CCNA-Security Course

CCNA-Security Course - Cisco Networking Academy

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CCNA Security Course

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Prepare Your Students to Manage CyberSecurity
Specialized job opportunities are growing in number to meet the increasing demand for network security and risk management skills. Over the next 5 years, 80% of surveyed companies anticipate the need for dedicated Network Security professionals.

The CCNA Security course from Cisco Networking Academy provides a pathway for individuals who want to prepare for new roles in network security or to enhance their CCNA-level skill set.

Teacher

The CCNA Security course can help your students meet the growing demand for network security skills. With online and classroom learning, the blended curriculum provides a hands-on and career-oriented introduction to core security concepts. Students are prepared with skills needed to install, troubleshoot, and monitor network devices that maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data.

 

With the CCNA Security course you can:

  • Develop your students for networking security career opportunities
  • Help students differentiate themselves in the marketplace
  • Prepare students for the globally recognized Cisco CCNA Security certification
  • Enhance their CCNA knowledge with specialized security skills

 

CCNA Security builds on CCNA-level skills with a path to entry-level jobs in security technologies:

  • Integrates 21st century skill development, such as complex problem solving and critical thinking
  • Teaches educational objectives with a focus on job skills
  • Aligns with Cisco CCNA Security certification objectives
  • Prepares students for certification exam: Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS - 640-553)
  • Aligns with some of the objectives of the following industry certifications:
    • CompTIA Security+
    • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Delivers complex security technology concepts through simulation activities
  • Provides personalized assessment feedback to support learning

 

The Demand is Growing

  • 80% of companies anticipate the need for dedicated network security roles over the next 5 years
  • Only 46% of companies employ network security roles now

 

Learn More

  • Use the following resources to learn more about CCNA Security or to share this information with others:

 

Start Teaching
See the Get Started tab on this page for information on where instructors can be trained to teach CCNA Security.

 

CCNA Security Course Outline

  • Chapter 1: Modern Network Security Threats
    Goal: Explain network threats, mitigation techniques, and the basics of securing a network
  • Chapter 2: Securing Network Devices
    Goal: Securing administrative access on Cisco routers
  • Chapter 3: Authentication, Authorization and Accounting
    Goal: Securing administrative access with AAA
  • Chapter 4: Implementing Firewall Technologies
    Goal: Implement firewall technologies to secure the network perimeter
  • Chapter 5: Implementing Intrusion Prevention
    Goal: Configure IPS to mitigate attacks on the network
  • Chapter 6: Securing the Local Area Network
    Goal: Describe LAN security considerations and implement endpoint and Layer 2 security features
  • Chapter 7: Cryptographic Systems
    Goal: Describe methods for implementing data confidentiality and integrity
  • Chapter 8: Implementing Virtual Private Networks
    Goal: Implement secure virtual private networks
  • Chapter 9: Managing A Secure Network
    Goal: Given the security needs of an enterprise, create and implement a comprehensive security policy

 

Launch the eLearning Chapter Demo: Implement Network Security Chapter 4

 

Chapter Demo

 

Get Trained to Teach CCNA Security

Instructor training locations and contacts are listed below.

 

Training Center Contact
Pacific College for Advanced Technology Training

Wayne Lewis
(808) 845-9446
874 Dillingham Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96817

Moranie Valley Community College - CATC

 John Sands
(708) 955-5426
9000 W. College PKWY
Palos Hills, IL
60441

CREATE CATC 

 Karen Stanton
(661) 362-5363
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd,
Santa Clarita, CA
Cégep de l'Outaouais (delivered only in French) Bernard Brunet
(819) 770-4012
ext 2297
125, boulevard Sacré-Cœur,
Gatineau (Québec) J8X 1C5
Centennial College  Allan Reid
(416) 289-5000
ext. 8214
941 Progress Avenue,
Scarborough,
Ontario, CANADA
 

 

Partner with Cisco and Become a Networking Academy

 

Already trained or eligible?

You are eligible to begin teaching CCNA Security if you teach at an active Cisco Networking Academy, and:

  • you have already taken the CCNA Security instructor training from an authorized training center, OR
  • you are currently teaching Network Security (NS1 or NS2) or Cisco CCNP

 

Read below for frequently asked questions on CCNA Security curriculum, training, equipment and certification. If you have additional questions and/or are interested in becoming a new Cisco Networking Academy, fill out our online request form.  If you're already an academy and have additional questions, contact your Area Academy Manager.

 

CCNA Security

Q. Why did Cisco create the Cisco Networking Academy CCNA Security course?
A. As announced in September 2008, we had been researching requirements for security, voice, and wireless skills for Networking Academy students. Research conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Cisco shows a growing global demand for skills in entry-level networking security positions.


From May through August 2008, we gathered feedback from members of the Networking Academy global community through interviews, focus groups, and surveys to determine the best way to support our students in obtaining these skills. The results overwhelmingly indicated that teaching security skills is top priority. As a result, we developed the Cisco CCNA Security course, which is an entirely new course that aligns with the CCNA Security certification.

 

Q. Are there any prerequisites for students to enroll in CCNA Security?
A. CCNA Security has no Networking Academy course prerequisites.

 

Students should have the following skills and knowledge:

  • Basic PC skills such as typing, mouse, and desktop navigation skills
  • Basic Internet navigation skills
  • CCNA-level networking concepts and skills
    While there are no required course prerequisites, students are encouraged to complete the CCNA Discovery or CCNA Exploration curricula to acquire the fundamental CCNA-level routing and switching skills needed for success in this course.


 

Q. What types of students may be interested in CCNA Security?
A. CCNA Security is designed for Networking Academy students seeking career-oriented, entry-level security specialist skills. Prospective students include IT professionals who want to enhance their core routing and switching skills and students enrolled in technology degree programs at institutions of higher education.


CCNA Security provides a next step for CCNA Discovery or CCNA Exploration students who want to expand their CCNA-level skill set to prepare for a career in networking security.

 

Q. What are the main elements of the CCNA Security curriculum?
A. The CCNA Security curriculum consists of:

 

  • One semester-long (~70-hour) e-learning course
  • Nine chapters and chapter exams
  • One final exam and skills-based assessment
  • Nine complex hands-on labs (one lab per chapter with multiple sections)
  • Packet Tracer activities

 

The CCNA Security course uses the same graphical user interface (GUI) as the CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration curriculA. Course labs and Packet Tracer activities are provided as separate .zip files that can be downloaded from Academy Connection.

 

Q. Will the CCNA Security course be translated from English into other languages?
A. No, there are no plans to translate this course. Like all Networking Academy courses, the content is authored to be translation-friendly.

 

Q. Can the CCNA Security course be taught in a blended combination of in-person and remote learning?
A. Yes, the CCNA Security course is designed to be offered in a blended distance learning environment. The Academy Connection business rules will allow teaching classes in both in-person and blended delivery formats.

 

Q. Are there any migration plans from current NS1 and NS2 courses to the CCNA Security course?
A. No. CCNA Security is an entirely new course and not a replacement for NS1 and NS2. The CCNA Security course will prepare students for the Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) exam (640-553) and for the new associate-level CCNA Security certification. The NS1 and NS2 courses covered different and more advanced security topics that mapped to the Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SNRS) and Securing Networks with PIX and ASA (SNPA) exams of the Cisco CCSP certification.

 

Q. Are there any plans to develop a course covering the advanced security topics from NS1 and NS2?
A.No, there are no plans to replace NS1 and NS2 or to create a Networking Academy course that teaches more advanced security concepts that map to the professional-level CCSP certification. The Networking Academy focus is on teaching skills for entry-level networking jobs.

Cisco Packet Tracer

Q. Does Cisco Packet Tracer support the new CCNA Security curriculum?
A. Yes, Cisco Packet Tracer version 5.2 supports the security protocols needed for the CCNA Security curriculum. The 5.2 version of Packet Tracer is available for download from Academy Connection.

 

Q. Can Packet Tracer be used to replace lab bundles for the new CCNA Security course?
A. No, Packet Tracer is not a replacement for lab equipment. Networking Academy recommends the use of physical equipment for hands-on learning. This is a key differentiator relative to other programs. Packet Tracer activities are designed to provide additional learning opportunities to complement the hands-on lab experience.

Certifications

Q. Does CCNA Security prepare students for a certification exam?
A. Yes, the CCNA Security curriculum prepares students for the Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) certification exam (640-553), leading to the CCNA Security certification.

 

Q. Will the CCNA Security curriculum align with any other certification?
A. The CCNA Security curriculum is designed to align with the CCNA Security certification. We are evaluating the topics covered in the CCNA Security course against other industry certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, to show a mapping of coverage, but the primary goal of this course is to align with the CCNA Security certification.

 

Q. Are certification exam discount vouchers available for instructors who would like to take the CCNA Security certification exam?
A. Yes. Networking Academy has instituted an incentive program to encourage instructors to pursue the CCNA Security certification. For a limited time, qualified instructors can obtain vouchers for significant discounts on the CCNA Security IINS (640-553) certification exam fee. The incentive program begins August 8, 2009 and ends September 30, 2010. For more information about the CCNA Security certification exam voucher incentive program for instructors, please see the Certifications and Vouchers area on Academy Connection.


 

Q. Is there a student voucher incentive program for the CCNA Security certification?
A. The student certification voucher incentive program for CCNA Security was initiated in 2009, and ended July 31, 2010. A recurrence of the voucher program is not scheduled at this time.

 

Equipment

Q. What are the equipment requirements for CCNA Security?
A. CCNA Security leverages the same equipment and topology as the CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration equipment, so there should not be any additional equipment required to support the course. However, additional memory will be required to support the Advanced IOS image. More details on the memory and IOS image upgrade requirements can be found in the CCNA Security Scope and Sequence document available on the CCNA Security course catalog page on Academy Connection.

 

Q. What IOS version is the minimum requirement for the CCNA Security course?
A. IOS version 12.4(20)T1 with the Advanced IP Service feature set or higher is required for CCNA Security. Academies with a lower version or a version outside of the "T" train may encounter problems with some of the labs.

 

Q. Is the Advanced IP Service feature set required or is it possible to use the Advanced Security feature set in IOS?
A. The Advanced IP Service feature set is the image used in the certification exam and in developing the CCNA Security course and labs. The Advanced Security feature set may work, but some testing should be done to ensure the labs are fully compatible.


 

Q. Do the CCNA Security labs support remote access through NDG's NetLab solution?
A. Yes, we have worked with NDG to test the CCNA Security labs for remote operation. The topology is compatible with the NetLab solution and enabled for remote operation.



Instructor Training

Q. What steps do I need to take to teach CCNA Security at my academy?
A. If you are interested in teaching CCNA Security at your academy, please contact a CCNA Security Training Center in your region. They can add the CCNA Security curriculum to your academy and also provide instructor training if needed. Local academies can choose any training center in their region with available classes from the list of authorized CCNA Security Training Centers.

 

Q. What are the instructor training options and requirements for teaching CCNA Security?
A. In order to teach CCNA Security, instructors should have CCNA-level networking knowledge and skills and additional CCNA Security training if required. Training is not required for existing Network Security (NS1 or NS2) instructors or Cisco CCNP: Implementing Secure Converged Wide-Area Networks instructors, but it is strongly recommended. These instructors will be qualified to teach CCNA Security and are encouraged to read the new CCNA Security curriculum and the training materials, lab materials, and presentations. Instructor training is required for all other instructors.

 

Q. What is the delivery method and length of instructor training?
A. We have partnered with Cisco Learning Institute to develop the instructor training materials for CCNA Security. Instructor training is delivered by authorized CCNA Security Training Centers and consists of 40 hours of training in one of the following formats:

 

  • Five days (40 hours) of in-person training
  • Blended model of in-person and remote training composed of:
    • Eight hours of synchronous online training
    • Three days (24 hours) of in-person training
    • Eight hours of self study (tests and some labs)
  • Forty hours of remote training (a combination of synchronous and asynchronous)

 

Q. Where can I get help with questions regarding the CCNA Security course?
A. Local academies should contact the Networking Academy Global Support Desk for questions related to the CCNA Security course. To access the Support Desk, log in to Academy Connection and click Help at the top of the page, then select Academy Support.

 

Q. Can an instructor register for training or does the training center have to enroll them? A. Instructors can enroll themselves in a training class on Academy Connection.

 

Q. How is the CCNA Security curriculum enabled for an academy?
A. Academies need to contact an authorized CCNA Security Training Center in their region. They can add the CCNA Security curriculum to the academy and also provide instructor training if needed.

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