Certified Network Defender (CND)

I. Overview:

Certified Network Defender (CND) is a vendor-neutral, hands-on, instructor-led network security certification training program. This skills-based, lab-intensive program is grounded in job-task analysis and the cybersecurity education framework presented by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). The course aligns with global job roles and responsibilities, including Department of Defense (DoD) roles for system and network administrators. Developed after extensive market research and surveys, the program aims to equip network administrators with comprehensive knowledge of network security technologies and operations, achieving Defense-in-Depth network security preparedness.

The CND course adopts a protect, detect, and respond approach to network security, featuring hands-on labs with major network security tools and techniques. This practical experience provides network administrators with real-world expertise in current network security technologies and operations. The study kit includes over 10 GB of network security best practices, assessments, protection tools, templates for various network policies, and numerous white papers for further learning.

II. Duration:

40 hours

III. Intended Audience:

  • Network Administrators
  • Network Security Administrators
  • Network Security Engineers
  • Network Defense Technicians
  • CND Analysts
  • Security Analysts
  • Security Operators
  • Anyone involved in network operations

IV. Course Outlines:

  1. Module 01: Computer Network and Defense Fundamentals
  2. Module 02: Network Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks
  3. Module 03: Network Security Controls, Protocols, and Devices
  4. Module 04: Network Security Policy Design and Implementation
  5. Module 05: Physical Security
  6. Module 06: Host Security
  7. Module 07: Secure Firewall Configuration and Management
  8. Module 08: Secure IDS Configuration and Management
  9. Module 09: Secure VPN Configuration and Management
  10. Module 10: Wireless Network Defense
  11. Module 11: Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis
  12. Module 12: Network Risk and Vulnerability Management
  13. Module 13: Data Backup and Recovery
  14. Module 14: Network Incident Response and Management