CCNA Security Official Exam Certification Guide

Certification: Cisco CCNA Security - Cisco Certified Network Associate Security

Certification Overview

If you wish to acquire a certificate that equips you with the knowledge of associate level regarding networking, then you should definitely sit in for a CCNA Security exam. This certificate majorly trains a computer technician to understand all the security related concerns regarding various networks installed either on a large or a small scale. The student is made aware of all the techniques of how to install and troubleshoot the networks while protecting it from the outside threats.

This certification program was introduced quite recently on an associate level. The reason was to keep the technicians up to date with the updated and the most modern of all the technologies related to computer networking. People who acquire this Security certificate are able to create a security infrastructure in various types of networks. The NSA, or the National Security Agency has recognized this certificate also.

Who can do this certification?

Since this is an associate level certification, it is best for all the networking technicians to pass this exam and get hold of this certificate. This will be an official stamp to their skills and abilities in handling the core security concerns of the computer networking. If the students wish to possess knowledge about how to pinpoint and locate the security threats that arise in the networks and solving them and also, they definitely need this kind of a training.

Benefits

If you have a valid certificate related to CCNA Security exam, then certainly you have equipped yourself with a very useful tool if you are looking for a good and a respectful job in a well reputed company. All the companies these days work using the latest software technologies and create networks within and around. They regularly need people who are skilled while and are aware of how to install and maintain such networks. Furthermore, these networks also need to be protected from outside threats.

Associated Exams

The exam, CCNA Security exam, is also called the IINS 640-554. Other exams are also associated with this certificate. They include CCENT, CCNA Routing and Switching, or any CCIE certification.

Prerequisites

In order to clear this exam and to get the certificate, the candidate should have some solid experience of working with networks and eliminating security threats. This will help him pass the exam efficiently and training will be useful.

Examination Overview

The examination for this certificate includes the following topics:

1. Common Security Threats
2. Security and CISCO routers
3. AAA on CISCO devices
4. IOS ACLs
5. Secure Network Management and Reporting
6. Common Layer 2 Attacks
7. CISCO Firewall Technologies
8. CISCO IPS
9. VPN Technologies

The students will be trained regarding how to recognize and pinpoint different types of threats that can cause damage to the security of the networks. They are also trained skillfully so that they create a secure boundary around the networks so that the threats do not cause harm when they attack. They are also required to study and identify various types of firewalls that can be used with different networking systems. While working on cryptography to secure the networks they are taught different methods and techniques so as to work with different networks under different conditions. During the training and security practice exam, the students are trained in a manner that they finally know how to implement and maintain all the systems that enhance network security.

This certificate will also provide you knowledge about how to mitigate or to eradicate the threats that enter the firewalls. The software engineers working as networking technicians also need to understand the authentication, authorization and the accounting process that falls under the AAA category. You also need to know about various policies regarding the security system. The useful material that you utilize before the exam, should contain this matter. There are different online study groups as well, which you can join and give practice exams.

Validity of certification

This exam is valid till three years after acquiring the certificate. After that it is advisable to reappear in this exam so that you remain up to date about the different technologies that keep entering this field of study.

Expert Review

Gareth Goh talking about the importance of CCNA Security exam says,

“The Cisco CCNA Security certification is recognized throughout the networking and security industries as an indication of a candidate's knowledge of and ability to work with Cisco technology. Achieving this certification requires passing the Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) exam.”