Security is a hot topic in today's networks, and will continue to be for a very long time to come. With that in mind, you need to think about including a Cisco security accreditation to your resume and firewall software skills to your ability.
It's rather a dive from the CCNA to the CCSP (Cisco Licensed Security Expert), and Cisco has actually made that leap more workable by including Specialist certifications. These certifications can provide quite an increase to both your resume and your skill set, and serve as a fantastic "stepping stone" to the CCSP.
At present, Cisco offers four VPN/Security certifications, those being Cisco Firewall Program Specialist, Cisco IPS Professional, Cisco VPN Expert, and Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist. Given that every WAN engineer has contact with Cisco firewall programs on a regular basis, we'll take a closer look at this popular certification first. (And those who wish to be WAN engineers had better learn something about firewall softwares, too!).
At the writing of this article (October 21, 2005), Cisco is providing a choice for each of the 2 examinations you'll need to pass to make this certification. For the first test, you can take either the 642-551 SND (Protecting Cisco Network Devices) or 642-501 SECUR (Securing Cisco IOS Networks). The final day to register for the SECUR test is December 19, 2005.
For either, you'll need to be able to answer questions concerning the correct use of Cisco security devices; how to set up security on a Cisco switch and on a router, including syslog logging, AAA, ACLs, and security for router services and user interfaces.
The options for the 2nd exam are the 642-522 SNPA (Securing Network with PIX and ASA) and 642-521 CSPFA. Topics for these tests consist of, IPSec, NAT, firewall programs, AAA, and policy mapping. (As constantly, you need to check for the most recent examination plans at Cisco's website. Click "Knowing And Events" on the main page, www.cisco.com).
The only prerequisite for this accreditation is that you should hold a valid CCNA certification.
As always, getting some hands-on experience is the very best method to prepare https://www.bs2t.net for your Cisco examinations. (Your company is going to get a little upset if you practice your configs on his/her PIX. It would be a good concept to have an excellent legal representative, too.) There are online rack rental services that consist of Cisco security gadgets in their pods.
Cisco certifications are a great way to assist safeguard your profession along with your network. The more you know, and the more different your abilities, the better you are to your present and future employers. Use your CCNA as a structure, and keep building on your skills!