten the entire company. For instance, an inexperienced administrator could mistakenly change security settings – or even accidentally install malware.
Trained professionals are more likely to detect online scams and phishing attacks
Naturally, trained administrators eliminate the risks of unqualified network administration. These knowledgeable professionals manage networks in view of industry standards, leveraging their expertise to guarantee the utmost security. With the services of a professional administrator, businesses reduce the systemic risks of poor network management. In top companies, professional administrators are given authority over secure networks – a level of access not even granted to CEOs.
Communication is Key in a Network Administrator Career
Among their preferred methods of attack, hackers often prey on unsuspecting or ill-informed employees. These vulnerabilities extend to the company as a whole, since a single case of negligence can expose an entire network. Throughout their network administrator career, IT pros can communicate with employees and managers to help eliminate cyber vulnerabilities. Administrators can raise suspicious activity and add their input to IT training, with outcomes including scam detection and the proper use of personal devices in the workplace.
Top training programs will not only equip administrators with technical knowledge, but also the skills to impart their expertise to others. In addition to network security, these programs provide thorough training in workplace communication and professionalism. These combined qualifications prepare network administrators to play an active role in keeping businesses safe, communicating their insights with professionals in non-IT fields.
Administrators Can Stay Updated on Evolving Cyber Threats
Cyber experts are constantly adapting to the rapid evolution of hacking techniques. For instance, an estimated 35% of all hacking incidents in 2018 will be ‘fileless’ – referring to hacking techniques that require no file downloads, and are therefore undetectable by traditional antiviral software. After obtaining network administrator certification, administrators are advised to stay updated on the latest hacking techniques. This knowledge will help secure business networks and strengthen trust with clients.
Network administrators help companies build a united front against cyber threats
Some hacking techniques even target administrators, since they often hold the cyber keys to large business networks. System administrators are advised to be wary of macros inserted into public files stored on company platforms. Since many companies do not block macros being run inside closed networks, hackers can do great damage this way once they breach the network’s security. Administrators can also look out for suspicious USB devices like the ‘Raspberry Pi’, a palm-sized computer that can be used to obtain unprotected Active Directory credentials.
Are you interested in the rewarding work of securing crucial computer networks?
Contact Oxford College to learn more about our unique network administrator course.