The Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) designation indicates advanced knowledge of securing Cisco networks.  With a CCSP, a network professional can secure and manage network infrastructures to protect productivity and reduce costs.  The CCSP curriculum emphasizes secure VPN management, Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM), PIX firewall, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), and techniques to combine these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution.

This new career certification provides professional-level recognition in designing and implementing Cisco security solutions.  Because these security professionals understand major networking protocols, procedures, and how to integrate security devices with the underlying network, they are prepared to build secure networks that protect an organization's IT investments.

Candidates for the CCSP are most likely to be actively involved in developing business solutions and designing and delivering multiple levels of security for underlying network architectures.  They may work in IT departments or security departments, or as systems integrators or consultants.  Through trained personnel, Cisco security certifications help provide companies with a safety-net for e-commerce infrastructures.

Candidates can prepare for certification exams via a suite of courses offered by Ascolta including:

• Instructor-led and e-learning courses
• Hands-on skills development in Internet-enabled remote labs

Overall, Cisco certifications validate an individual's achievement, so it increases the holder's professional credibility by ensuring high standards of technical expertise.

In particular, the CCSP certification recognizes an individual's ability to secure VPN management, Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM), PIX firewall, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), and techniques to combine these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution.

A CCSP can:

• Design end-to-end network security solutions using the Cisco SAFE Blueprint
• Use Cisco security devices and technologies to implement a defense-in-depth strategy
• Manage network security for maximum productivity