Do you know that network and cloud security expertise fills up the position of second fastest-growing skill category across the world (according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025). This means that this industry is just a number behind AI and big data skills.

On top of that, the demand for cloud security skills has grown by 115% from 2020 to 2025. There are approximately 20,000 job openings for Cloud Security Engineers. All thanks to the rise in cybersecurity attacks and cloud adoption.

With such high demand, building a career in cloud network security is a no brainer. In this blog, we’ll cover the importance of networking basics, navigating through CCNA, CCNP, firewall, how to become a cloud network engineer and various career opportunities to explore.

What are Networking Basics?

Networking basics are the fundamental concepts and components that help computers and devices to communicate with each other across a network. Networking basics are the building blocks for connecting to the Internet, accessing files on a server or setting up a router at home.

The following are the main concepts in covering networking basics:

• IP addressing

IP addresses are unique identifiers for devices present in a network. It is the address of your computer.

• Subnetting

A large network is broken down into smaller fragments with the help of subnetting.

• Routers and switches

Different networks are connected together with the help of routers. Switches are used to connect multiple devices within the same network.

• MAC address

It refers to a physical address that is hardcoded into a device. It is used by switches to send data to the correct device.

• Protocols

Protocols are a set of rules that decide how data is sent and received. For example, TCP/IP, DNS.

• Ports

Ports can be considered virtual doors through which data enters and leaves a system. Some of the common ports include:

• 80 (HTTP)

• 443 (HTTPS)

• 22 (SSH)

• Network topologies

Network topologies refer to the layout of a network. There are various topologies such as bus, star or mesh.

• Firewalls

Firewalls refer to the security systems that filter both incoming and outgoing traffic. 

• NAT (Network Address Translation)

With NAT, multiple devices can share one public IP address on a LAN. Home routers work on NAT.

How to Become a Cloud Network Engineer?

With current demand for remote access and high security, Cloud Network Engineers are extremely in demand these days. If you want to become a Cloud Network Engineer, you can follow the roadmap as given below:

1. CCNA:

The first step to become a Network Security Engineer is to begin with Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. You cover networking basics in the CCNA course. These include routing, switching, IP addressing, etc.

2. CCNP:

Furthermore, in order to deepen your expertise in networking, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification helps you grasp the important concepts of network security. There are two main exam curricula that you need to learn to become job-ready. These are:

• CCNP ENCOR

CCNP ENCOR is a core exam for CCNP Enterprise. The main focus of this certification includes network infrastructure, virtualization, network assurance, security and automation.

• CCNP ENARSI

CCNP ENARSI is one of the specialization exams that covers advanced routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, infrastructure security, VPN technologies and automation.

• Palo Alto Firewall

The most important skill to learn after learning CCNP ENCOR and ENARSI is learning the skills of firewalls. Palo Alto firewall is the world’s leading firewall. Most of the tech giants use this firewall, therefore, becoming skillful in it can help you land a high-paying job as a Network Security Engineer.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

AWS Solutions Architect is an associate-level certification that is an ideal choice for aspiring Cloud Engineers who want to build a career in cloud computing. This certification validates your skills on design of cost and performance optimized solutions. Minimal to no coding experience is needed to take this exam.

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty:

This is a high-level certification you can do to specialize further in managing critical and complex networking. You deepen your knowledge in AWS security, storage, and networking services, plus expertise in advanced architectures including IP VPN, MPLS, automation tools, routing protocols, multi-region solutions. You  also learn about network security features like DDoS protection.

This course truly equips your learning of networking basics and other concepts like CCNA, CCNP, Firewall.

• AWS Certified Security - Specialty:

It is another specialty-level certification that helps you in validating your skills in securing AWS workloads and data. You learn to design, implement and manage security solutions within the AWS Cloud.

With all these certifications in place, you can become a successful Cloud Network Engineer/Cloud Network Security Engineer.

Why Choose the Network Cloud Security Engineer Course?

What if we tell you that you can learn directly from MAANG Engineers? At Career Security, we have carefully created the Network Cloud Security Engineer course. This course has the following highlighting features:

• You learn to master  networking basics including devices, protocols, automation and many more concepts

• You learn to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks

• You learn to implement next-generation firewall technology

• You learn to design and secure cloud infrastructures

• You learn to secure multi-cloud environments

• You learn to integrate networking with cloud security

• You become industry-ready with globally-recognized certification preparation 

• You get a complete 1 year customizable career plan that suits your career goals

Whom is the Network Cloud Security Engineer Course For?

This course is for the following candidates:

• Those who are already working in the networking/IT industry and want to kick start their career as a Cloud Network Engineer.

• Professionals who want to broaden their knowledge in the cloud network industry.

What are the Career Opportunities after the Course?

You can land the following job roles after completing the course:

• Network Security Engineer

• Cloud Network Engineer

• Cloud Network Security Engineer

• Firewall Administrator

• Cloud Security Engineer

• SOC Analyst

• Cybersecurity Specialist

Bottom Line

Strong growth and high demand are two benefits of a career in network and cloud security.  You can prepare for roles as a Cloud Network Engineer by beginning with networking fundamentals through CCNA, progressing to CCNP and firewall skills, and obtaining cloud certifications like AWS Solutions Architect.  

The Network Cloud Security Engineer course prepares you for employment by offering professional advice and certification preparation.  This program helps you develop the necessary skills to protect and manage contemporary networks and cloud settings, regardless of your level of experience.

FAQs:

1. What is the job of a cloud network engineer?

The role of a cloud network engineer is to build, design and manage network infrastructure in cloud environments, such as AWS, Google or Microsoft Azure. The goal is to create sustainable and scalable cloud-based networks.

2. What is the salary of a cloud network engineer?

The average salary range of a cloud network engineer is ₹8 – ₹20 LPA (INR) in India. 

3. Is cloud networking a good career choice for me?

More than 90% of companies rely on cloud computing for managing, maintaining and scaling their infrastructure. This is why choosing cloud computing as a career can skyrocket it with an attractive salary package.

4. What are networking basics?

Networking basics refer to the fundamental concepts of networking. These concepts include various topics such as learning how devices talk to each other in a network, accessing files on a computer server or setting up a router, etc.

5. Why choose Career Security for cloud network engineer course?

At Career Security, you get a niche range of premium job-ready courses. You get 1:1 mentorship from MAANG engineers, certification-oriented courses, frequent doubt sessions, customizable courses according to your career plan and even a job-guarantee ad-on plan with our partner Engineer Edge.