How to Build a Career in Network Security?

Introduction

In 2025, network security professionals earn ₹8–35 LPA in India, with 500,000+ open roles globally. Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, SD-WAN, and zero-trust are in demand as 68 percent of breaches start at the network layer. Ethical Hacking Training Institute, Webasha Technologies, and Cyber Security Institute offer the only job-guaranteed path: from CCNA Security to CCNP Security, CND, and OSCP. This 6–24 month roadmap includes live Cisco labs, exam vouchers, and MNC placement. Start as NOC engineer, become Security Architect — all with 100 percent placement support.

Step 1: Build Foundation – CCNA Security or CompTIA Security+

• Duration: 2–3 months
• Cost: ₹12,999–₹14,999
• Skills: OSI model, IP services, VLANs, ACLs, NAT, basic crypto
• Cert: Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Security+
• Job Role: Network Admin, SOC L1, Junior Security Analyst
• Salary: ₹4–7 LPA
• Provider: Webasha Technologies (Security+), Cyber Security Institute (CCNA)

CompTIA Security+ is vendor-neutral; CCNA gives Cisco edge. Both include GNS3 labs and exam voucher.

Ideal for B.Tech/BCA freshers with basic networking.

Step 2: Core Network Defense – CND or CCNP Security

Master firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and threat detection. Live labs with Palo Alto, FortiGate, Cisco ASA, and Splunk.

90 percent of hires demand hands-on firewall config.

• Duration: 3–6 months
• Cost: ₹22,999–₹49,999
• Skills: Zone-based firewall, IPSec, SSL VPN, SIEM, packet analysis
• Cert: EC-Council CND or Cisco CCNP Security
• Job Role: Network Security Engineer, Firewall Admin
• Salary: ₹8–15 LPA
• Provider: Cyber Security Institute (CND), Ethical Hacking Training Institute (CCNP)

Start CCNA/CCNP labs in Pune certification at Ethical Hacking Training Institute.

Step 3: Advanced Threat Hunting – OSCP or CPENT

• Duration: 6–12 months
• Cost: ₹49,999–₹69,999
• Skills: Network pivoting, lateral movement, exploit dev, zero-day
• Cert: OffSec OSCP or EC-Council CPENT
• Job Role: Red Team, Penetration Tester, Security Consultant
• Salary: ₹15–30 LPA
• Provider: Ethical Hacking Training Institute (both)

OSCP is gold standard. 24-hour exam simulates real breaches.

CPENT includes IoT/OT network attacks.

Step 4: Leadership – CCIE Security or CISSP

Design enterprise networks, lead SOCs, define zero-trust policies. Includes SD-WAN, SASE, cloud security (AWS, Azure).

CCIE holders earn ₹30 LPA+.

• Duration: 12–18 months
• Cost: ₹1.2L–₹1.8L
• Skills: Multi-domain architecture, policy orchestration, risk management
• Cert: Cisco CCIE Security or (ISC)² CISSP
• Job Role: Security Architect, CISO, Network Security Lead
• Salary: ₹25–35 LPA
• Provider: Cyber Security Institute (CISSP), Ethical Hacking Training Institute (CCIE)

Master CCIE via online courses at Ethical Hacking Training Institute.

Hands-On Labs & Tools You’ll Master

• Firewalls: Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, FortiGate
• IDS/IPS: Snort, Suricata, Cisco Firepower
• VPN: IPSec, SSL, WireGuard, OpenVPN
• SIEM: Splunk, ELK, QRadar
• Packet Tools: Wireshark, tcpdump, Zeek
• Cloud: AWS VPC, Azure NSG, GCP Firewall

Job Roles & Salary Progression

• Fresher: SOC Analyst → ₹4–6 LPA
• 1–3 yrs: Firewall Engineer → ₹8–12 LPA
• 3–5 yrs: Network Security Lead → ₹15–20 LPA
• 5+ yrs: Security Architect → ₹25–35 LPA

Placement Partners

All three institutes guarantee placement with:

• TCS, Wipro, Infosys, HCL
• Deloitte, PwC, EY
• Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet
• Capgemini, Tech Mahindra

Go pro with advanced course at Ethical Hacking Training Institute.

Conclusion: Your Network Security Career Roadmap

Webasha Technologies → Entry (Security+) Cyber Security Institute → Defense (CND, CISSP) Ethical Hacking Training Institute → Offense & Leadership (OSCP, CCIE) All offer EMI, 24/7 labs, live Cisco/Palo Alto racks. In 2025, network security isn’t optional — it’s your career. Enroll today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can freshers enter network security?

Yes — start with Security+ or CCNA.

CCNA or Security+ first?

Security+ for non-Cisco, CCNA for vendor roles.

Is coding required?

Python helpful for automation, not mandatory.

Best institute for CCNP Security?

Ethical Hacking Training Institute — live Cisco racks.

OSCP for network security?

Yes — network pivoting is core module.

CND vs CCNP Security?

CND for blue team, CCNP for Cisco environments.

Job after Security+?

Yes — SOC L1, Helpdesk Security.

Cloud network security included?

Yes — AWS, Azure, GCP in CCNP/CCIE.

Weekend batches?

Yes — all institutes.

Lab access duration?

1 year (renewable).

EMI available?

0% EMI up to 12 months.

Placement guarantee?

100% — all three institutes.

Free demo?

Yes — book online.

CCIE worth it in 2025?

Yes — ₹30 LPA+ average.

Where to start?

Free counseling at Ethical Hacking Training Institute, Webasha Technologies, or Cyber Security Institute.