International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
Certified Network Defender (CND)
Credential: Certified Network Defender (CND)
Credentialing Agency: International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), Certified Network Defender (CND) certification program focuses on creating Network Administrators who are trained to protect against, detect, and respond to network threats. Network administrators are typically familiar with network components, traffic, performance and utilization, network topology, location of each system, security policy, etc. CNDs demonstrate fundamental understanding of the true construct of data transfer, network technologies, software technologies, network operations, what software is automating and how to analyze the subject material. Candidates must meet training or experience requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Network Defender (CND)
Attainability: 
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 2 years
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.
To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
Renewal Period: 3 years
- Continuing Education
- Exam
- Continuing Education OR Exam
- Fee
- Other
International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
101C Sun Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: 1-844-662-3509
Email: Johanna.pirolo@eccouncil.org
Option 1:
Candidate must have completed "Official” training through an EC-Council Authorized Training Center (ATC). Accepted “Official” training solutions: Instructor-Led (ILT) or Academic Learning.
Option 2:
In order to be considered for the EC-Council certification exam without attending official training, candidate must have at least two years of work experience in the Information Security domain.
The Certified Network Defender (CND) credential has the following other requirements:
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Prior to attempting the exam, candidate required to AGREE to the following terms found in the Candidate Handbook:
- EC-Council Non-Disclosure Agreement terms
- EC-Council Candidate Application Agreement terms
- EC-Council Candidate Certification Agreement terms
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The age requirement for attending the training or attempting the exam is restricted to any candidate that is at least 18 years old. However, an exception is possible if candidate provides the accredited training center/EC-Council a written consent of a parent/legal guardian and a supporting letter from an institution of higher learning. Only candidate from nationally accredited institution of higher learning shall be considered.
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Computer Network and Defense Fundamentals (5%)
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Understanding computer network
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Describing OSI and TCP/IP network Models
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Comparing OSI and TCP/IP network Models
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Understanding different types of networks
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Describing various network topologies
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Understanding various network components
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Explaining various protocols in TCP/IP protocol stack
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Explaining IP addressing concept
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Understanding Computer Network Defense(CND)
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Describing fundamental CND attributes
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Describing CND elements
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Describing CND process and Approaches
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Network Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks (5%)
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Understanding threat, attack, and vulnerability
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Discussing network security concerns
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Reasons behind network security concerns
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Effect of network security breach on business continuity
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Understanding different types of network threats
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Understanding different types of network security vulnerabilities
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Understanding different types of network attacks
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Describing various network attacks
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Network Security Controls, Protocols, and Devices (8%)
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Understanding fundamental elements of network security
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Explaining network access control mechanism
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Understanding different types of access controls
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Explaining network Authentication, Authorization and Auditing (AAA) mechanism
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Explaining network data encryption mechanism
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Describing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
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Describing various network security protocols
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Describing various network security devices
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Network Security Policy Design and Implementation (6%)
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Understanding security policy
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Need of security policies
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Describing the hierarchy of security policy
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Describing the characteristics of a good security policy
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Describing typical content of security policy
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Understanding policy statement
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Describing steps for creating and implementing security policy
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Designing of security policy
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Implementation of security policy
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Describing various types of security policy
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Designing of various security policies
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Discussing various information security related standards, laws and acts
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Physical Security (6%)
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Understanding physical security
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Need of physical security
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Factors affecting physical security
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Describing various physical security controls
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Understanding choosing Fire Fighting Systems
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Describing various access control authentication techniques
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Understanding workplace security
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Understanding personnel security
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Describing Environmental Controls• Describing Environmental Controls
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Importance of physical security awareness and training
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Host Security (7%)
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Understanding host security
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Understanding need of securing individual hosts
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Understanding threats specific to hosts
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Identifying paths to host threats
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Purpose of host before assessment
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Describing host security baselining
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Describing OS security baselining
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Understanding and describing security requirements for different types of servers
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Understanding security requirements for hardening of routers
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Understanding security requirements for hardening of switches
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Understanding data security at rest, motion and use
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Understanding virtualization security
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Secure Firewall Configuration and Management (8%)
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Understanding firewalls
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Understanding firewall security concerns
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Describing various firewall technologies
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Describing firewall topologies
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Appropriate selection of firewall topologies
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Designing and configuring firewall ruleset
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Implementation of firewall policies
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Explaining the deployment and implementation of firewall
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Factors to considers before purchasing any firewall solution
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Describing the configuring, testing and deploying of firewalls
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Describing the managing, maintaining, administrating firewall implementation
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Understanding firewall logging
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Measures for avoiding firewall evasion
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Understanding firewall security best practices
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Secure IDS Configuration and Management (8%)
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Understanding different types of intrusions and their indications
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Understanding IDPS
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Importance of implementing IDPS
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Describing role of IDPS in network defense
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Describing functions, components, and working of IDPS
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Explaining various types of IDS implementation
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Describing staged deployment of NIDS and HIDS
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Describing fine-tuning of IDS by minimizing false positive and false negative rate
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Discussing characteristics of good IDS implementation
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Discussing common IDS implementation mistakes and their remedies
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Explaining various types of IPS implementation
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Discussing requirements for selecting appropriate IDSP product
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Technologies complementing IDS functionality
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Secure VPN Configuration and Management (6%)
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Understanding Virtual Private Network (VPN) and its working
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Importance of establishing VPN
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Describing various VPN components
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Describing implementation of VPN concentrators and its functions
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Explaining different types of VPN technologies
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Discussing components for selecting appropriate VPN technology
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Explaining core functions of VPN
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Explaining various topologies for implementation of VPN• Explaining various topologies for implementation of VPN
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Discussing various VPN security concerns
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Discussing various security implications for to ensure VPN security and performance
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Wireless Network Defense (6%)
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Understanding wireless network
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Discussing various wireless standards
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Describing various wireless network topologies
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Describing possible use of wireless networks
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Explaining various wireless network components
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Explaining wireless encryption (WEP, WPA,WPA2) technologies
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Describing various authentication methods for wireless networks
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Discussing various types of threats on wireless networks
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Creation of inventory for wireless network components
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Appropriate placement of wireless AP
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Appropriate placement of wireless antenna
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Monitoring of wireless network traffic
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Detection and locating of rogue access points
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Prevention of wireless network from RF interference
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Describing various security implications for wireless network
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Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis (9%)
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Understanding network traffic monitoring
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Importance of network traffic monitoring
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Discussing techniques used for network monitoring and analysis
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Appropriate position for network monitoring
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Connection of network monitoring system with managed switch
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Understanding network traffic signatures
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Baselining for normal traffic
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Disusing the various categories of suspicious traffic signatures
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Various techniques for attack signature analysis
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Understanding Wireshark components, working and features
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Demonstrating the use of various Wireshark filters
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Demonstrating the monitoring LAN traffic against policy violation
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Demonstrating the security monitoring of network traffic
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Demonstrating the detection of various attacks using Wireshark
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Discussing network bandwidth monitoring and performance improvement
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Network Risk and Vulnerability Management (9%)
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Understanding risk and risk management
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Key roles and responsibilities in risk management
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Understanding Key Risk Indicators (KRI) in risk management
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Explaining phase involves in risk management
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Understanding enterprise network risk management
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Describing various risk management frameworks
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Discussing best practices for effective implementation of risk management
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Understanding vulnerability management
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Explaining various phases involve in vulnerability management
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Understanding vulnerability assessment and its importance
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Discussing requirements for effective network vulnerability assessment
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Discussing internal and external vulnerability assessment
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Discussing steps for effective external vulnerability assessment
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Describing various phases involve in vulnerability assessment
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Selection of appropriate vulnerability assessment tool
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Discussing best practices and precautions for deploying vulnerability assessment tool
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Describing vulnerability reporting, mitigation, remediation and verification
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Data Backup and Recovery (9%)
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Understanding data backup
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Describing the data backup plan
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Describing the identification of data to backup
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Determining the appropriate backup medium for data backup
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Understanding RAID backup technology and its advantages
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Describing RAID architecture
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Describing various RAID levels and their use
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Selection of appropriate RAID level
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Understanding Storage Area Network (SAN) backup technology and its advantages
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Best practices of using SAN
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Understanding Network Attached Storage (NAS) backup technology and its advantages
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Describing various types of NAS implementation
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Network Incident Response and Management (8%)
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Understanding Incident Handling and Response (IH&R)
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Roles and responsibilities of Incident Response Team (IRT)
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Describing role of first responder
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Describing first response activities for network administrators
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Describing Incident Handling and Response (IH&R) process
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Understanding forensic investigation
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People involved in forensics investigation
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Describing forensics investigation methodology
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Network Defense Management (10%)
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Network Attacks and Defense Strategies
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Administrative Network Security
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Network Perimeter Protection (16%)
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Technical Network Security
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Network Perimeter Security
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Endpoint Protection (15%)
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Endpoint SecurityWindows Systems
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Endpoint SecurityLinux Systems
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Endpoint SecurityMobile Devices
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Endpoint Security-IoT Devices
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Application and Data Protection (13%)
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Administrative Application Security
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Data Security
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Enterprise Virtual, Cloud, and Wireless Network Protection (12%)
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Enterprise Virtual Network Security
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Enterprise Cloud Network Security
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Enterprise Wireless Network Security
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Incident Detection (14%)
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Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis
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Network Logs Monitoring and Analysis
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Incident Response (10%)
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Incident Response and Forensic Investigation
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Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
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Incident Prediction (10%)
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Risk Anticipation with Risk Management
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Threat Assessment with Attack Surface Analysis
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Threat Prediction With Cyber Threat Intelligence
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Network Defender (CND) examination:
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the
Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Certified Network Defender (CND) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
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Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendors:
Pearson VUE
The test centers are located in the U.S.
They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
ProctorU
The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the ProctorU website:
Certified Network Defender (CND)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The Certified Network Defender (CND) credential has the following recertification information:
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The CND credential is valid for a three-year period but can be renewed each period by successfully earning EC-Council Continued Education (ECE) credits. Certified members will have to achieve a total of 120 credits (per certification) within a period of three years.
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Note: Marine Corps COOL will only pay recertification fees for the current year, no arrears will be paid.
Voucher requests for recertification fees must be submitted with proof of the current status of the certification (for example, a screen shot of your
credentialing agency dashboard or a copy of a current fee receipt).
MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
This is an official U.S. Marine Corps website
Updated: March 31, 2021
Marine Occupations Table Legend
Related As
The military occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of three ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will most likely require additional education, training, or experience.
COOL$
Contact usmccool@navy.mil or call 850-452-6337/6583 for a Marine Corps COOL Program Analyst.
Federal Occupations Table Legend
Related As
The federal occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of three ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the federal occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the federal occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this federal occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will most likely require additional education, training, or experience.
Civilian Occupations Table Legend
Bright Outlook
The Bright Outlook icon indicates that new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job. Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move For Veterans State Map.
Registered Apprenticeship
The Registered Apprenticeship icon indicates that this job has an apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Click the links in this column to go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities
Local Salary Information
Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move for Veterans web site to view salary and employment information for the job.
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