Cisco Data Center Core: Applying Network, Compute, and Storage Security from Pluralsight

As data center demand and complexity grows, the challenges for efficient maintenance, management, and security increase. You will learn how to implement a variety of data center network infrastructure security measures and management procedures.

Modern data centers are becoming incredibly complex and organizations must take appropriate security measures to protect data, applications, and workloads. In this course, Cisco Data Center Core: Applying Network, Compute, and Storage Security, you are going to examine how administrators can secure and maintain their center deployments.

First, you will learn about the network infrastructure security measures in the data centers and examine the management of user accounts and user roles, authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) on Cisco Nexus devices. Next, you will discover different system security features, such as first hop security measures, Media Access Control Security (MACsec), and how Control Plane Policing (CoPP) help to protect your data center.

You will also learn about the network infrastructure management, maintenance, and operation processes and tools such as Syslog, NetFlow, and Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN) that you can use to efficiently manage your network. You will explore how you can use the role-based access control (RBAC) feature, and authentication, authorization, accounting (AAA) services, to control management access to Cisco MDS 9000 switches. Finally, you will learn about the agility, scalability, and robustness of Cisco's HyperFlex solution. When you are finished with this course, you will have a fundamental understanding of what administrators can do to secure, manage, and maintain their data center deployments.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Examining Network Security

Examining UCS Security

Examining Storage Component Security

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines security, management, and maintenance for data centers

Focuses on Cisco's software and products

Taught by Sean Douglas, who is recognized for their work in data center networking

Provides a fundamental understanding of data center security, management, and maintenance

May require prerequisite knowledge of Cisco networking products

Reviews summary

Comprehensive cisco dc security for professionals

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and highly relevant deep dive into securing Cisco data center components. Learners praise the clear explanations from the instructor and the comprehensive coverage of network, compute (UCS), and storage security, including specific topics like AAA on Nexus devices and Cisco HyperFlex. While providing a strong foundation and being ideal for certification preparation, some reviews indicate that more advanced practical exercises and greater depth on certain topics like MACsec or CoPP could enhance the experience for seasoned professionals. The course is considered very practical for those enhancing their security knowledge.

Excellent for introductory to intermediate data center security learners.

"Overall, a solid foundation, especially for those new to DC security or preparing for certification exams."

"The coverage of network, compute, and storage security is comprehensive for an introductory to intermediate level."

"It definitely gives you a good starting point, but I didn't expect it to be a standalone resource for advanced understanding."

Instructor provides clear, knowledgeable, and helpful guidance.

"The instructor's explanations were clear, and the real-world scenarios helped solidify my understanding."

"The instructor was knowledgeable. My only minor gripe is that some of the graphics/diagrams seemed a little dated..."

"The instructor breaks down complex concepts into manageable pieces. I particularly liked the UCS and network security modules."

Addresses current data center security challenges effectively.

"This course provided an excellent deep dive into securing data center components. The sections on Nexus device security and HyperFlex were particularly insightful."

"Fantastic course! The content is highly relevant to current data center challenges."

"It covers a broad range of security topics for Cisco data centers. I found the storage security part (MDS 9000 switches) very helpful."

Some course diagrams or graphics appear slightly outdated.

"My only minor gripe is that some of the graphics/diagrams seemed a little dated compared to newer Cisco interfaces, but the concepts were still valid."

Presentation pace sometimes feels fast, requiring self-paced review.

"The presentation felt a bit rushed at times. I had to pause frequently to take notes and look up additional information..."

"The pace was sometimes inconsistent."

Some topics could benefit from more detailed, advanced coverage.

"I felt some topics, especially around MACsec and CoPP, could have been covered in more detail."

"I found some parts quite basic, especially network security concepts. I was hoping for more advanced configurations and troubleshooting scenarios."

"While it's a good introduction, as an experienced professional I found it repetitive in some areas."

Labs are useful but some learners desire more practical application.

"The labs, although useful, were sometimes a bit basic for someone with intermediate experience."

"I wish there were more hands-on labs beyond what was provided. The conceptual explanations were clear, but practical application is key for these topics."

"I think more practical examples or case studies would elevate this course from good to excellent, for me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cisco Data Center Core: Applying Network, Compute, and Storage Security with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Prepare yourself for the course by becoming more familiar with the provided materials

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Review the course syllabus
Review the provided textbooks
Compile a glossary of key terms

Connect with Data Center Industry Professionals

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Facilitates connections with experienced professionals in the data center industry, providing guidance and insights.

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Research and identify potential mentors in the field.
Craft a personalized request for mentorship, highlighting your interests and goals.
Attend industry events and conferences to connect with professionals.

Create a Network Security Plan

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Build a foundation for the course by creating a plan for implementing network security in a data center

Browse courses on Network Security

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Identify the security requirements for a data center
Research different network security technologies
Design a network security architecture
Write a network security plan

Ten other activities

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Review Network Security Components

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Helps reinforce understanding of network security components within a data center environment.

Browse courses on Network Security

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Review different types of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and intrusion prevention systems.
Examine security policies and their implementation.
Practice configuring basic security features on network devices.

Review Cryptographic Protocols

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Strengthen your understanding of the principles and techniques of modern cryptography.

View Handbook of Applied Cryptography (Discrete... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-5 of the Handbook of Applied Cryptography
Summarize the key concepts of each chapter
Write a brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of different cryptographic algorithms

Configure Network Security Devices

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Enhance your understanding of network security by configuring and testing common security devices

Browse courses on Network Security

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Configure a firewall
Configure an intrusion detection system (IDS)
Configure a virtual private network (VPN)

Attend a Data Center Security Workshop

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Supplement the course by learning from industry experts in a workshop setting

Browse courses on Data Center Security

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register for a workshop
Attend the workshop and take notes
Reflect on what you learned and how it applies to the course

Discuss Role-Based Access Control in Cisco MDS 9000

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Facilitates knowledge sharing and group discussion on RBAC implementation in Cisco MDS 9000 switches.

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Review the concepts of RBAC and its benefits in data center environments.
Share experiences and best practices for implementing RBAC on Cisco MDS 9000 switches.
Collaborate on troubleshooting and resolving common RBAC-related issues.

Configure AAA on Cisco Nexus Devices

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Provides hands-on experience in configuring user accounts and AAA on Cisco Nexus devices.

Browse courses on User Account Management

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Create user accounts with different privilege levels.
Configure AAA servers for authentication, authorization, and accounting.
Test AAA functionality by simulating login and access attempts.

Design a Data Center Network

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Apply your knowledge and skills from the course by designing a network for a data center

Browse courses on Network Infrastructure

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Gather requirements for the data center network
Design the network topology
Select and configure network devices
Document the network design

Design a Syslog Server Configuration Plan

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Develops skills in designing and implementing a Syslog server configuration plan for efficient data center operations.

Browse courses on Syslog

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Gather requirements for Syslog data collection and reporting.
Design and configure a Syslog server to meet the requirements.
Create a documentation plan for Syslog server maintenance and troubleshooting.

Build and Test a Cisco HyperFlex Cluster

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Provides hands-on experience in deploying and managing a Cisco HyperFlex cluster, reinforcing understanding of its capabilities.

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Plan and design the HyperFlex cluster architecture.
Deploy and configure the HyperFlex cluster using the Cisco Intersight platform.
Test and validate the performance, scalability, and availability of the HyperFlex cluster.

Contribute to an Open-Source Data Center Management Tool

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Engages students in the open-source community while enhancing their skills in data center management tool development.

Browse courses on Open-Source

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Identify an open-source data center management tool that aligns with course concepts.
Review the tool's codebase and documentation.
Contribute to the tool by adding enhancements, fixing bugs, or creating documentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco Data Center Core: Applying Network, Compute, and Storage Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Center Network Engineer

A Data Center Network Engineer plans, designs, implements, and maintains network infrastructure. They ensure that the network is secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help you build a foundation in data center network security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, management of user accounts and user roles, authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) on Cisco Nexus devices, and how to use tools such as Syslog, NetFlow, and Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN) to efficiently manage your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Network Engineer

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer systems. They ensure that the systems are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help you build a foundation in data center security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about system security features, such as first hop security measures, Media Access Control Security (MACsec), and how Control Plane Policing (CoPP) help to protect your data center.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect designs, builds, and manages cloud-based solutions. They ensure that the cloud environment is secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help you build a foundation in data center security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, system security features, and how to manage and maintain a data center.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Storage Administrator

A Storage Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of storage systems. They ensure that the systems are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help you build a foundation in data center storage security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about the security features of Cisco MDS 9000 switches and how to use role-based access control (RBAC) and authentication, authorization, accounting (AAA) services to control management access to these switches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storage Administrator

Security Architect

A Security Architect designs and implements security solutions for an organization. They ensure that the organization's systems and data are protected from unauthorized access and attack. This course can help you build a foundation in data center security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, system security features, and how to manage and maintain a data center.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains network security solutions. They ensure that the network is secure from unauthorized access and attack. This course can help you build a foundation in data center network security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, management of user accounts and user roles, authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) on Cisco Nexus devices, and how to use tools such as Syslog, NetFlow, and Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN) to efficiently manage your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for the overall management of an organization's IT systems. They ensure that the systems are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help you build a foundation in data center security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, system security features, and how to manage and maintain a data center.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst investigates and responds to cybersecurity incidents. They ensure that the organization's systems and data are protected from unauthorized access and attack. This course can help you build a foundation in data center security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, system security features, and how to manage and maintain a data center.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst develops and implements security policies and procedures for an organization. They ensure that the organization's systems and data are protected from unauthorized access and attack. This course can help you build a foundation in data center security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, system security features, and how to manage and maintain a data center.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security solutions for an organization. They ensure that the organization's systems and data are protected from unauthorized access and attack. This course can help you build a foundation in data center security, which is essential for this role. You will learn about network infrastructure security measures, system security features, and how to manage and maintain a data center.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. This course may be useful for this role because it can help you build a foundation in data center security. This knowledge can be helpful for protecting the data that is used by data scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of databases. They ensure that the databases are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course may be useful for this role because it can help you build a foundation in data center storage security. This knowledge can be helpful for protecting the data that is stored in databases.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful for this role because it can help you build a foundation in data center security. This knowledge can be helpful for developing secure software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites. This course may be useful for this role because it can help you build a foundation in data center security. This knowledge can be helpful for developing secure websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer develops and writes technical documentation. This course may be useful for this role because it can help you build a foundation in data center security. This knowledge can be helpful for writing accurate and informative technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer