Cisco Core Security: Network Security Fundamentals from Pluralsight

Properly architecting and securing Cisco networking devices will ensure that your network is protected. This course will teach you different deployment models and how to secure the management, control, and data planes of Cisco networking devices.

Not knowing how to properly deploy and secure different Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, or networking devices can leave your network inefficient and vulnerable to attack. In this course, Cisco Core Security: Network Security Fundamentals, you will learn the foundational knowledge of deploying Cisco’s security products effectively, and how to properly securing each plane. First, you will learn how to leverage Cisco’s Validated Designs to properly architect your network. Next, you will learn how to leverage NetFlow to validate the data traversing your network. Finally, you will explore how to secure the management plane and implement control and data plane hardening techniques on Cisco Routers, Switches, and Wireless LAN Controllers. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of designing and hardening Cisco security devices needed to produce efficient networks that are secure.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Comparing Network Security Solutions & Deployment Models

Describing Components, Capabilities, & Benefits of NetFlow

Securing the Management Plane

Securing the Control Plane and Data Plane on Cisco Routers

Securing the Control Plane and Data Plane on Cisco Switches

Configuring Wireless LAN Controller Device Hardening Methods

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for beginners, as it builds a strong foundation for understanding network security fundamentals

Valuable for intermediate learners seeking to strengthen their existing foundation in network security

Provides comprehensive knowledge and skills for designing and hardening Cisco security devices

Covers essential deployment models, security components, and industry best practices

Led by Craig Stansbury, an experienced instructor known for his expertise in network security

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 Core Security: Network Security Fundamentals with these activities:

Review fundamental networking concepts

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Strengthen foundational understanding to support advanced Cisco security concepts.

Browse courses on Networking Concepts

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Revisit textbooks or online resources on networking fundamentals.
Review concepts such as IP addressing, routing, and switching.
Practice configuring basic networking devices, such as routers and switches.
Take online quizzes or practice exams to assess your understanding.
Discuss networking concepts with a classmate or colleague.

Read 'Cisco Security Fundamentals' by Kevin Wallace

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Bolster foundational knowledge of Cisco security products.

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Acquire the book 'Cisco Security Fundamentals' by Kevin Wallace.
Dedicate 2 hours each week to reading and understanding the concepts.
Take notes and highlight important sections.
Complete the review questions at the end of each chapter.
Discuss the book's concepts with a classmate or colleague.

Organize and review course materials

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Improve retention and understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
Organize materials by topic or module.
Review materials regularly, focusing on key concepts and difficult topics.
Highlight important sections and make notes in the margins.
Use flashcards or concept maps to summarize key points.

Five other activities

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Join a study group or online forum dedicated to Cisco security

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Engage with peers, exchange knowledge, and seek support.

Browse courses on network security

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Identify a study group or online forum that aligns with your interests.
Join the group or forum and introduce yourself.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
Collaborate with other members on projects or assignments.
Attend online or in-person meetups organized by the group.

Complete the Cisco Security Fundamentals practice labs

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Reinforce course concepts through interactive lab exercises.

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Access the Cisco Security Fundamentals practice labs on Cisco's website.
Choose a specific lab that aligns with the course objectives.
Follow the instructions provided in the lab.
Complete the lab exercises and verify the results.
Review the lab solutions to identify areas for improvement.

Follow the Cisco Network Security Fundamentals tutorials

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Gain hands-on experience deploying and configuring Cisco security devices.

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Access the Cisco Network Security Fundamentals tutorials on Cisco's website.
Choose a specific tutorial that aligns with the course objectives.
Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the tutorial.
Implement the configuration on a physical or virtual Cisco device.
Verify the configuration and troubleshoot any issues.

Design and implement a Cisco security solution for a small business

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Apply course concepts to a real-world scenario, enhancing practical skills.

Browse courses on network security

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Identify the security requirements of the small business.
Design a Cisco security solution that meets those requirements.
Implement the solution on a physical or virtual network.
Test the solution to ensure it meets the security requirements.
Document the solution and provide recommendations for ongoing maintenance.

Develop a presentation or infographic on a specific Cisco security topic

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Deepen understanding and enhance communication skills by creating a visual aid.

Browse courses on network security

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Choose a specific Cisco security topic that interests you.
Research the topic thoroughly using credible sources.
Develop an outline for your presentation or infographic.
Create visual aids, such as slides, charts, or images.
Present your content to classmates, colleagues, or a wider audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco Core Security: Network Security Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Architect

Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course can help you become a Network Architect by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course can help you become a Network Engineer by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become a Security Engineer by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become a Network Security Engineer by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become a Cybersecurity Analyst by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

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 computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become an Information Security Analyst by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

IT Security Manager

IT Security Managers plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become an IT Security Manager by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager

IT Security Specialist

IT Security Specialists plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become an IT Security Specialist by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Specialist

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. They ensure that systems are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course can help you become a Systems Administrator by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course can help you become a Network Administrator by providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They ensure that systems are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for you if you want to become a Computer Systems Analyst, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for you if you want to become a Database Administrator, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, implement, and maintain cloud computing systems. They ensure that systems are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for you if you want to become a Cloud Engineer, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They ensure that software is secure, efficient, and meets the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for you if you want to become a Software Engineer, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They ensure that websites are secure, efficient, and meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for you if you want to become a Web Developer, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to secure Cisco networking devices, including Cisco Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, and networking devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer