Security is a hot topic in today's networks, and will continue
to be for a long time to come. With that in mind, you must
consider adding a Cisco security certification to your resume
and firewall skills to your skill set.
It's quite a jump from the CCNA to the CCSP (Cisco Certified
Security Professional), and Cisco has made that leap more
manageable by adding Specialist certifications. These certifications
can give quite a boost to both your resume and your skill
set, and act as a great "stepping stone" to the
CCSP.
At present, Cisco offers four VPN/Security certifications,
those being Cisco Firewall Specialist, Cisco IPS Specialist,
Cisco VPN Specialist, and Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist.
Since every WAN engineer has contact with Cisco firewalls
on a regular basis, we'll take a closer look at this popular
certification first. (And those who want to be WAN engineers
had better learn something about firewalls, too!)
At the writing of this article (October 21, 2005), Cisco
is offering an option for each of the two exams you'll need
to pass to earn this certification. For the first exam, you
can take either the 642-551 SND (Securing Cisco Network Devices)
or 642-501 SECUR (Securing Cisco IOS Networks). The final
day to register for the SECUR exam is December 19, 2005.
For either, you'll need to be able to answer questions regarding
the proper use of Cisco security devices; how to configure
security on a Cisco switch and on a router, including syslog
logging, AAA, ACLs, and security for router services and interfaces.
The choices for the second exam are the 642-522 SNPA (Securing
Network with PIX and ASA) and 642-521 CSPFA. Topics for these
exams include , IPSec, NAT, firewalls, AAA, and policy mapping.
(As always, you should check for the latest exam blueprints
at Cisco's website. Click "Learning And Events"
on the main page, www.cisco.com).
The only prerequisite for this certification is that you
must hold a valid CCNA certification.
As always, getting some hands-on experience is the best way
to prepare for your Cisco exams. (Your employer is going to
get a little upset if you practice your configs on his or
her PIX. It would be a good idea to have a good lawyer, too.)
There are online rack rental services that include Cisco security
devices in their pods.
Cisco certifications are a great way to help protect your
career as well as your network. The more you know, and the
more varied your skills, the more valuable you are to your
present and future employers. Use your CCNA as a foundation,
and keep building on your skills!
About the Author:
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage,
home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study
Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages. For a FREE copy
of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA” and
“How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the website and download
your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam
questions every day! Pass the CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!
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