The 642-533 IPS Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention Systems exam is associated with the Cisco Certified Security Professional certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of implementing the Cisco IPS product. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the IPS Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention Systems v6.0 course.
Exam Topics
The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.
Describe how Cisco IPS sensors are used to mitigate network security threats
List sensor requirements for inline operations
Explain the difference between inline and promiscuous mode sensor operations
Explain how Cisco IPS protects network devices from attacks (Describe signatures, alerts, and actions)
Explain the evasive techniques used by hackers and how Cisco IPS defeats those techniques
Describe the considerations necessary for selection, placement, and deployment of a network intrusion prevention system
Explain the Cisco IPS signature features
Install Cisco IPS sensors/modules and configure essential system parameters
Explain AIP-SSM functionalities
Use the CLI to initialize the sensor
Configure user accounts and explain the different user roles
Configure management access to the sensor appliance
Explain how allowed hosts are used and how they are configured
Describe sensor interfaces, interface pairs, VLAN-pairs, and VLAN-groups
Use the Cisco IDM to configure sensor interfaces (enable, create pairs, assign to virtual sensors)
Describe and configure software bypass
Describe sensor communications with external management and monitoring systems
Launch, navigate, and use the Cisco IDM to manage and monitor the sensor
Describe the various CLI configuration modes and sub modes and navigate between them
List the tasks for installing and configuring the IDSM-2 and AIP-SSM
Describe Cisco IPS sensor advanced system parameters
Plan the mitigation of specific network vulnerabilities and exploits
Describe sensor tuning
Explain IP fragment and TCP stream reassembly options
Explain how IP logging should be used and how it is configured
Explain the use of Event Variables
Describe signature engines and their functionality
Determine which response actions need to be configured for a given scenario
Describe the purpose of the Meta Event Generator
Explain Target Value Ratings and how they are used
Determine the need for Event Action Rules in a given scenario
Explain event Risk Ratings and how they are used
Tune Cisco IPS sensor advanced system parameters to optimize attack mitigation performance
Use the IDM to tune the sensor to work optimally in the network
Use the IDM to tune signatures to provide maximum protection for a network
Given a scenario, use the IDM to create custom signature to meet the requirements
Configure response actions for a signature
Configure the sensor to take response actions based on a risk rating
Use the Cisco IDM to create a Meta signature and disable alert production for the component signatures
Configure Event Action Filters
Configure Target Value Ratings
Configure general settings for Event Action Rules
Configure Event Variables
Use the sensor application policy enforcement feature
Configure passive OS fingerprinting (POSFP)
Explain the External Product Interface, its benefits, and specifications
Configure a virtual sensor
Configure anomaly detection
Use IDM/CLI to monitor advanced features such as POSFP and AD
Analyze Cisco IPS sensor events to determine the appropriate response to network attacks
Use the CLI and the Cisco IDM and IEV to monitor events
Upgrade and maintain Cisco IPS sensors
Move software images/upgrades and configuration files via HTTP, HTTPS, SCP, and FTP
Apply the appropriate system image to the sensor
Perform sensor password recovery
Explain sensor licensing and how to install a license
Describe service pack and signature update file names and how to install them
Recommended Training
Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is the recommended training for this exam.
Courses listed are offered by Cisco Learning Partners, the only authorized source for Cisco IT training delivered exclusively by Certified Cisco Instructors. Check the Global Learning Partner Locator for a Cisco Learning Partner near you.
Additional Resources
A variety of Cisco Press titles may be available for this exam. These titles can be purchased through the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore, directly from Cisco Press.
