CCNA Security vs CyberOps: A Careerist Guide
In the IT industry, security plays a crucial role and it is important to take it seriously when it comes to getting a certification. The leading figure, Cisco has provided both CCNA Security and CyberOps certifications as options to become a security specialist. But, what is the difference between these two?
The CCNA Security is an examination based on security which includes company hardware infrastructure. This infrastructure consists of switches, routers, and similar hardware. On the other hand, CCNA CyberOps is focused on securing websites and servers in case of unwanted access by hackers.
In this guide, I will discuss the similarities and differences between the two certifications provided by Cisco. Here, we are going to take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of CCNA Security and CyberOps, so you can decide which one you need.
CyberOps Has Higher Market Value
CCNA CyberOps certification is perfect for those who want to engage in cybersecurity since it is focused on the key concepts of hardware and software. However, this certification does not include too many details, and its focus is mainly on cyber attacks that happen in real-life scenarios. That is why CyberOps has a higher market value and it is ideal for those who want to fill in a junior analyst role in a SOC.
This certification provides deep insight into security operations and it leans towards security technologies and systems used to prevent intrusion. Also, it depicts the notions of monitoring and other hands-on technologies which are proven to be extraordinary for cybersecurity.
Furthermore, CyberOps points out to candidates the importance of noticing suspicious actions and the ways to determine the early signs of an attack in order to prevent it. The course is focused on computer forensics and helps in developing the skills of responding and handling incidents. It also teaches the principles on which cybersecurity is based, so the candidates can be prepared to manage a crisis successfully.
The new CyberOps exam has a strong emphasis on the concepts and analysis of security, therefore it allows the candidate to acquire adequate knowledge in security fundamentals.
On the other hand, once you obtain this certification, you cannot go further, i.e. the CyberOps is terminal on the study path. In other words, this exam is the furthest you can go in the security track. Therefore, the exam will not help you to continue your study process in the cybersecurity field.
CCNA Security Focuses On Network Devices
The CCNA Security certification is focused on security on network devices, and it provides the basics on how to protect them. It is leaned towards the skills and the knowledge that is needed to install, troubleshoot, and monitor security networks and hardware. Obtaining this certification will put you on the spot for a Cisco Certified Security Professional position.
The CCNA Security exam helps you in getting the required knowledge to work in the IT industry, and take your career to the next level with enhanced security skills. This certificate is considered the stepping stone for those who want to flourish in the IT career and become security specialists. Furthermore, it can help candidates to distinguish themselves from the competition and land themselves a great job position.
CCNA Security certificate helps in obtaining skills for further development, so you can continue your study progress and achieve the desired IT level. Unlike CyberOps, this certification is not terminal, therefore it opens more opportunities for further development.
Once you get your CCNA Security certification, you might consider getting a Cisco-specific role position. In other words, you can fill in positions of network engineers, specialists, administrators, or managers. The certificate qualifies you as an IT expert capable of designing physical security solutions based on the requirements of clients.
The tasks can vary, but they will be always focused on the security of the hardware and similar devices used in a certain company. This means that the CCNA Security does not qualify you as a competent expert for solving cyber attacks on websites and servers.
The CCNA Security covers the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity on websites. However, it does not go in-depth with these principles, so the certification will not make you competent in that field.
Exam Objectives
The objectives that CyberOps covers are security concepts and monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security policies and procedures.
Each of the objectives covers 20% of the exam, meaning that, for a person to pass, they need to know the basics of each. CyberOps was designed to focus on the insight of cybersecurity and to prepare the candidates for real-life scenarios.
Therefore, the exam does not go into the details of each objective. The purpose of this certification is to prepare the candidates to act in a case of a cyber incident, or to know how to prevent it altogether.
When it comes to the objectives of CCNA Security, it can be said that they are more specific and explained in detail. The CCNA Security is focused on securing networking devices, implementing firewall technologies and intrusion prevention, securing a local area network, and implementing virtual networks.
All of the objectives included in CCNA Security are aimed towards the security of hardware and devices, therefore they include long, specific explanations. Therefore, when studying for this exam, the preparation period lasts longer.
The Path Ahead
When it comes to the decision that you need to make, it all goes back to your necessities and priorities. It is smart to do thorough research before you decide which path to take, and discover more about these certifications.
The exam difficulty should not be a factor in your decision since the certificate you get will determine the career you will lead in the future. So, it is up to you to decide what kind of security expert you want to become, and what kind of job you want to land on.
Both CCNA Security and CyberOps certifications can be beneficial to your career. However, they have different objectives and those objectives determine the path and the development of your career. Therefore, it is smart to consider all of the options before making a decision.
