Introduction to Network Security.
In the interconnected digital world of today, Network Security emerges as a paramount concern for organizations and network professionals alike. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum addresses this critical area with a comprehensive exploration of the principles and practices that safeguard networks from threats and vulnerabilities.
Network Security within the CCNA framework covers a wide range of topics, including secure network architecture, firewall configuration, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and the implementation of security protocols such as IPsec and SSL.
Network Security is not merely about protecting data; it’s about ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information as it traverses the network. The CCNA certification prepares candidates to implement basic security measures, recognize threats and vulnerabilities, and mitigate security risks to maintain a robust and secure network environment. This includes understanding the role of access control lists (ACLs) in permitting or denying traffic, configuring secure network infrastructure devices, and employing strategies to prevent common cyber attacks like phishing, malware, and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
The curriculum equips learners with the knowledge to configure and troubleshoot security features on routers and switches, understand the operation of secure network protocols, and apply best practices in network security. This foundation is essential for any network professional looking to protect sensitive data and maintain a secure networking environment in the face of evolving threats.
We invite you to deepen your knowledge of Network Security and other critical aspects of networking covered in the CCNA curriculum. Whether you are starting your journey in network engineering or seeking to enhance your skills, our resources provide the comprehensive guidance needed to navigate the challenges of Network Security.
Explore our CCNA Topics page links below for in-depth information and resources tailored to advance your understanding of Network Security and prepare you for a successful career in network engineering
Security Fundamentals
Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)
Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)
Configure device access control using local passwords.
Describe security password policies elements, such as management, complexity, and password alternatives (multifactor authentication, certificates, and biometrics)
Describe remote access and site-to-site VPNs.
Configure and verify access control lists.
Configure Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security)
Differentiate authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts.
Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)
Configure WLAN using WPA2 PSK using the GUI.
Automation and Programmability
Explain how automation impacts network management.
Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking.
Describe controller-based and software defined architectures (overlay, underlay, and
fabric)
Separation of control plane and data plane
North-bound and south-bound APIs
Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco DNA Center enabled device management.
Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)
Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible
Interpret JSON encoded data.
