Jason1977:

Some additional beginning tips...

1. Go to a SANS course. Maybe _SANS Security Essentials Bootcamp_ http://www.sans.org/sansfire2004/description.php?tid=23 or _IT Security Audit Essentials_ http://www.sans.org/sansfire2004/description.php?tid=9. I figured your company (re.; bank) can afford it and they are of very high quality in my opinion.

2. Learn networking

That along with the other good tips everyone's offered should get you started.