The university of tulsa Online Blog

A single misconfigured router or overlooked firewall rule can lead to a major cybersecurity breach. That’s why professionals should have exceptional network security skills, including the ability to understand, manage, and secure complex networks.

Whether it’s about protecting critical infrastructure, investigating threats, or managing cloud-based systems, cybersecurity experts rely on advanced knowledge of how networks operate. Those who have the right skills play a strategic, vital role in defending national interests, corporate assets, and personal data alike.

With cyber threats escalating across sectors, professionals should have networking expertise to mitigate them. Earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity can deepen these skills and open doors to leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

Understanding Networking and Cybersecurity

Network security is integral to cybersecurity. Most cybercriminals— from phishing to ransomware — exploit weaknesses in network configurations, protocols, or traffic patterns. Professionals without an understanding of how networks function may not be able to stop these breaches.

Professionals must recognize the importance of networking in cybersecurity and be able to monitor, defend, and optimize networks in real time. They need to understand normal traffic behavior, identify anomalies, and act quickly to prevent or contain threats.

The following roles benefit from network security skills:

• Network Security Engineer: Designs and implements secure network architectures

• Security Analyst: Monitors network traffic to detect and respond to threats

• Penetration Tester: Simulates attacks to uncover vulnerabilities in network defenses

• Incident Responder: Investigates breaches and restores network integrity

From setting firewall rules to analyzing packet data, cybersecurity experts use network security skills every day to protect systems and prevent attacks. Without it, organizations may face both external and internal threats.

7 Key Network Security Skills

Cybersecurity professionals can develop these network security skills to be successful in both the short and long term.

1. Understanding Networking Protocols

Professionals should master basic networking protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP). These protocols govern how data is sent and received across networks. Understanding the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model — the seven layers that data passes through — helps professionals pinpoint vulnerabilities and defend against attacks at each level.

• Example: Recognizing unusual packet behavior that signals a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack allows quicker mitigation.

2. Firewall and VPN Configuration

Cyber professionals must know how to set up and troubleshoot firewalls, proxies, and VPNs. They can use these tools to ensure secure communication and protect networks from unauthorized access.

• Example: Creating targeted firewall rules to block suspicious IP addresses during a cyber incident helps contain threats effectively.

3. Network Monitoring and Traffic Analysis

Professionals with proficiency in network analysis tools like Wireshark, Splunk, or Zeek can capture and analyze network packets. Monitoring traffic helps detect suspicious activity and unauthorized access attempts.

• Example: Identifying lateral movement when an attacker moves within a network, during a breach, is critical to stopping further damage.

4. Domain and Host Knowledge

Professionals need to understand how DNS (Domain Name System) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) work to secure network access points. Misconfigurations can lead to attacks like DNS spoofing or man-in-the-middle interceptions.

• Example: Preventing DNS spoofing attacks protects users from being redirected to malicious websites on public networks.

5. Cloud Networking and Virtualization

With more organizations adopting cloud technologies, cyber professionals should have expertise in virtual networks such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), and Azure Virtual Networks (VNets), along with hybrid cloud environments. Knowing how to secure data in transit between on-premise and cloud systems is critical.

• Example: Setting up secure communication channels between on-premise infrastructure and cloud resources ensures data integrity and confidentiality

6. Network Automation and Scripting

Professionals should be familiar with automation tools and scripting languages (Python, PowerShell) to streamline network management and respond quickly to threats.

• Example: Automating the deployment of firewall rules or detecting anomalous traffic patterns.

7. Wireless Network Security

Professionals who understand wireless protocols (Wi-Fi standards, WPA3) and common vulnerabilities help protect against unauthorized wireless access and attacks.

• Example: Securing corporate Wi-Fi networks prevents rogue device connections.

Master Your Network Security Skills and Advance Your Career

Networking is the backbone of modern cybersecurity. Professionals who master it can protect systems, stop intrusions, and lead defenses against evolving cyber threats. You can pursue a degree in network security to gain the skills for success in a fast-growing, high-demand field.

The University of Tulsa’s online Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) can help both working professionals and recent graduates advance their expertise in cybersecurity.

This program stands out because of its practical, career-focused approach, which includes:

• Courses in network security, penetration testing, and cloud security
• Flexible online options that make it easy to balance work and study
• Immersive learning through virtual labs, project-based assignments, and 1:1 online meetings
• Experienced, interdisciplinary faculty with hands-on cybersecurity backgrounds
• Strong industry partnerships that open doors to internships and job placements
• An accelerated approach that enables students to gain skills and experience in as little as 20 months

With a curriculum designed to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape, graduates of Tulsa’s program can meet industry demands and excel in cybersecurity roles across sectors. Students gain not only deep technical knowledge but also the essential network security skills necessary to protect against today’s sophisticated cyber threats.

Ready to take the next step? Learn how the TU online MSCS can equip you with the advanced network security skills and knowledge needed for a dynamic, high-impact career.

Recommended Readings

Do You Need a Degree for a Cybersecurity Career?

What Are the 8 Types of Cybersecurity?

Is a Master’s in Cybersecurity Worth It?

Sources:

Cisco, What Is Network Security?

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Cybersecurity Best Practices

Government Technology, “Switching to Cybersecurity: Advice for Midcareer Professionals”

Honeywell, Cybersecurity Professionals Share Their Top Career Tips

TechTarget, “10 Must-Have Cybersecurity Skills for Career Success in 2025