Cisco University: Elevate Your Cybersecurity, Network Security, Forensics, and Incident Response Skills

In my three-decade-long career, I have had the privilege of undergoing extensive training in various aspects of cybersecurity, network security, and computer forensics. With numerous certifications and over 900 hours of specialized training from the NSA and the National Cryptographic School (NCS), and more than 600 hours from the FBI and the FBI Academy in Computer Forensics, I have always been committed to staying at the forefront of this ever-evolving field. As a result, I’ve found that to be successful in cybersecurity, it is crucial to remain committed to continuous learning and stay aware of industry developments. That’s why I recently completed a course that stands out as one of the best I have ever taken: “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” at Cisco University. I’d like to share my thoughts with you about the value it has added to skills set, and can add to yours as well.

The Cisco University experience

First off, Cisco University offers a plethora of courses designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in various networking, security domains, forensics, incident response and more. The great thing is you can join “Cisco U” for free, and they offer a massive amount of free courses offerings. So, you can dive right in without any expense. And although some courses do involve a fee, I have found they are well worth the expense.

Cisco University’s “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” course was particularly exceptional. I learned so much. Despite the early mornings and late nights working around my day job, the experience was incredibly rewarding. The course was definitely challenging, but the knowledge and skills I gained were well worth the effort.

Why Cisco University training is Worth your time

Having accumulated a significant amount of training and certifications over the years, I can confidently say that Cisco University training programs are unparalleled. The “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” course utilized Cisco’s security portfolio in a Security Operations Center (SOC) environment, making the learning experience both real and hands-on. This practical approach is what sets Cisco University training apart from others.

Cisco University provides engaging labs and learning through Cisco dCloud. The dCloud lab provided an unparalleled hands-on experience that helped bridge the gap between my theoretical knowledge and practical Security Operation Center (SOC) applications, playbook, and processes using the powerful Cisco Security Portfolio tools that Cisco uses in their SOC.

Cisco dCloud provided a dynamic, cloud-based platform where I was able to
access a wide array of preconfigured virtual environments tailored to both
the course content and the various Cisco security technologies and solutions.

This immersive learning environment allowed me to experiment with real-world
scenarios during the course, troubleshoot issues, and implement real security and
incident response solutions in a risk-free setting.

The virtual classroom instruction was fantastic, but by leveraging Cisco dCloud, I had the ability to gain invaluable experience that enhanced my understanding of complex concepts. The course prepared me for real-world challenges and will definitely help me in my everyday job.

My advice after taking this class is, whether you’re a seasoned security professional or new to the field, the interactive classes and labs on Cisco dCloud at Cisco University are an essential resource for deepening your expertise and staying ahead of adversaries with cybersecurity and incident response technologies.

Course highlights: Performing CyberOPS using Cisco security technologies

The course offered by Cisco University covered a wide range of topics essential for anyone involved in cybersecurity operations. The best part was that I got to use our great Cisco Security portfolio. Here are some of the key areas covered in the class that helped expand my skills set.

Threat hunting and incident response

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat hunting and incident response involve proactively searching for and identifying potential security threats within an organization’s network (threat hunting) and systematically addressing and mitigating security incidents when they occur (incident response). Threat hunting aims to uncover hidden threats that may have bypassed automated defenses, while incident response focuses on containing, eradicating, and recovering from detected security breaches. Together, these practices enhance an organization’s ability to detect, respond to, and prevent cyber threats effectively.

Performing CyberOPS using Cisco security technologies

What I learned at Cisco University: Performing CyberOPS using Cisco security technologies involved leveraging Cisco’s suite of security tools and solutions to conduct cybersecurity operations and incident response. This included monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to security threats within an organization’s network. Utilizing Cisco’s advanced technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms and XDR, enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of cybersecurity efforts, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.

Performing incident investigations and response

What I learned at Cisco University: Performing incident investigations and response involved systematically examining security incidents to determine their cause, scope, and impact, followed by taking appropriate actions to mitigate and resolve the issue. This process included identifying the affected systems, collecting and analyzing evidence, containing the threat, eradicating the root cause, and recovering normal operations. I learned that effective incident investigations and response are crucial for minimizing damage, preventing recurrence, and improving an organization’s overall security posture.

Threat hunting basics

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat hunting basics involve the proactive search for cyber threats that may have evaded existing security defenses. This process includes using advanced techniques and tools to identify unusual patterns, behaviors, and indicators of compromise within an organization’s network. The goal is to detect and mitigate threats before they can cause significant harm. Mastery of these basics is essential for enhancing an organization’s security posture and staying ahead of potential attackers.

Threat investigations

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat investigations involve the systematic process of examining and analyzing potential security threats to determine their nature, origin, and impact. This includes gathering and analyzing data, identifying indicators of compromise, and understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors. The goal is to uncover the full scope of the threat, mitigate its effects, and prevent future incidents. Effective threat investigations are crucial for maintaining an organization’s security and resilience against cyberattacks.

Malware forensics basics

What I learned at Cisco University: Malware forensics basics involve the fundamental techniques and methodologies used to analyze and investigate malicious software (malware). This includes identifying, isolating, and examining malware to understand its behavior, origin, and impact. The goal is to uncover how the malware operates, what it targets, and how it can be mitigated or removed. Mastery of these basics is essential for effectively responding to and recovering from malware incidents.

Performing security analytics and reports in a SOC

What I learned at Cisco University: Performing security analytics and reports in a SOC involves analyzing security data to identify trends, detect anomalies, and uncover potential threats. This process includes using advanced analytical tools and techniques to interpret data from various sources, such as network traffic, logs, and threat intelligence feeds. The findings are then compiled into comprehensive reports that provide insights into the organization’s security posture, helping to inform decision-making and improve overall security strategies.

Threat research and threat intelligence practices

What I learned at Cisco University: Threat research and threat intelligence practices involve the systematic study and analysis of cyber threats to gather actionable information about potential and existing security risks. This includes identifying threat actors, understanding their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and monitoring emerging threats. The insights gained are used to inform and enhance an organization’s security posture, enabling proactive defense measures and more effective incident response.

Implementing threat tuning

What I learned at Cisco University: Implementing threat tuning involves adjusting and optimizing security tools and systems to improve their accuracy in detecting and responding to threats. This process includes fine-tuning detection rules, filters, and thresholds to reduce false positives and ensure that genuine threats are identified promptly. Effective threat tuning enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of a SOC by ensuring that security alerts are relevant and actionable.

Investigating endpoint appliance logs

What I learned at Cisco University: Investigating endpoint appliance logs involves analyzing the log data generated by endpoint devices, such as computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices, to identify and understand security events and incidents. This process helps in detecting anomalies, tracking malicious activities, and gathering evidence for incident response. Effective log investigation is crucial for maintaining endpoint security and ensuring the integrity and safety of an organization’s network.

SOC operations and processes

What I learned at Cisco University: SOC operations and processes encompass the day-to-day activities and workflows carried out within a SOC to monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats. These processes include threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring of an organization’s IT environment. Effective SOC operations and processes are critical for maintaining robust security, minimizing the impact of security incidents, and ensuring the overall protection of an organization’s digital assets.

Understanding SOC development and deployment models

What I learned at Cisco University: SOC development and deployment models refer to the strategies and frameworks used to design, implement, and manage a SOC. This includes determining the SOC’s structure, operational processes, technology stack, and staffing requirements. Understanding these models is essential for creating an effective SOC that can efficiently monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats, tailored to the specific needs and resources of an organization.

Understanding APIs

What I learned at Cisco University: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. APIs enable the integration of various systems and services, facilitating data exchange and functionality sharing. Understanding APIs is crucial for developing, managing, and securing applications, as they play a key role in enabling interoperability and enhancing the capabilities of software solutions.

Understanding cloud service model security

What I learned at Cisco University: Cloud service model security involves the strategies and practices used to protect data, applications, and infrastructure associated with different cloud service models—such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each model has unique security requirements and responsibilities shared between the cloud service provider and the customer. Understanding these security measures is essential for ensuring data privacy, compliance, and protection against cyber threats in cloud environments.

Understanding analytical processes and Playbooks

What I learned at Cisco University: Analytical processes in cybersecurity involve systematically examining data to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential threats. These processes use various techniques, such as data mining, statistical analysis, and machine learning, to transform raw data into actionable insights. Understanding these processes is crucial for making informed decisions, improving threat detection, and enhancing overall security posture. Playbooks in cybersecurity are predefined, step-by-step guides that outline the procedures and best practices for responding to specific types of security incidents or threats. They provide a standardized approach to incident response, ensuring that actions are consistent, efficient, and effective. Playbooks help streamline operations, reduce response times, and improve coordination among security teams.

Understanding risk management and SOC operations

What I learned at Cisco University: Risk management in cybersecurity involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential threats to an organization’s information assets. It includes implementing strategies to mitigate or manage these risks to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Effective risk management helps organizations minimize the impact of security incidents and maintain business continuity. SOC operations refer to the processes and activities carried out within a SOC to monitor, detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time. SOC operations involve the use of advanced tools and technologies to ensure continuous surveillance of an organization’s IT infrastructure, enabling rapid incident response and threat mitigation to protect against cyberattacks.

Wrapping up: Final thoughts on Cisco University

If you are looking to elevate your cybersecurity, network security, forensics and/or incident response skills, Cisco University is the place to go. The “Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies” course is a great example of the high-quality training that Cisco offers. It is challenging, rewarding, and incredibly informative. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about advancing their career in this very complex field.

Investing your time and effort in Cisco University training is undoubtedly worth it. The skills and knowledge you gain will not only enhance your professional capabilities but also prepare you to tackle all the hard challenges in the cybersecurity and computer forensics fields.

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