Launch your cybersecurity career — develop the entry-level job skills needed for a Junior Cybersecurity Analyst role across three comprehensive domains: Endpoint Security, Network Defense, and Cyber Threat Management.
Cybersecurity Essentials is a comprehensive, career-oriented course that equips learners with the foundational skills required for entry-level cybersecurity roles. Structured across three integrated domains, the course takes learners from core cybersecurity concepts — including cyber attacks, threat mitigation, and vulnerability analysis — through hands-on network defense techniques, access control, firewall configuration, and cryptography, all the way to threat intelligence, risk management, and digital forensics. Hands-on labs use Virtual Machines and Cisco Packet Tracer to develop critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. The course aligns with the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification.
Curriculum Chapters
Domain 1: Endpoint Security
- 1. Cybersecurity Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks
- 2. Securing Networks
- 3. Attacking the Foundation (TCP/IP Vulnerabilities)
- 4. Attacking What We Do (IP & Application Services)
- 5. Wireless Network Communication Devices
- 6. Network Security Infrastructure
- 7. The Windows Operating System
- 8. Linux Overview
- 9. System and Endpoint Protection
- 10. Cybersecurity Principles, Practices, and Processes
Domain 2: Network Defense
- 11. Understanding Defense
- 12. System and Network Defense
- 13. Access Control
- 14. Access Control Lists
- 15. Firewall Technologies
- 16. Zone-Based Policy Firewalls
- 17. Cloud Security
- 18. Cryptography
- 19. Technologies and Protocols
- 20. Network Security Data
- 21. Evaluating Alerts
Domain 3: Cyber Threat Management
- 22. Governance and Compliance
- 23. Network Security Testing
- 24. Threat Intelligence
- 25. Endpoint Vulnerability Assessment
- 26. Risk Management and Security Controls
- 27. Digital Forensics and Incident Analysis and Response
Course Details
Course Type: Instructor-led
Time: 70 Hours
Modules: 27
Labs: 75 practice activities including VM labs & Packet Tracer simulations
Prerequisites
Basic TCP/IP networking knowledge including network protocols, services, processes, and basic configuration of routers and switches. Completion of Introduction to Cybersecurity recommended.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: This course aligns with the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification. It prepares learners for entry-level roles including Junior Cybersecurity Analyst, Cybersecurity Technician, Cybersecurity Specialist, and Tier 1 Help Desk Support. The recommended next course is CyberOps Associate.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge. Share your verified achievement on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the Cybersecurity Essentials course. The holder of this student-level credential has foundational knowledge of cybersecurity, including the basics of network security, encryption, and cybersecurity laws. The holder has been introduced to tactics and techniques used by Black Hats, and the principles of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability used by White Hats to defend networks.