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CCNA Security

Certification: Cisco CCNA Security - Cisco Certified Network Associate Security

Certification overview

CCNA Security certificate is categorized as one of the most important Cisco certifications since it ensures that the most secured networks are developed before being implemented into the systems. The CCNA security certification offers the opportunity to acquire the relevant skills and knowledge that can be applied in other IT fields for instance data maintenance, configuration of the IT systems and the implementation of the correct services that ensure there is proper service delivery. Some of the technical areas that candidates require to understand include: implementation of Cisco networking security systems, Cisco routers and switches and their maintenance, networking devices and their integrity, confidentiality and development of systems that are competent in terms of security. With the appropriate training the candidates understand troubleshooting, monitoring and maintenance of different networking devices, the structuring of networking systems. The candidates acquire expertise on information systems that are related to the security systems. Moreover, the certification ensures that the candidates understand the security concepts of other important systems outside their operational environment. There are massive improvements that have been introduced in the security sectors mainly because of the introduction of the CCNA Security certification.

Who needs do this certification?

The CCNA security certification is best suited for those who work in all IT security departments. It is also appropriate for other IT professionals for instance data administrators, web designers, architectures among others to at least have knowledge on how secured systems are appropriate in the operation of activities. The candidates therefore acquire skills and knowledge required in the configuration, troubleshooting ad the management of all security systems. Apart from their significance in the Cisco platform, the CCNA Security Certification can be undertaken by other professionals outside this sector since candidates acquire the basics skills required in the security and the management of the systems.

Benefits

The CCNA security certification is recognized worldwide and this is advantageous because one gets the upper hand in obtaining the best job positions. Moreover, the candidates are accredited with a number of privileges for instance better pay, high chances of getting job promotions, intact job opportunities. There has also been massive growth of the organizations that have adapted professionals with these skills and knowledge. It also leads to customer satisfaction that has prompted increased productivity in most of the IT firms.

Associated Exams

The candidates have the opportunity of sitting for the CCNA IOS Network security examination. It ensures that the candidates attain the necessary skills and expertise required in order to correctly configure and secure systems and their associated networks. The CCNA security certification is also important since there is an alternate composite exam that they can opt for in order to acquire the basics required.

Prerequisites

In order to attain the CCNA security certification, the candidates are required to have the CCIE service provider certification, the CCNA Routing and switching certification and the CCENT security certification. The certifications ensure that the candidates acquire a basic understanding of the complex systems to be tackled under the CCNA security certification. The candidates are also required to have hands on experience which is core since it ensures the correct security techniques are applied and implemented when the actual training commences.

Exam overview

There are two exams that the candidates have to pass in order to be certified; the written and the lab exams. It is important to familiarize with the contents of the exams and the candidates are required to practice more exam questions before sitting for the final exams.

The exam is important since it validates knowledge and skills required in the implementation of complex network systems. It also validates the candidate’s expertise in the installation, monitoring, configuration and the maintenance of the data services that ensure there is secure information. The candidates also acquire the necessary implementation processes, the integrity systems and other devices.

The exam focuses on nine main areas that include:

  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.

Validity of certification

The CCNA security certificate is valid for a period of three years. The candidates are required to renew the certificate before the period elapses. This is achieved by passing the latest exams in the category or advancing to other levels of the certification.

Expert Review

The certification promotes appropriate working conditions and ensures that one acquires the relevant techniques required in the most of the security organizations and other appropriate applications. In addition, the certification gave me the privilege of visiting the best IT firms both locally and internationally and I can comprehend perfectly well with all the systems

Michael Schwarz, CCNA security expert, Cisco Company