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Cisco Core Security

Describing and Configuring VPNs

Craig Stansbury

VPNs secure business traffic over the unprotected internet. Learn how to deploy either site-to-site VPNs using Cisco routers, or remote access VPNs using an ASA, or FTD.

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VPNs secure business traffic over the unprotected internet. Learn how to deploy either site-to-site VPNs using Cisco routers, or remote access VPNs using an ASA, or FTD.

The internet is an insecure way of transmitting confidential information, but dedicated circuits can be very expensive. In this course, Cisco Core Security: Describing and Configuring VPNs, you will gain the ability to understand and deploy various types of VPNs. First, you will learn about cryptography components, and how to configure cryptography on Cisco devices. Next, you will discover how to deploy various site-to-site VPNs using Cisco routers. Finally, you will explore how to configure a headend device to accept remote access VPNs using either Cisco’s Adaptive Security Appliance or Firepower Threat Defense. When you’re finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of cryptography needed to deploy various types of VPNs.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
VPN Cisco Routers ASA FTD Cryptography DMVPN FlexVPN

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Comparing Cryptography Components
Comparing Cisco VPN Types
Configuring DMVPN
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores DMVPN & FlexVPN, industry-standard technologies
Teaches Cisco AnyConnect, a widely-used remote access VPN
Taught by Craig Stansbury, an experienced Cisco security instructor
Develops cryptography knowledge & skills, which are core for network security
Examines site-to-site & remote access VPNs, both common VPN types
Requires background in Cisco routers & Cisco security concepts

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Reviews summary

Practical cisco vpn deployment guide

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation and practical guidance on deploying various Cisco VPN solutions, including site-to-site and remote access VPNs. Students frequently highlight the hands-on labs and clear explanations from the instructor as particularly beneficial for solidifying concepts and preparing for certifications. While the course is highly relevant for network security professionals, some learners with less experience noted that the pace can be fast in certain configuration sections, suggesting a prior networking background is advantageous. A few expressed a desire for more advanced topics or troubleshooting scenarios.
Cryptography sections are covered but could be more in-depth.
"Some of the cryptography sections felt a bit rushed..."
"I think the cryptography part could be expanded slightly."
Pace is good for those with some existing networking knowledge.
"I found some sections on DMVPN configuration a bit challenging without prior experience."
"While the instructor is knowledgeable, I felt the pace could be too fast for absolute beginners in VPNs."
"Perhaps better for intermediate learners than advanced ones."
The instructor provides clear and knowledgeable explanations.
"...the instructor's explanations of DMVPN and FlexVPN were crystal clear."
"I appreciate the instructor's deep knowledge and practical approach."
"The explanations were clear, the labs were effective, and it covered all the essential VPN types..."
Labs are crucial for practical understanding and skill development.
"The labs were incredibly helpful, and the instructor's explanations of DMVPN and FlexVPN were crystal clear."
"The hands-on labs were crucial for solidifying the concepts."
"The labs were well-designed and worked smoothly."
"I found the practical labs to be the most valuable part of the training for me."
Course content is directly applicable to professional roles.
"I learned so much and can apply it directly to my job."
"Solid course for understanding Cisco VPNs. The focus on practical deployment is a big plus."
"Overall, very practical and relevant for current network security work."
Provides a strong foundation but lacks advanced topics or troubleshooting.
"I was hoping for more advanced topics. This course felt a bit too basic if you already have some experience with VPNs."
"I would have liked more troubleshooting scenarios..."
"The content is accurate but it didn't push my skills much further."

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: Describing and Configuring VPNs with these activities:
Review cryptography basics
Reviewing the fundamentals of cryptography will give you a solid foundation for understanding VPNs.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Read up on the principles of cryptography, such as encryption, decryption, and hashing.
  • Take a practice quiz on cryptography concepts.
Volunteer at a local IT organization
Volunteering at a local IT organization will give you exposure to real-world VPN deployments and allow you to network with other IT professionals.
Show steps
  • Find a local IT organization that offers volunteer opportunities.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer at the organization and assist with VPN-related tasks as needed.
Follow a tutorial on how to configure a remote access VPN using an ASA
Following a tutorial will provide you with step-by-step guidance on configuring a remote access VPN.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on how to configure a remote access VPN using an ASA.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial to configure the VPN.
  • Test the VPN connection to ensure it is working properly.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on VPN security
Attending a workshop on VPN security will expose you to the latest trends and best practices in VPN security.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on VPN security that meets your interests and needs.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes on the key takeaways.
Configure a site-to-site VPN using Cisco routers
Hands-on practice will help you solidify your understanding of site-to-site VPNs.
Show steps
  • Set up a lab environment with two Cisco routers.
  • Follow the steps in the course materials to configure a site-to-site VPN.
  • Test the VPN connection to ensure it is working properly.
Create a presentation on the different types of VPNs
Creating a presentation will help you organize and synthesize your knowledge of VPNs.
Show steps
  • Research the different types of VPNs, such as site-to-site VPNs, remote access VPNs, and IPsec VPNs.
  • Create a presentation that includes an overview of each type of VPN, its advantages and disadvantages, and its use cases.
  • Present your presentation to your classmates or colleagues.
Develop a deployment plan for a VPN solution
Creating a deployment plan will help you apply your knowledge of VPNs to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Identify the requirements for the VPN solution, such as the number of users, the types of devices that will be used, and the security requirements.
  • Research different VPN solutions and select one that meets the requirements.
  • Create a deployment plan that includes step-by-step instructions for configuring and deploying the VPN solution.
Implement a VPN solution for a small business
Implementing a VPN solution for a small business will give you hands-on experience with the entire VPN deployment process.
Show steps
  • Gather the requirements for the VPN solution.
  • Research different VPN solutions and select one that meets the requirements.
  • Purchase the necessary hardware and software.
  • Configure and deploy the VPN solution.
  • Test the VPN connection to ensure it is working properly.

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco Core Security: Describing and Configuring VPNs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures for computer networks and systems. This course would be very useful for Network Security Engineers as it provides a deep dive into the fundamentals of VPNs, including cryptography, and how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices. Network Security Engineers who take this course will gain the skills needed to design and implement secure VPN solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course is an excellent choice for Cybersecurity Analysts wishing to develop their skills as it covers the fundamentals of VPNs, including cryptography, and how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices. A deep understanding of VPNs is essential for Cybersecurity Analysts responsible for securing an organization's network infrastructure.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Consultant
Security Consultants assess and mitigate security risks for businesses and other organizations. This course would be useful for them as it provides a deep dive into the fundamentals of VPNs, including cryptography, and how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices. Security Consultants who take this course will gain the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and implement VPN solutions for their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course is particularly useful for Information Security Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in cryptography, which is essential for securing VPNs. Additionally, the course covers how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices, a common task for Information Security Analysts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Security Analyst
Security Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify and respond to security incidents. This course would be useful for them as it provides a deep dive into the fundamentals of VPNs, including cryptography, and how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices. Security Analysts who take this course will gain the knowledge and skills needed to detect and respond to VPN-related security incidents.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate the security of computer networks and systems for businesses and other organizations. This course may be useful for them as it provides a deep dive into the fundamentals of VPNs, including cryptography, and how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices. IT Auditors who take this course will gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess the security of VPN solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks for businesses and other organizations. This course may be useful for someone in this role as it covers the fundamentals of VPNs, including cryptography, and how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices. Network Engineers who take this course will gain the skills needed to deploy and manage VPNs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
Network Architect
Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks for businesses and other organizations. This course may be useful for them as it covers the fundamentals of VPNs, including cryptography, and how to configure VPNs on Cisco devices. Network Architects who take this course will gain the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement secure VPN solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems and software for businesses and other organizations. Enrolling in this course may be useful for this career as it will teach you how to configure and deploy VPNs, a critical component of any secure network. This course will also be valuable for a Systems Engineer who aims to specialize in network security.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer
Network Security Specialist
Network Security Specialists design, implement, and maintain security measures for computer networks and systems. Enrolling in this course may be useful for this career as it will teach you how to configure and deploy VPNs, a critical component of any secure network. This course will also be valuable for a Network Security Specialist who aims to specialize in VPNs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Specialist
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Network and Computer Systems Administrators install, configure, and maintain computer networks for business and other organizations. Enrolling in this course may be useful for this career as it will teach you how to configure and deploy VPNs, a critical component of any secure network. This course will also be valuable for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator who aims to specialize in network security.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Ethical Hacker
Ethical Hackers use their skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to help organizations improve their security. Enrolling in this course may be useful for this career as it will teach you how to configure and deploy VPNs, which can be used to secure an organization's network. This course will also be valuable for an Ethical Hacker who aims to specialize in network security.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers use their skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to help organizations improve their security. Enrolling in this course may be useful for this career as it will teach you how to configure and deploy VPNs, which can be used to secure an organization's network. This course will also be valuable for a Penetration Tester who aims to specialize in network security.
See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester
Malware Analyst
Malware Analysts investigate and analyze malware to identify its purpose and behavior and to develop defenses against it. Enrolling in this course may be useful for this career as it will teach you how to configure and deploy VPNs, which can be used to protect an organization's network from malware attacks. This course will also be valuable for a Malware Analyst who aims to specialize in network security.
See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst
Incident Responder
Incident Responders investigate and respond to security incidents to minimize damage and restore normal operations. Enrolling in this course may be useful for this career as it will teach you how to configure and deploy VPNs, which can be used to secure an organization's network. This course will also be valuable for an Incident Responder who aims to specialize in network security.
See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cisco Core Security: Describing and Configuring VPNs.
Cover image
Security in Computing
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, including cryptography, network security, and application security.
Security in Computing
Paperback
$$$$
Security in Computing
Mass Market Paperback
$$
Security in Computing, 4th Edition
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Networks Companion Guide (CCNAv7)
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Cisco IOS routers and security, including how to configure and troubleshoot them.
Introduction to Networks Companion Guide (CCNAv7)
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Networks Labs and Study Guide...
Paperback
$$$
Access Code Card for Introduction to Networks...
Printed Access Code
$$
Introduction to Networks Course Booklet (CCNAv7)...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Absolute FreeBSD, 3rd Edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of OpenSSL, including how to use it to create and manage VPNs.
Absolute FreeBSD, 3rd Edition: The Complete Guide...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Networking Essentials Companion Guide v3
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Cisco ASA 5500-X Series Firewalls, including how to configure and troubleshoot them.
Networking Essentials Companion Guide v3: Cisco...
Paperback
$$$
Networking Essentials Companion Guide v3: Cisco...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Cybersecurity Myths and Misconceptions
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of VPN security, including different types of VPNs, security threats, and mitigation strategies.
Cybersecurity Myths and Misconceptions: Avoiding...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security, including different types of VPNs and how they work.
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Paperback
$$$
Analyzing Computer Security
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, including different types of VPNs and how they work.
Analyzing Computer Security
Paperback
Check
Analyzing Computer Security
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networking, including different types of VPNs and how they work.
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Paperback
Check
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Time
219 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Craig Stansbury
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Cisco SCOR (350-701) for CCNP Security. It's comprised of eight courses:
  1. Cisco Core Security: Security Concepts
  2. Cisco Core Security: Describing and Configuring VPNs (viewing)
  3. Cisco Core Security: Network Security Fundamentals
  4. Cisco Core Security: Network Security with Cisco IOS
  5. Cisco Core Security: Secure Network Access Using Cisco ISE
  6. Cisco Core Security: Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement
  7. Cisco Core Security: Network Security with Cisco ASA
  8. Cisco Core Security: Network Security with Cisco Firepower
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores DMVPN & FlexVPN, industry-standard technologies
Teaches Cisco AnyConnect, a widely-used remote access VPN
Taught by Craig Stansbury, an experienced Cisco security instructor
Develops cryptography knowledge & skills, which are core for network security
Examines site-to-site & remote access VPNs, both common VPN types
Requires background in Cisco routers & Cisco security concepts
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