Good day everyone,
It's been a long time I posted here. Hope you're all good.

I recently picked up an interest in networking and would like to find out the steps involved in becoming a network engineer. Put in mind that I would lie to be more involved in the information security branch of networking.
Also, what certifications are important? SANS, GIAC, CCNA?

Thanks as usual for your replies.

CCNA is a good place to start, though some would insist that you start from A+ or N+ .

You can then proceed to CCSP / CCNP Security, or specialise in other Cisco security tracks like PIX.

If you want a vendor neutral security cert, CISSP and CISA are the popular ones in Nigeria.

If you dont have the requirements for those 2, you can start with S+ as it can also be used as an elective towards MCSA/E.

Wow
Finally got a reply. Thank you very much

Please bear with me. I still have a few questions.

Is there any advantage of going for a vendor neutral security certificate?

With regards to working in Nigeria, would the Cisco track be a better choice?

Thanks once again.

musKeeto:

Is there any advantage of going for a vendor neutral security certificate?

if you are working in a purely Cisco or Juniper environment say, then vendor specific certs are better.

However, since most companies mix or cant afford vendor specific setups, a neutral cert might suffice.

It is however recommended that you have as many certs as possible, across all possible spectra.

With regards to working in Nigeria, would the Cisco track be a better choice?

for now, Cisco is defacto.
CCNA is the GCE of networking. MCSA/E is the SSCE.

Other additional certs are also welcome.

thank you very much. I really appreciate it.

No problem.

Feel free to post in the Career section if you have further/similar questions.

Lots of similar threads there!