Securing Applications with AWS from Pluralsight

More than 65% of threats that affect networks are deployed through email. This course will teach you how to leverage Cisco's Email Security Appliance to help mitigate the threats that can wreak havoc on your network.

Cisco estimates that between 65 and 80% of threats are deployed through email. In this course, Cisco Core Security: Email Security with Cisco ESA, you will gain the ability to use Cisco's ESA to secure your network. First, you will learn how to route email through the ESA. Next, you will discover how to block malicious senders in the first place. Finally, you will explore how to configure policies to ensure your emails are secure. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of email security needed to secure your organization's emails.

Before beginning this course, you should be familiar with security concepts and network security fundamentals.

The Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) is an email security gateway product. It is designed to detect and block a wide variety of email-borne threats, such as malware, spam and phishing attempts.

With over 90% of attacks on organizations starting from a malicious email, relying on your built-in security might leave your organization open to cyber criminals that constantly capitalize on the number one attack vector: exploiting human nature and the lack of tight security.

The most common network security threats are Computer viruses, Computer worms, Trojan horse, SQL injection attack, DOS and DDOS attack, Rootkit, Rogue security software, Phishing, Adware and spyware, and Man-in-the-middle attacks.

Cisco ESA uses a multilayer approach to fight viruses and malware: The first layer of defense consists of outbreak filters, which the appliance downloads from Cisco SenderBase. They contain a list of known bad mail servers. Cisco ESA also scans outbound emails to provide antivirus protection.

Following this course you should feel comfortable diving into Cisco Core Security with courses on Content Security with Cisco WSA and Cisco Umbrella, Securing the Cloud, Secure Network Access with Cisco ISE, and Endpoint Protection and Detection with Cisco AMP.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Deploying the ESA and Placing It in the Email Path

Configuring the ESA to Accept Email

Configuring the Default Incoming Mail Policy

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Presents advanced strategies for prevention, mitigation, and recovery against threats deployed via email

Utilizes a comprehensive multi-modal approach with a mix of videos, readings, and discussions

Offers a beginner-friendly framework for understanding email security concepts

Requires familiarity with security concepts and network security fundamentals, making it most suitable for learners with a foundational knowledge in cybersecurity

Covers a wide range of email security threats, including malware, spam, and phishing, ensuring comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in email communications

Provides practical hands-on labs and interactive materials to reinforce learning and foster hands-on experience

Reviews summary

Cisco esa email security fundamentals

According to students, this course provides a strong foundation in securing email communications using the Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA). Learners found it highly effective for understanding and mitigating common email threats like malware, spam, and phishing. The course offers practical, hands-on guidance on deploying and configuring the ESA, including setting up incoming and outgoing mail policies. While the course title mentions AWS, students emphasize the content is solely focused on Cisco ESA, which is important to note. It's considered an excellent precursor for further Cisco core security studies, though prior knowledge of network security fundamentals is recommended.

Assumes familiarity with network security fundamentals.

"Make sure you have a grasp of basic security concepts and network fundamentals before starting."

"The course moves quickly, so a prior understanding of network security is beneficial."

"I found it helpful that I already had some foundational knowledge in general security principles."

Primarily covers Cisco Email Security Appliance functionality.

"I came for AWS but this is 100% about Cisco ESA. It's still good if you need ESA knowledge."

"This course is entirely focused on the Cisco Email Security Appliance, not AWS as the title suggests."

"Despite the course name, the content provides an in-depth look at configuring Cisco ESA, which was relevant for my job."

Establishes a solid base for advanced Cisco security topics.

"This course provided a solid foundation for diving into other Cisco Core Security topics like WSA and Umbrella."

"It's an excellent prerequisite for anyone looking to specialize further in Cisco's security ecosystem."

"The concepts discussed here are vital for building a comprehensive understanding of Cisco network security."

Step-by-step guidance on ESA deployment and configuration.

"The instructions for deploying and placing the ESA in the email path were exceptionally clear."

"Configuring incoming and outgoing mail policies was broken down into easy-to-follow steps."

"The demos and practical walkthroughs made the ESA setup process very straightforward."

Provides hands-on skills for blocking email-borne threats.

"I now understand how to effectively block spam and phishing using the Cisco ESA."

"The course clearly demonstrated how to leverage ESA's capabilities for strong email threat defense."

"Learned valuable techniques for configuring policies to ensure my organization's emails are secure."

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 Securing Applications with AWS with these activities:

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Career center

Learners who complete Securing Applications with AWS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The skills you will learn in the Securing Applications with AWS course will give you an advantage when seeking a job as a Cybersecurity Analyst by building your foundation in AWS security, which is a key skill for protecting cloud-based applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data. The skills you learn in the Securing Applications with AWS course can help you succeed in this role by teaching you how to secure applications in the AWS cloud, which is a critical skill in today's digital world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. The Securing Applications with AWS course will help you prepare for a career as a Security Engineer by providing you with the skills you need to secure applications in the AWS cloud, a key skill in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Cloud Security Architect

Cloud Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect cloud-based applications and data. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to secure applications in AWS, a key skill for Cloud Security Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to improve the collaboration between development and operations teams. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to secure applications in AWS, a key skill for DevOps Engineers.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems and networks. The Securing Applications with AWS course will help you prepare for this role by providing you with the skills you need to secure applications in AWS, a key skill for Systems Engineers.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. Securing Applications with AWS provides a foundation of cloud-based security that complements your core networking skills, preparing you for a career as a Network Engineer.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and security of databases. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to secure databases in AWS, a key skill for Database Administrators.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to secure applications in AWS, a key skill for Software Engineers.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to secure web applications in AWS, a key skill for Web Developers.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by providing you with the skills you need to secure applications in AWS, a key skill for IT Managers.

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IT Security Manager

IT Security Managers are responsible for the security of an organization's IT systems and data. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to secure applications in AWS, a key skill for IT Security Managers.

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Information Technology Director

Information Technology Directors are responsible for the overall IT strategy and operations of an organization. The Securing Applications with AWS course can help you prepare for this role by providing you with the skills you need to secure applications in AWS, a key skill for Information Technology Directors.

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Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers are responsible for the overall security of an organization's IT systems and data. The Securing Applications with AWS course may help you prepare for this role by providing you with a foundation in AWS security, which is a key skill for Chief Information Security Officers.

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Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers are responsible for the overall technology strategy and operations of an organization. The Securing Applications with AWS course may help you prepare for this role by providing you with a foundation in AWS security, which is a key skill for Chief Technology Officers.

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