Network Security Specialist

SUMMARY:

The purpose of this position is to provide, guide and prioritize network security for the Cox Communications Hampton Roads Local Area Network (LAN)/Wide Area Network (WAN), Servers, and all network connected devices. Participate with local area network and wide area network audits. Evaluate and implement all LAN/WAN related security projects, working with Atlanta MIS as required.

This position reports to the Network Support Supervisor. No positions report to the Network Security Specialist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Network Security Specialist to provide internal configuration, troubleshooting of Servers, Cisco Routers, Switches, Firewalls and VPN Connectivity devices, and secure Wireless Networks in multiple locations.
Upgrades, configures and maintains all network servers and devices including Network Intrusion Devices (NIDS) and Cisco Secure Access appliances.

Responsibilities will include maintaining existing and installing new security related hardware and software(firewalls, VPN's, etc.); performing security audits as authorized by senior level management; maintaining network management platform in order to alert and resolve outages automatically; will perform other duties as assigned.

Assist IT management staff with designing and implementing Disaster Recovery Procedures and Business Continuance guidelines to ensure that the companies data integrity remain intact. Maintain documentation including Disaster Recovery Plans and network diagrams.

Identify and recommend new tools and technologies that could potentially identify and protect against attack. Perform R&D functions, exploring hardware and software security solutions with respect to attack and protection trends and new regulatory requirements. Coordinates with vendors and contractors for evaluation of new technologies, recommendations of purchasing and technical support

Coordinate and schedule various security processes (MS patches and Cisco IOS updates) with the appropriate teams and assist in implementation as needed.
Provide assistance to the Network Support Specialists and Client Support Supervisor during complex security related issues and projects.

Responsibilities will include site vulnerability assessments, to identify ways of mitigating risk to information system resources.
Design and implement network usage policies, to include internet/extranet usage policies.
Provide assistance in developing security standard for new and existing applications running IIS. Ensure that security standards are applied to databases and applications associated with different databases.

Assist with investigation of security breaches and assist with disciplinary and legal matters associated with such breaches as necessary.

Oversee the routine testing of the server and network infrastructure and provide evaluation input to IT management.

Provide ongoing support for local remote sites regarding operational procedures, telecommunications and problem resolution.

Ensures that the network meets line-of-business objectives and that users’ service needs are met.

Report and document all hardware and software problems as related to the network and servers.
Follow-up with users/technical support vendors on software/database problems. Escalate appropriate issues to the Network Support Supervisor.

Make recommendations about the information systems needs of the business, based on up-to-date knowledge of trends, developments and issues in information technology.

Ensure appropriate network security, monitor network utilization and initiate appropriate action to correct adverse trends or network traffic situations. Verify and maintain that the Operating Systems (Windows 20002003 and Linux) running on the Servers are secured.

Provide support for virusworm related issues on client machines and Servers.
REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES:

3-5 years Network Operations/Server Support Required

1-3 years of Network Security administration background required

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) 2000 or Windows 2003 Track Preferred.

Cisco Certification CCNA, CCDA, Preferred.
Advanced Cisco and Security certifications such as CCSP, CISSP, CSSA, CSSE are considered major pluses.

Previous LAN/WAN networking experience, including hardware components understanding (router, switch, hub, cabling), TCPIP Management, including management and implementation of DHCP/DNS.

The Network Security Specialist must possess an expert level TCP/IP protocols and subnetting experience including RIP, EIGRP, OSPF and BGP is considered a must. Application performance debugging and Sniffer analysis and experience with SNMP and Syslog knowledge helpful. Experience with monitoring tools such as Ciscoworks, Cisco Secure Access Control Server or Solarwinds an added plus.

Knowledge of Cisco Network Product Line and Configuration of Cisco Network products to include PIX Firewall and Cisco Secure appliances a definite Plus.
Knowledge of data network protocols, and topologies, and routing principles, network management, SONET, and security issues. Specific hands on experience with at least 3 relevant network technologies such as Ethernet, token ring, ATM, FDDI, Fast Ethernet, Gig Ethernet, frame relay, packet over Sonet
Experience with implementing, maintenance and troubleshooting of Internet management application (Websense).

Knowledge Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and required hardware and software required for implementation of this technology.

Ability to provide the team technical leadership through consideration of different technical options or ideas and ability to lead the team to consensus and through brainstorming exercises.
Ability to help lead the team by influencing changes including helping all team members to accept new policies or procedures. Ability to coach coworkers to understand security fundamentals.

Knowledge of Dell Server Hardware, disk subsystems, fault tolerance, backup hardware and software, backup strategies, server utilization analysis, disk utilization.

Knowledge of network and server interfaces to Aspect phone systems and AS400 systems.

Bachelor’s Degree in an MIS related discipline desirable

Project management skills: ability to set up Microsoft projects or other task-management aid and oversee resources that are not under his/her direct supervision. This includes the requirement of experience overseeing data industry projects, either for large implementations or multi-departmental company technical projects.

Good interpersonal, written and oral communications skills. The Senior Network Support Specialist needs to be able to give executive level briefings, covering technical aspects and other business aspects such as customer service, financials, new technologies and ROI, etc., with minimal preparation time. He/She may be required to present to Cox executives and management staff.

High-level technical skills, adaptability to ever changing environment, highly developed problem solving skills, teamwork within the department and with other functions, multi-tasking skills.

Experience in the cable industry a plus.

Must be flexible to report to any location served by the network on a routine basis. Must be flexible to work varying days/hours/shifts as business needs demand, including weekends, evenings and holidays.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Level 6 - Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in computer science, MIS or related field from four-year college or university desirable; and minimum of three to five years experience in Network Operations and Support; or equivalent combination of education and experience.



As the third largest cable provider in the nation, Cox Communications, Inc. is noted for its high-capacity, reliable broadband delivery network as well as the company's ability to provide superior customer service. For Cox, it's not about being the biggest; it's about being the best.