What does it take to become a network security expert?

Question

I'd really like to get into network security, computer forensics and such. I have a light background in IT. I'm wondering what skill you need? Do you have to know how to code? Or is it more, that you have to know how things work?

Answer 1

4 years of college  

Answer 2

You will need to know a fair amount of coding. You need to know how things work [in depth], and how to manipulate them. You will need to know some code, but only in relation to network traffic. You'll want to be good with certain functions of command prompt for Windows [ipconfig, ping, etc], maybe some PHP [usually only for web security], and have some experience with Linux and BASH. Most network security issues can be dealt with using automated scripts or settings, but if someone comes into your network using code, you're going to have to be better at whatever they're using.