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Cisco CCNA Security Certification Overview

Certification: Cisco CCNA Security - Cisco Certified Network Associate Security

Certification Overview

Cisco CCNA Security Certification is a gold standard certification in the field of computer network security, which is widely recognized across the world. This certification, owned mostly by network professionals proclaims that the professional is an expert in securing a computer network from various security threats from both external and internal sources. In this modern age of information technology, where computers have become an essential part of our lives for both livelihood as well as communication purposes, security threats are always on the rise. This aspect has made Cisco CCNA security certification the most relevant certification in the computer network security arena as on date.

Who can do this certification?

Information Technology professionals who have the interest to develop a career in the field of computer network security along with earning a handsome compensation may pursue this certification.

Benefits

Information technology professionals who undertake and complete the Cisco CCNA security certification are competent to design and setup a basic computer network security infrastructure, secured in all aspects. The expert knowledge that an information technology professional gains in this course,provides all the necessary skills and acumen to identify and secure a network from all the threats that it counters. In short, the benefits for a network professional pursuing and completing this course is tremendous, it not only equips the professional with all the required network security skills and knowledge to safeguard a computer network but also ensures the tallest recognition in the network security field.

Associated Exam

Students pursuing this course are required to appear for just one paper. On passing the single paper examination, certification is granted.

Prerequisites

As per the Cisco official website,certification on any one of the following,CCIE Certification, CCNA Routing and Switching or Cisco CCENT is a basic requirement for appearing in the examination.

Examination Overview

The study materials for preparation for the examination are made by available by Cisco, through their official website. There are numerous discussion papers and technical practical oriented guides as part of the study materials provided by Cisco, which not only enhances the technical and practical knowledge and skill base of a professional but also helps in understanding the various concepts in the network security arena.It is important for students pursuing this course not only to learn from the study materials but also to undertake practical training in a computer network based practical laboratory.

The syllabus includes learning on the following concepts:

  • How to secure Cisco routers
  • How to implement the various mechanisms on the Cisco routers
  • How to reduce the various threats to Cisco routers
  • How to secure and manage a computer network
  • How to reduce threats from Common Layer 2 attacks
  • How to implement the Cisco IOS firewall aspect
  • How to implement the Cisco IOS IPS aspect
  • How to implement site basedvirtual private networks

The syllabus commences with the basic learning on how to secure the various Cisco developed routers. Then it details the various security oriented mechanisms and how to go about implementing it in the various Cisco routers. The syllabus then moves on to provide an in-depth study on the various concepts and principles involved in managing and securing a computer network. The syllabus also includes a detailed learning module on how to reduce the threats from various common network attacks both internal as well as external. The firewall aspect which is an essential element in protecting a network from external threats is also part of the curriculum. The last two sections of the syllabus provides an detailed insight into the IPS technology mechanism of Cisco along with the various virtual private networks and concepts on how to deploy them as part of a network security based infrastructure.

Validity of the certification

The certification once attained is valid for a continuous period of three years and may be renewed contingent upon the following:

  1. Completing an associate level examination except for the ICND1 examination
  2. Completing present professional level examination
  3. Completing any of the present Cisco Specialist examination
  4. Completing any of the present CCIE Written examination
  5. Completing any of the present CCDE written examination or the CCDE practical examination
  6. Completing the Cisco certified architect examination

Expert Review

Cisco is constantly revising the learning requirements to find solutions on the various network security challenges that develop each day.The syllabus is getting tougher by the day. Cisco is associating itself with various institutions to enhance the worth of the certification each day.Due to this, we ensure that the learning requirements are constantly redefined to meet the tallest order expected by the industry.

Jeanne Beliveau-Dunn, General Manager and vice president, Learning at Cisco