Network security continues to be an important skill for every network professional and having a good set of security tools in your toolbelt is always handy.
A great way to practice implementing different security tactics, especially if you’re considering certification, is to create virtual machine configurations and load various security tools to become more proficient in using them.
With virtual machines, you can create complex networking configurations to mimic your current network and then you can experiment with different security tools to see which ones work best in which situations, which in turn will help you develop sound security policies that will keep your live network secure.
A good list of security tools that every network admin should know is available at TechRepublic in my article Would you hire a hacker to help protect your network?.
Take a look at some of the tools and try them in your own virtual environment.
What is in your toolbelt? What are your favorite tools to use to secure your network?