IT Career Success

« Previous—Next »

Career Track on IT Security with Cisco

18 August 2006

Several years ago, network security was simply a specialization implemented by system administrators. Today, security has gone beyond network and played major roles in IT industry.

Due to all these sweeping changes we experienced in recent years, we are all sure that security will stay as the No.1 priority in IT system implementation, and the demand for security professionals will never die. Security is definitely the growth sector of the day. Thus, the security career track can be a highly remunerative direction.

Because Cisco dominates the network kingdom, anything related to network, such as security, can be influenced by Cisco in a big way. For an individual professional planning career on security field, Cisco security technology is the right choice.

Here’s is a common rule in IT career, - what ever you do, get certified. If you decide to put your career on focus of Cisco security, obtain Cisco security certifications. Cisco certification provides professional-level recognition in designing and implementing Cisco security solutions.

Cisco created this career path through the security certification program because the demand is high and Cisco has a great interest in securing the networks of their clients. With Cisco ranking among the top certification paths for great salaries and job stability, having the security path as part of your resume may prove to be one of the best decisions any IT professional could ever make.

To approach this path, you can check out Cisco certification’s requirements and find out what knowledge and skills are needed to work on the job, and then, do whatever you can to get these knowledge and skills as effectively as possible. Your goal is not only getting the certification credential, but also obtain the real skills. You can reach both goals by self-study, through training, and on-job practicing.

Cisco’s professional-level certifications provide a clear career path in the IT security market. They offer IT professionals the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary for designing and implementing end-to-end security solutions. Cisco certification program offers one flagship certification and three focused certifications in the security track:

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

Cisco Firewall Specialist

Cisco VPN Specialist and

Cisco IDS Specialist

The security certifications meet heightened customer and channel partner demand for knowledgeable network professionals who can design, build, and implement security solutions that include Cisco Secure networks. They are also part of Cisco’s security strategy to embed security throughout the network, making it a transparent, scalable, and manageable aspect of any business infrastructure.

The Cisco Certified Security Professional certification (CCSP) prepares an individual for a career in the IT security market. This certification provides network professionals with professional level recognition in designing and implementing Cisco secure networks. CCSP covers key areas of network security, including identity, firewalls, VPNs, intrusion-prevention systems and security management. CCSP certification is valid for three years.

CCSP recognizes the increased importance placed on today’s IT professionals who are responsible for developing business solutions and integrating security devices with the underlying network architectures. CCSP holders are actively involved in developing business solutions and designing and delivering multiple levels of security departments.

As a CCSP you will understand major networking protocols, procedures and how to integrate security devices with the underlying network. By obtaining all the knowledge and skills required for CCSP certification, you should be fully prepared to design and implement fully secure networks that will thoroughly protect any organization’s IT infrastructure.

The three focused certifications concentrate on the needs of individuals who want to pursue skills in specific areas of network security. These certifications enable individuals to achieve the highest level of technical knowledge and expertise in Cisco specific security technologies and solutions including intrusion detection, firewall and VPN. The focused certifications are valid for two years.

Cisco security professionals are required to demonstrate sound fundamental knowledge and skills on network systems. In fact, in order to obtain these certifications, you must have a valid CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) first in addition to taking and passing the corresponding exams.

In the workplace, you as a Cisco security professional are actively involved in designing comprehensive security solutions for businesses of all sizes. You must demonstrate your ability to secure a network using Cisco IOS Software, ACS, Cisco PIX Firewalls, the Cisco VPN 3000 Series Concentrator, IDS technologies and CiscoWorks VMS. You must be flexible to work within various environments, including IT department, enterprise security, or simply as a consultant.

No comments yet

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

Anti-spam word: (Required)*
To prove you're a person (not a spam script), type the security word shown in the picture.