Is tech support a good career?

it support salary

For people who might lack the technical skills needed for more advanced roles, tech support can be a great entry point to a career with a fast-growing company in Austin. Workers in tech support gain invaluable skills about the product and user experience that often lead to fast-track promotions.

For people who might lack the technical skills needed for more advanced roles, tech support can be a great entry point to a career with a fast-growing company in Austin. 

Workers in tech support gain invaluable skills about the product and user experience that often lead to fast-track promotions. We caught up with three Austin tech companies that offer growth opportunities to their support teams — and a few employees who made the leap themselves.

Adam Ferenzi, BigCommerce's director of client success, said the company has seen team members grow from tech support roles to any number of departments, including engineering, product, account management, content and more.

When a candidate has shown potential, he said promotions typically occur within 12 to 18 months — though that time may be less or more depending on the person. https://www.fieldengineer.com/blogs/what-does-a-help-desk-technician-do

Ferenzi said BigCommerce encourages and enables professional growth from the support team for several reasons, citing that these team members tend to know the product better than just about anyone and also develop a deep knowledge of industry trends based on conversations with customers. He also stressed the importance of a genuine desire to help customers succeed.

"When you couple that mindset with the product and tech knowledge gained by doing the job, then enter a new role in engineering, product, or another part of the organization, it's a recipe for continued success," said Ferenzi. 

Wireless Security Basics

wireless network security

With the deployment of wireless LANs in almost any type of environment, the risk of attacks occurring on wireless networks goes up. A number of different reasons are behind this, but it mainly stems from a lack of wireless network knowledge.

Unlike a wired network which requires physical access to a device, a wireless network can be targeted and exploited from a distance. This article reviews some basic wireless security fundamentals and reviews some of the most common threats that exist when deploying wireless networks.

Wireless Security Basics

There are a number of basic fundamentals that a person or company needs to be aware of when deploying a wireless network. The first is a basic understanding of what frequencies will be used by the equipment being deployed; this is very important when deploying a wireless network as it affects the amount of interference that the network will be subject to depending on the specific environment.

At this point in time, there are two main frequency bands that are used for wireless LANs (802.11); these include the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. From a security perspective, the choice of frequency does not greatly affect the security risk of the network. What it does affect is the number of available non-overlapping channels that are available on the network; for the most part this will not affect security except when an attacker is attempting to jam or block a specific frequency to force wireless endpoints to switch Access Points (AP).

Endpoint devices identify wireless networks using a service set identifier (SSID) along with a set of security parameters. On most wireless deployments, the SSID is broadcast from the APs allowing the clients the ability to easily associate. It is possible to not broadcast the SSID which provides a little protection from those wireless network attackers with little operating knowledge; however for an experienced wireless attacker this is not a very effective security measure.

The real security for a wireless network comes from the selection of a proven security technique, there have been a number of different security techniques deployed that have been broken. As of this writing the most secure technique is IEEE 802.11i which is also known as WPA2. This standard provides two different modes of operation including one typically referred to as Personal or Pre-Shared Key (PSK) and Enterprise:

• WPA2-Personal - utilizes a shared key that is communicated to both sides (AP and client) before establishing a wireless connection; this key is then used to secure the traffic.
• WPA2-Enterprise - utilizes the IEEE 802.1x protocol to authenticate a wireless client using an authentication server before traffic is allowed.

Common Wireless Threats

There are a number of main threats that exist to wireless LANS, these include:

• Rogue Access Points/Ad-Hoc Networks
• Denial of Service
• Configuration Problems (Mis-Configurations/Incomplete Configurations)
• Passive Capturing

Let's go through each of these in more detail

What Is the Average CWSS Salary by Experience?

cwsp certification

CWSS salaries vary significantly depending on geographic location, specific job duties and years of experience.

The average salary for Wireless Security Engineers is $82K per year, ranging from $49.6K to $118K, as per Paysa.com. The same source indicates in $144,000 the average salary for Wireless Security Specialist Engineers.

Note that according to InfoSec Institute’s Salary Outlook for Security Engineers:

ESTIMATED SALARY = $70,000-$90,000

50% EARNED MORE THAN $82,000

LOWEST EARNING 10% < $60,000

HIGHEST EARNING 10% > $110,000

What Is the Average CWSS Salary by Experience?

As in most cases, pay for this job does change much by experience, with the salary of most experienced professionals being often significantly higher. According to Glassdoor data, for example, the national average salary for a Senior Wireless Security Systems Engineer is $106,984. Experienced professionals are in demand and employers are willing to invest more in hiring and, above all, retaining wireless security IT practitioners who are already well rounded and, even better, have certifications that can prove their worth.

Certifications often translate into the highest pays. CWNP designation holders can earn higher salaries than their uncertified IT colleagues, with reported salaries up to $87,250 for some sales and support Certified Wireless Technology Specialists (CWTS) to $262,500 for Certified Wireless Network Experts (CWNE). Also, the national employment outlook appears to be brightening with the hiring of more CWSPs (Certified Wireless Security Professionals) who can make as much as $138,500. Robert Half’s latest Salary Guide places the starting salary (50% percentile) of wireless network engineer (considered one of the 10 best technology jobs to watch in 2018) in the six-figure range at $119,000, so earning a certification is definitely a positive investment for career advancement.

What Is the Average Salary by Job Role?

CWSSs are employed in an extensive range of fields, and they can be an essential part of any business’ overall technology team to help evolve the security posture of the organization.

Job Role	Salary
Network Security Engineer	$55,329 – $125,193
Computer Network Support Specialists	$46,070 – $105, 910
Wireless Network Engineer	$54,000-$109,000
Wireless Security Engineer	$78,000-$146,000
Wireless Security Consultant	$48,000-$115,000

What is cyber security professionals?

network security profession

Cybersecurity Professional. ... Cybersecurity Professionals are vital for protecting an enterprise's digital infrastructure and assets from both internal and external cyber threats, which can undermine business operations and violate both customer privacy and organizational security.

The modern financial services sector relies heavily on web-based technologies to serve customers’ needs. Cybersecurity Professionals are vital for protecting an enterprise’s digital infrastructure and assets from both internal and external cyber threats, which can undermine business operations and violate both customer privacy and organizational security. Professionals in this field are referred to by many different titles, including Cybersecurity Engineer, Security Researcher, Information Security Analyst, Security Specialist, Malware Analyst, Computer Forensics Expert, Incident Manager and Risk Analyst, among others.

Key Role Dimensions

Acting as a subject matter expert: Have specialized expertise in areas such as computer programming and engineering, math, statistics and data mining.

Monitoring online threats: Work with advanced tools and systems while attempting to minimize the impact of successful cyber-attacks.

Developing best-practice methods for protecting information systems and networks: Engage in software development, testing, industry risk management, and asset and identity protection.

Advising stakeholders on threats and potential remedies: Convey findings and recommended courses of action to team members and management.

Focus Areas

Cybersecurity Professionals can apply their talents in the following ways in the banking, insurance, and finance and asset management sectors:

• Prevention: Verify stability and integrity of networks to ensure protection of finances and corporate and personal data from cyber-attacks.
• Damage Control: Mitigate damage from successful cyber-attacks.
• Forensic Response: Conduct cyber-forensics investigations into network breaches.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure security policies comply with regulations.

CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates competence as an entry-level IT Technician.

a+ certified salary

CompTIA A+ certification validates entry-level skills in today's essential IT domains, including computer repair, software & operating systems, network administration, information security, cloud computing, and troubleshooting of both desktops and mobile devices. A+ certified technicians also learn customer service & communication skills in order to effectively interact with technical and non-technical employees.

CompTIA A+ certification is an ideal starting point in the learning plan of a new IT professional because:

• The A+ certification exam demands no prerequisites.
• A+ certification introduces candidates to the essential IT domains.
• A+ certification is globally recognized as the mark of a skilled entry-level technician.
• A+ certification is a mandatory hiring requirement for a variety of entry-level IT jobs.
• A+ certification is a requirement or elective in the advanced certification paths of leading technology vendors, including Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, HP, and IBM.

There are numerous accredited degrees, professional certificates and self-paced online training programs featuring A+ certification exam prep and related coursework. Research and compare A+ training programs in the U.S. and online below.

Skills Measured by CompTIA A+ Certification

Here are the key skills and knowledge areas measured by the A+ certification exam. A+ certified professionals:

• understand the basics of computer and mobile device hardware, software, networking and security.
• can identify PC hardware, peripherals and network components in a business environment.
• can categorize and explain multiple types of data storage devices and backup media.
• can describe in detail the types and features of motherboard components.
• know how to follow proper computer safety procedures and best practices.
• have interpersonal communication skills to better interact with peers and customers.
• can setup and manage popular operating systems inc. Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux.
• can install and configure input devices, e.g., keyboards, mice, bio-metric scanners and touch screens.
• can implement a variety of troubleshooting techniques to fix system errors and connectivity issues.

Download the CompTIA A Plus Exam Objectives below for a more thorough curriculum.

certified wireless security professional salary

certified wireless security professional 

Introduction to Certified Wireless Security Professional

The Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) is a professional wireless LAN certification that will help its candidates to evaluate a network’s susceptibility and foil attacks in advance. The individual conducts security audits for WLAN and deploys compliance monitoring solutions, acquires experience to establish Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WISPS), and learns how to design the security architecture of a network.

Only holders of Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) certificates can apply for a CWSP certification course. They must take an exam of CWSP at a Pearson Vue Testing Center. CWSP credential is valid for three years. It trains candidates on how to identify attacks, policy, wireless analysis, monitor, and resolve issues.

How Appropriate is CWSP Certification for Telecom Professionals?

In the CWSP course, networking professionals learn the latest WLAN security and inspection techniques. Covered also in the course are the latest DoS tools and techniques and WLAN intrusion. It allows candidates to grasp the purpose of the modification of 802.11i to the 802.11 standards. The students also learn the internal functioning of each authentication process used with WLANs and every category and variety of available WLAN security solutions. CWSP covers the wireless network management systems and WISPS  extensively After completing the CWSP, the candidates will learn the required skills for deploying and managing wireless security in an organization by conceptualizing layer 2 and layer 3 software and solutions with tools from the leading players of the telecom industry. This course is specifically designed for professionals who work with wireless networks and are seeking to improve their knowledge.

Learnings of a Certified Wireless Security Professional

Those who complete the CSWP course will be able to comprehend the WLAN security technology and solutions in detail. Professionals will be able to deploy security policies and auditing practices of WLAN. In addition, they will know how WLAN mobile endpoints are secured, be able to delve into layer vulnerabilities, will be knowledgeable about authentication techniques, including WPA/WPA2 Personal and Enterprise, will be able to handle and operate WLAN, will be able to implement WISPS, and acquire knowledge about the IEEE 802.11 Authentication and Key Management (AKM).

Which security certification is best?

security professional certifications

Cyberattacks are the fastest growing crime in the U.S., and they continue to grow in size and sophistication. Companies like Facebook, Panera Bread, Under Armour and Uber made headlines after having customer information stolen. With each breach, administrative fears and the demand for cybersecurity certifications increase.

These fears are not unfounded. Centrify found that 66 percent of customers in the U.S. would likely halt any interaction with a business that's officially been hacked.

As a company, you might find yourself scrambling to hire top cybersecurity talent or equip your IT team with cybersecurity certifications. As an IT professional, the demand for cybersecurity skills presents a huge opportunity to boost your résumé, stand out among candidates and increase your earning potential.

Ready to jumpstart your IT career? Explore cybersecurity certifications here.

But with so many IT security certifications out there, where do you start?

As the leading IT training company, we compiled the top cybersecurity certifications IT professionals need to earn in 2019:

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
2. CompTIA Security+
3. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
6. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF)
7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
8. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

To stop a hacker, you must be able to think like one. It's an interesting balance between toeing the line of moral actions and processing the malicious thoughts the average cybercriminal would have. This kind of mentality isn't easy to come by, which is why the Certified Ethical Hacker course was created.

This class teaches the skills you need to think and act like a hacker.

Topics include:

• Hacking technologies that target cloud computing technology, mobile platforms and the latest operating systems
• Coverage of the latest vulnerabilities, malware and viruses
• Information security laws and standards

CEH students go through real-time scenarios where they are exposed to different ways hackers penetrate networks and steal information. Students learn how to scan, test and hack and protect their systems.

IT professionals who complete this course have many positions to choose from, the most notorious being penetration testing. Penetration testing jobs require you to hack into a network without actually stealing any data. This job function demands a high level of trust, which is well rewarded. Penetration tester salaries often top out at just over $130,000 annually, according to PayScale.

The CEH certification benefits security officers, auditors, security professionals, site administrators and anyone concerned about network infrastructure security.

Earn Your CEH Certification

2. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a base-level certification for IT professionals new to cybersecurity. You only need two years of IT experience to complete it. The CompTIA Security+ certification is regarded as a general cybersecurity certification because it doesn't focus on a single vendor product line.

In this course, you learn about broader IT security concepts, including:

• Network attack strategies and defenses
• Elements of effective security policies
• Network- and host-based security best practices
• Business continuity and disaster recovery
• Encryption standards and products

CompTIA Security+ is great for anyone looking to gain basic IT security knowledge. It helps build a solid foundation that you can enhance with other courses. The certification is so well-respected that the U.S. Department of Defense mandates it for all employees.

Because security applies to all levels and job roles, this course will also benefit application developers, PC support analysts and senior managers in accounting, sales and marketing roles.

Earn Your CompTIA Security+ Certification

3. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)

Another popular certification for general cybersecurity knowledge is the Certified Information System Security Professional course. Many IT companies consider CISSP a base requirement for employees responsible for network security.

This course challenges you in various cybersecurity domains, including:

• Access Control
• Cryptography
• Telecommunications
• Networking

Like CompTIA Security+, this certification is not vendor-specific, so the knowledge can be applied to a variety of setups.

To take this exam, you need at least three to five years of field experience. The CISSP is considered the “crown jewel” of cybersecurity certifications, and passing the exam can lead to some incredibly lucrative positions. Security architects, for example, can make more than $150,000 annually.

The CISSP certification is a must-have for people looking to move into a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role. But it’s also a salary-booster for analysts, systems engineers, consultants and IT security managers.

Earn Your CISSP Certification

4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager certification is revered as one of the best cybersecurity courses out there, and for good reason. You need at least five years of experience in the field to even apply.

Over the course of this management-focused certification, you will learn about four sections of cybersecurity:

• Information security program development and management
• Information security management
• Information security incident management
• Information risk management and compliance

The exam is incredibly rigorous and demands a lot of time and knowledge, but the end result is worth it. Many CISM certification holders pursue a CISO title, a position that earns an average of $160,000 per year, according to PayScale.

Any IT professional interested in managing enterprise information security can increase their earning potential by taking this course.

Earn Your CISM Certification

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA certification focuses on information auditing. As an IT professional, being CISA-certified demonstrates that you have rigorous audit experience and are capable of managing vulnerabilities and instituting controls at an enterprise level.

Like its sibling test CISM, CISA requires applicants to have five years of experience before registering. Students learn about information systems control and monitoring skills, including:

• The process of auditing information systems
• IT management and governance
• Protection of information assets

A globally recognized certification, CISA is the main requirement for high-level IS audit, assurance and control positions.

Earn Your CISA Certification

6. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF)

The new NCSF certifications are built around the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, released in 2014.

By 2015, 30 percent of U.S. organizations were using the NCSF Framework, and adoption has only increased across enterprises, the public-sector and SMBs.

NCSF certifications validate that cybersecurity professionals have the baseline skills to design, build, test and manage a cybersecurity program using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

NCSF Foundation Certification

This program is for executives, business professionals or information technology professionals who need a basic understanding of NCSF to perform their jobs. NCSF Foundation training and certification helps establish a common NCSF vocabulary across an organization.

NCSF Practitioner Certification

This program teaches you the best approach to designing and building a comprehensive technology-focused cybersecurity program. You’ll learn how to operationalize a business-focused cybersecurity risk management program that will minimize risks and protect critical assets.

By earning your NCSF Practitioner certification, you’ll develop a deep understanding of NCSF and come away with a methodology for adapting and operationalizing it.

Earn Your NCSF Certifications

7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Traditional IT security practices don’t transfer well to the cloud — 84 percent of organizations say traditional security solutions don’t work in a cloud environment.

The CCSP certification ensures that IT professionals have hands-on experience and a deep understanding of cloud security architecture, design, operations and services. It’s designed for security professionals with extensive experience in information technology, IT architecture, governance, cloud and web security engineering.

The certification covers a range of topics, including:

• Cloud architecture and design concepts
• Cloud data security
• Platform and infrastructure security
• Cloud operations
• Legal and compliance

It's an ideal certification for systems architects, systems engineers, security managers, security administrators and enterprise architects.

Candidates must have a minimum of five years’ experience of security-related work in a cloud-computing environment.

Earn your CCSP Certification

8. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

More than 4,000 ransomware attacks occur every day, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A hacking forensic investigator is tasked with analyzing attacks and extricating information to report hacking crimes and conducting audits to prevent future attacks.

Forensic investigators explore everything from theft of intellectual property and corporate IT usage violations to IT system fraud and misuse.

The CHFI is an advanced certification for forensic network security investigators. It validates your ability to gather necessary evidence and prosecute offenders in a court of law.

The certification covers topics including:

• Incident response and forensics
• Recovering deleted, encrypted or damaged file information
• Technical examination, analysis and reporting of computer-based evidence

Earn your CHFI Certification

9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security

The CCNA validates that you have the applicable knowledge and hands-on skills to protect Cisco networks.

If your organization utilizes Cisco technology or you’re interested in developing your Cisco skills, the CCNA is a strong associate-level certification that can propel your Cisco security career forward.

The CCNA certification demonstrates your ability to:

• Recognize threats and vulnerabilities in a Cisco network
• Mitigate security threats
• Develop an effective security infrastructure

The CCNA certification establishes a strong foundation for job roles including network security specialist, network support engineer and security administrator.

Earn your CCNA Certification

Choosing the Best Cybersecurity Certification for You

These top cybersecurity certifications will keep your IT staff up to date on the latest techniques and security best practices or help elevate your income and marketability.

But being security-aware is not only for IT professionals. All business staff should have a foundational understanding of cybersecurity and the risks technology poses.

So why aren’t more IT professionals investing in these skills? The biggest hurdle to earning a cybersecurity certification is time. Whether you prefer instructor-led or online learning, New Horizons can provide the right cybersecurity training experience for you.

Unsure which course you should take first? See which cybersecurity certification path is right for you using the New Horizons cybersecurity roadmap.