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Free Cisco Resources + Security Roles Explained

Author

Michael Bowden
June 21, 2025

THE_LOG_FILES#SHOW LOG

IN TODAYS EMAIL:

  • 🔐 Cybersecurity Pathways: What Those Job Titles Really Mean

  • Free Cisco U Courses That Earn CE Credits

  • 🌎 The Greatest Conference on Earth: Cisco Live Recap

CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS TO WATCH:

🔐 Cybersecurity Pathways: What Those Job Titles Really Mean

If you’re job hunting in cybersecurity, knowing the right titles to target can make or break your search.

Too many people apply for roles they’re not ready for — or skip the ones they are ready for just because the title sounds advanced.

Let’s fix that.

💼 Common Roles in Network Security (and What They Mean)

Network Security Analyst

Monitor network activity, detect threats, and respond. Usually 2–3 years of experience or certs can get you in.

Junior Network Security Admin / Network Security Admin

Support firewall implementation, assist engineers. Great role to grow from. Some in-office work likely.

Network Security Engineer

Configure and maintain firewalls, troubleshoot security issues. Often needs 3–5 years’ experience — or less with strong certs.

Network Engineer (with Security Focus)

Same title, but specialized. Look for “Cisco Firepower” or “Fortinet” in the job name — that’s a clue on tools they use.

Network Security Engineer II

A step up. You’ll need experience on both networking and security sides. Expect to configure firewalls, routers, switches, IDS/IPS, and more.

Security Architect

Top-tier. Design strategies and architectures to secure the network. Usually 5–10+ years of experience required.

🎓 What to Do Next: Get Certified

Most of these jobs involve firewalls — so that’s where you should start:

• Palo Alto – Very in-demand

• Fortinet – Cost-effective and growing

• Cisco Firepower / CCNP Security – Great if you’re already in Cisco’s ecosystem

• Cisco ISE – Another big name in enterprise security

Start with CCNA or basic networking, then stack security certs on top to pivot into these roles.

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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:

Free Cisco U Courses That Earn CE Credits

If you’re already certified, stay current for free:

RECENT EPISODE:

🌎 The Greatest Conference on Earth: Cisco Live Recap

Last week I hit Cisco Live in San Diego — and it was exactly what they say it is: the Super Bowl of networking and IT.

From hands-on labs to nonstop tech talks, here’s what it’s really like to attend one of the biggest tech conferences in the world.

🧠 Inside This Week’s Recap:

• Why I went — and what I got out of it

• The best sessions (and what you can still learn from them)

• Behind the scenes: the World of Solutions expo

• Real talk: cost vs. value of going in-person

• Pro tips if you’re planning to go next year