Cisco Updates Security Education Portfolio to Address Cybersecurity Talent Gaps and Job Role Changes
In an effort to meet the increasing challenges of securing enterprise networks evolving in size, scope and complexity, Cisco today announced a major revision of the CCNP Security Certification, and introduced a new Cybersecurity Specialist Certification, along with other security solutions training programs.
According to Cisco’s recently released 2014 Annual Security Report, organizations are struggling to find security professionals who have the skills to monitor and secure networks from the sophisticated technology and tactics used attackers. Most organizations do not have the people of the systems to continuously monitor extended networks and detect infiltrations, and then apply protections in a timely and effective manner, Cisco said.
“Learning@Cisco has redesigned existing offerings and introduced new offerings to address this critical skills deficit, providing network security engineers, analysts and product specialists with development opportunities to ensure on-the-job readiness to meet the future challenges of network defense,” the company said in a statement.
Details of Cisco’s security training programs include:
CCNP Security Certification:
• The redesigned CCNP Security Certification focuses on enabling Network Security Engineers that are required to design, deploy, maintain and manage end-to-end network security solutions.
• The updated certification and training provides a holistic understanding of the elements that coexist to provide a complete network security posture.
Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist:
• The new Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist Certification offers Network Security Analysts the latest threat detection and mitigation skills.
• The Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist Certification recognizes security professionals that have attained specialist in-depth expertise and proven knowledge in the essential areas of proactive cyber threat detection and mitigation.
• Designed for professional security analysts and leveraging the features of Cisco and other network security products used today, the certification focuses on event monitoring, security event alarm, traffic analysis and incident response.
Security Solutions Training:
• For network security engineers looking to gain expertise on specific Cisco network security products, Cisco is offering new product and technology training courses, including:
o Implementing Advanced Cisco ASA Security (SASAA)
o Implementing Cisco Bring Your Own Device Solutions (SBYOD)
o Implementing Core Cisco ASA Security (SASAC)
o Implementing & Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine for Wireless Engineers (SWISE)
Speaking on the findings in Cisco’s most recent security report, Levi Gundert, Cisco’s technical lead for threat research, analysis, and communications, said the talent problem isn’t just finding enough security professionals to defend against threats. Gundert said part of the problem lies in the fact that many security professionals don’t have the deep industry knowledge necessary to effectively deal with specific threats and issues the organization is facing.
“The enhanced security training and certifications introduced today provide sophisticated education to equip professionals with the necessary skills to defend mission critical networks,” said Jeanne Beliveau Dunn, vice president and general manager, Learning@Cisco.
The new exams will be available Jan. 24, 2014.
CCNP Security and Security Solutions Training courses are offered by Cisco Learning Partners and registration for training is available now for classes beginning next month.
The Cybersecurity Specialist Certification training course “Securing Cisco Networks with Threat Detection and Analysis” (SCYBER) is offered directly by Cisco Learning Services.
The last date to test for current CCNP Security Exams is April 21, 2014, Cisco said.
Additional details on Cisco’s security product and technology training is available online.
