| You don't need me to tell you that security is the | | | | October 2005, the final exam is scheduled to |
| #1 concern in today's networks. With that in mind, | | | | change from a VPN exam (CSVPN, Cisco Secure |
| your career path must include some security | | | | Virtual Private Networks) to Securing Hosts Using |
| certifications, or you will be left behind.Cisco's | | | | Cisco Security Agent (HIPS). If you're just getting |
| Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) | | | | started on the CCSP track, you'll be taking the |
| certification demands a candidate be well-rounded | | | | HIPS exam. (Insert your own joke here.)The |
| and well-versed in Cisco security measures. | | | | CCSP is valid for three years; to recertify, you'll |
| Besides the difficultly we've all come to expect | | | | need to pass the 642-541 CSI exam or any CCIE |
| from a Cisco exam, this five-exam path covers | | | | written exam. As always, this is subject to |
| every major aspect of network security (from | | | | change, and you should bookmark Cisco's Learning |
| Cisco's viewpoint, anyway!)You must hold a valid | | | | page (found off the main Cisco webpage) to |
| CCNA certification to earn your CCSP. | | | | make sure you're aware of the latest changes to |
| Typically, the first exam CCSP candidates take is | | | | Cisco certification and recertification |
| Securing Networks With Cisco Routers An | | | | requirements.Not only must you know how to |
| Switches (SNRS), followed by Securing Cisco | | | | secure your network, you also need to secure |
| Network Devices (SND). After you've nailed these | | | | your current job and the possibilities for your |
| two exams, which obviously focus on devices | | | | future. By pursuing and obtaining the CCSP, you |
| more familiar to CCNAs and CCNPs, you'll be | | | | will do all three at once.Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, |
| faced with three exams that are more specific to | | | | is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of |
| Cisco security devices.Your PIX knowledge will be | | | | free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate |
| tested with the Securing Networks With PIX and | | | | CCNA Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study |
| ASA (SNPA) exam, followed by the Implementing | | | | Packages. |
| Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) exam.In | | | | |