Automating Cisco Security Management Solutions Using APIs from Pluralsight

A comprehensive security architecture should include network, endpoint, and application security/visibility techniques. This course will teach you how to deploy Cisco ISE, Stealthwatch, and SMA to reinforce your cyber defenses.

Even after you've secured your networks and endpoints, a key question remains: What about the applications used by the business? How can we observe them and how can we control network access to them?

In this course,

, you'll explore Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) which provides wired and wireless network access control using the pxGrid and REST APIs.

Next, you'll discover how to improve application visibility using the Netflow-based Cisco Stealthwatch family of products, helping you identify anomalies for analysis both in enterprise and cloud networks.

Finally, you'll learn how to provide application-level security for common enterprise services such as web and email using Cisco Security Management Appliance (SMA) with the Email Security Appliance (ESA) and Web Security Appliance (WSA).

When you're finished with this course, you'll have the skills and knowledge necessary to automate a variety of Cisco security management solutions in your production network.

Even after you've secured your networks and endpoints, you will need to protect business-critical applications like web and email, along with introducing anomaly detection.

Cisco SAUTO (300-735) for CCNP Security and Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Path learners will greatly benefit from this course.

This course will cover three broad Cisco product categories: Identity Services Engine (ISE) to centrally control network access, Stealthwatch which is a collection of products that passively monitors network flows, and the SMA (Security Management Appliance) used to manage web and email-specific security solutions.

This course assumes you already have a strong background in Python programming in both enterprise and security environments.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Centralizing Network Access Control with Cisco ISE

Visualizing Network Threats with Cisco Stealthwatch

Unifying Threat Response Actions with Cisco XDR

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores security techniques in network, endpoints, and applications, enhancing cyber defenses

Strengthens security measures by monitoring network flows for anomalies

Provides comprehensive control over network access and security responses

Teaches the implementation of Cisco security solutions, including ISE, Stealthwatch, and SMA

Assumes prior knowledge of Python programming, potentially limiting accessibility for beginners

Reviews summary

Automating cisco security with apis

According to learners, this course offers highly practical and current content for automating Cisco security solutions. Many found the hands-on labs and well-explained demos invaluable for cementing understanding of API integration across ISE, Stealthwatch, and SMA. It is considered a game-changer for security automation and perfectly aligns with the DevNet Professional track. However, prospective students should be aware it demands a strong Python programming background and prior Cisco security knowledge, as the pace is fast. Some also noted that lab environments can be resource-intensive or tricky to set up.

Relevant for CCNP Security and DevNet Professional paths.

"This course perfectly aligns with the DevNet Professional track."

"I definitely feel more confident in automating our security operations after this course."

"This course is incredibly relevant for anyone working with Cisco security. It immediately applied to my job."

Focuses on real-world automation scenarios using Cisco APIs.

"The integration of APIs to automate tasks across ISE, Stealthwatch, and SMA was eye-opening for me."

"This course provided very practical and current content. The focus on real-world automation scenarios using APIs was exactly what I needed."

"This course is a game-changer for automating security tasks. The explanations of pxGrid and REST APIs were top-notch."

Fast-paced lectures and challenging lab environments.

"The course has good information, but it moves very quickly."

"I found this course quite difficult to follow. The pace was too fast..."

"The labs were challenging but provided immense practical value."

"The labs were also a bit tricky to set up locally. It's a challenging course, so I had to prepare to put in the work."

Requires strong Python and existing Cisco security knowledge.

"Be warned, a strong Python background is truly essential; it's not a beginner course for coding."

"I struggled a bit with the Python examples, as my background isn't as strong as I thought it needed to be for this."

"The pace was too fast and the instructor assumed too much prior knowledge of both Cisco security products and advanced Python. I'd say it's not for someone still learning Python."

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 Automating Cisco Security Management Solutions Using APIs with these activities:

Python Programming Refresher

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Recall essential Python programming concepts for better comprehension and fluency in the context of the course.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Review fundamental Python syntax and data structures
Practice writing simple Python scripts and functions
Explore online tutorials and resources for additional reinforcement (optional)

Review the concepts of network security

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Strengthen your foundation in network security before taking the course, ensuring a better understanding of the course materials.

Browse courses on Network Security

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Revisit your notes or study materials from previous courses.
Review online resources or textbooks.

Python Programming Review

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Review Python programming concepts you may not have used recently, such as data structures and algorithms.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Review basic Python syntax and data structures.
Revisit the fundamentals of object-oriented programming in Python.
Practice solving common programming problems using Python.

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Join a study group for Cisco Security

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Collaborate with peers in a study group dedicated to Cisco Security, fostering knowledge exchange and reinforcing your understanding.

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Identify or start a study group.
Set regular meeting times and create a study schedule.
Discuss course materials and work on assignments together.

Attend a Cisco Security Day event

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Immerse yourself in the latest Cisco security technologies and innovations at a Cisco Security Day event, gaining valuable insights.

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Identify upcoming Cisco Security Day events.
Register for the event and attend the relevant sessions.

Follow an online tutorial on Cisco Stealthwatch

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Enhance your understanding of Cisco Stealthwatch by following an online tutorial, providing you with hands-on experience in application visibility.

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Identify a reputable online platform or instructor.
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your learning objectives.
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises.

Configure Cisco ISE for 802.1x authentication

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Practice configuring Cisco ISE for 802.1x authentication to strengthen your understanding of network access control.

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Gather the necessary equipment and software.
Configure your network infrastructure.
Deploy Cisco ISE and configure the necessary settings.
Test and troubleshoot your configuration.

Design and implement a security policy for Cisco SMA

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Reinforce your knowledge of Cisco SMA by creating a comprehensive security policy, ensuring the protection of your email and web applications.

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Gather requirements and conduct a risk assessment.
Design the security policy based on best practices.
Implement the policy using Cisco SMA.
Test and evaluate the effectiveness of the policy.

Participate in a Cisco Security Capture the Flag (CTF)

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Challenge your skills and knowledge in a Cisco Security CTF, simulating real-world security scenarios and enhancing your problem-solving abilities.

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Identify upcoming Cisco Security CTF events.
Register for the event and form a team.
Prepare for the CTF by reviewing relevant materials.
Participate in the CTF and solve the challenges.

Career center

Learners who complete Automating Cisco Security Management Solutions Using APIs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers lead the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, virtual private networks, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. This course may be useful for those looking to enhance their knowledge of Cisco security solutions, such as Stealthwatch and SMA, which are commonly used in enterprise network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for monitoring and analyzing security logs and events, investigating security incidents, and developing and implementing security policies and procedures. This course may help build a foundation for those looking to specialize in network security analysis, as it covers Cisco Stealthwatch, a tool used for detecting anomalies in network traffic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security solutions for cloud computing environments. As Stealthwatch has capabilities for monitoring cloud networks, this course may be useful for those looking to enhance their knowledge of Cisco security solutions in the cloud.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks, including routers, switches, and firewalls. This course may be useful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Cisco ISE, which is used for managing access to network resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data. This course may be useful for those looking to specialize in network security, as it covers Cisco solutions for monitoring and controlling network access and threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity Architects design and implement security solutions to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may be useful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Cisco security solutions, such as ISE and Stealthwatch, which are commonly used in enterprise cybersecurity architectures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect

IT Security Manager

IT Security Managers are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures, managing security budgets, and overseeing security audits. This course may be helpful for those looking to advance their careers in IT security management, as it covers Cisco solutions for managing network access, detecting threats, and securing applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager

Security Consultant

Security Consultants help organizations assess their security risks and develop and implement security solutions. Those looking to specialize in network security consulting may find this course useful, as it covers Cisco solutions for monitoring and controlling network access and threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Security Auditor

Security Auditors assess the security of an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may be useful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Cisco security solutions, such as ISE and Stealthwatch, which are commonly used in security audits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security solutions to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may help build a foundation for those looking to specialize in network security, as it covers Cisco solutions for monitoring and controlling network access and threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

CTOs are responsible for overseeing an organization's technology strategy and infrastructure. This course may be useful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Cisco security solutions, such as ISE and Stealthwatch, which are commonly used in enterprise technology architectures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

IT Manager

IT Managers plan and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. Those looking to specialize in IT security management may find this course useful, as it covers Cisco solutions for managing network access, detecting threats, and securing applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Network Architect

Network Architects design and implement computer networks. This course may be useful for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Cisco ISE, which is used for managing access to network resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

CISOs are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's overall security strategy. This course may be helpful for those looking to advance their careers in IT security leadership, as it covers Cisco solutions for managing network access, detecting threats, and securing applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

CEOs are responsible for the overall management and operation of an organization. Those looking to gain a broader understanding of cybersecurity and its impact on business may find this course useful, as it covers Cisco solutions for managing network access, detecting threats, and securing applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer (CEO)