This area of I.T. is possibly just about the most sweeping & comprehensive there is. Generally, some level of specialisation is needed, since to learn about each element might take decades of training. The key systems contributors in this marketplace are Cisco & Microsoft. Microsoft produce Network and Server software, whilst Cisco focus largely on the hard-ware end of networking: Routers, data switches, controllers and so forth. It's become financially and economically necessary for both MS and Cisco to get into Security over the last several years. Additionally in this field we are finding the substantial growth of wireless-networking. And next we come on to Hacking (legally) and Digital Forensics - each complex & very specialised subjects themselves, & take a great deal of experience and knowledge.

CompTIA (the 'Computing Technology Industry Association') is a world-wide organisation that currently supplies a lot of the most highly regarded vendor neutral accreditation tracks out there. Organisations such as 'ISC2' supply security qualifications, & CWNP supply specialist wireless networking paths. Needless to say, there is a total variety of certification sets from Cisco and Microsoft. Because there are so many training and career possibilities in this area, it's prudent to get more personalised guidance from an experienced expert prior to choosing your particular path. You could save a good deal of time and expense, to say nothing of annoyance & discouragement.

Computer (or Digital) Forensics is fairly new in this area - TV shows such as 'Crime Scene Investigation' may have made us aware of it. The reality of Digital forensics is much more routine than pictured in these types of programmes (obviously!) Nevertheless, technological-forensics is providing a fascinating occupation for many people right now. A Digital Forensics professional will search for and interpret 'digital artefacts' that are frequently used to resolve crimes.

Sitting between Computer Forensics and Security, is the new field of 'Ethical Hacking'. These are accreditations provided by the EC-Council which teach more advanced candidates the darker concepts of hacking - but with the intention of employing these skills to safeguard and increase the security of a system, instead of damaging it.

If you're mainly focused on 'Messaging' or Security, then Microsoft have speciality MCSEs available to target these options. It may be that 'CompTIA' Security+ meets your needs, so you can move onto the CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional. 'CISSP' candidates must have considerable professional working experience, so be sure you investigate this well. As always, we suggest talking with a skilled IT training advisor in order to avoid any mistakes.