Engineers make cyber networks safer in a myriad of ways, they provide a level of ingenuity and creativity to problem solving that almost no other profession can offer. Engineers apply what is called systems security engineering in the efforts to make the cyberspace safer. Systems Security engineering is: Applies scientific, mathematical, engineering, and measurement principles, concepts, and methods to coordinate, orchestrate, and direct the activities of various security engineering and other contributing engineering specialties.

Engineers are able to create a multitude of technologies to aid in the defense of networks and systems. For instance, they can create a software that tracks digital foot traffic from the source to its target. This can allow for proper authentication of data and for the ability to potentially track malicious viruses back to their source. Engineers also practice a method of network defense called “Penetration Testing”, this is when engineers simulate an authorized attack on a computer system or network to test and evaluate the security of a network or system. This test can expose weak points or vulnerabilities in a system/network and allow engineers or cyber professionals to fix them before they can be taken advantage of by hackers or those with malicious intent.

Outside of purely defensive mechanisms, engineers can make networks safer by developing automated systems to remove the human error out of network management. The engineering effort delivers a system that satisfies a security-dedicated need or provides a security-oriented purpose, and does so
as a stand-alone system that may monitor or interact with other systems. Contributions are seamlessly
integrated through the systems security engineering activities and tasks. These automated systems allow for constant surveillance and security eliminating the need for manned team with resources which also allowed engineers to focus on other less obvious vulnerabilities impacting performance or increasing risk factors.