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Certified Network Defender (CND)

 

Certified Network Defender (CND) is a vendor-neutral, hands-on, instructor-led comprehensive network security certification training program. It is a skills-based, lab intensive program based on a job-task analysis and cybersecurity education framework presented by the National Initiative of Cybersecurity Education (NICE). The course has also been mapped to global job roles and responsibilities and the Department of Defense (DoD) job roles for system/network administrators. The course is designed and developed after extensive market research and surveys.

Why Join this Program

  • Industry-Relevant Skills: Gain practical, hands-on experience in securing and defending enterprise networks, aligned with current cybersecurity demands.

  • Global Recognition: The C|ND certification is ANSI/ANAB accredited and DoD 8570/8140 compliant, making it highly valued by employers worldwide.

  • Career Advancement: Opens doors to roles like Network Security Administrator, SOC Analyst, and Cybersecurity Specialist across various industries.

  • Comprehensive Learning Path: Covers a wide range of network defense concepts, including risk management, incident response, firewall configuration, and threat intelligence.

Corporate Training

For group registrations of greater than 10 or more candidates,
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Program Overview

The Certified Network Defender (C|ND) program, developed by EC-Council, is a comprehensive cybersecurity certification designed to equip IT professionals with the hands-on skills necessary to protect, detect, respond to, and predict network-based threats. The course focuses on building a strong foundation in network security practices, including security policy design and implementation, risk management, network traffic analysis, and incident response. It follows a structured framework based on the adaptive security strategy—Protect, Detect, Respond, and Predict—ensuring candidates are trained to defend networks proactively. This program is ideal for network administrators, security analysts, and anyone looking to advance their knowledge in network defense.

The C|ND certification is globally recognized, accredited by ANAB, and aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) directives, making it highly valuable for both public and private sector roles. Learners gain practical experience through real-world lab simulations, enhancing their ability to monitor networks, analyze threats, and apply countermeasures effectively. Upon completion, professionals can pursue roles such as Network Security Administrator, SOC Analyst, or Cybersecurity Technician, making this certification a vital step in building a career in cyber defense.

Key Features

  • Hands-On Lab-Based Training – Real-world simulations and practical labs prepare students to face real network security challenges.

  • Adaptive Security Strategy – Covers the Protect, Detect, Respond, and Predict approach for comprehensive defense.

  • Globally Recognized Certification – ANSI/ANAB accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570/8140 compliant).

  • Comprehensive Curriculum – Covers risk management, firewall configuration, VPNs, network traffic monitoring, and threat intelligence.

  • Mapped to Job Roles – Aligned with roles such as Network Administrator, Security Analyst, and SOC Analyst.

  • Access to C|ND iLabs – Cloud-based labs provide on-demand access for practice from anywhere.

  • Interactive Courseware – Includes video lectures, eBooks, and tools to support self-paced or instructor-led learning.

Learning Path

  • Introduction to Network Defense Security
    Understand foundational cybersecurity concepts and the need for network defense in modern organizations.

  • Network Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks
    Learn how to identify and analyze different types of threats and vulnerabilities affecting networks.

  • Network Security Controls, Protocols, and Devices
    Explore how firewalls, IDS/IPS, routers, switches, and secure protocols help protect networks.

  • Designing and Implementing Security Policies
    Gain skills to create, implement, and manage effective security policies and procedures.

  • Physical Security and Host Security
    Understand the importance of securing physical infrastructure and individual systems within a network.

  • Secure Firewall Configuration and VPN Implementation
    Hands-on labs in setting up and managing firewalls and virtual private networks.

  • Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis
    Use real-world tools to capture, monitor, and analyze network data for anomalies.

  • Incident Response and Forensics
    Learn how to respond to, investigate, and recover from network security incidents.

  • Threat Intelligence and Predictive Defense
    Understand how to collect and apply threat intelligence to proactively defend networks.

  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
    Study methods to ensure operational continuity and quick recovery after security breaches.

What Skills Will You Learn?

  • Network Security Fundamentals – Understand core concepts like network protocols, security topologies, and defense-in-depth strategies.

  • Risk Assessment and Management – Learn to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and implement mitigation strategies.

  • Security Policy Design and Implementation – Develop and enforce effective security policies and procedures for organizational networks.

  • Firewall and VPN Configuration – Gain hands-on experience in configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure VPNs.

  • Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis – Use tools to monitor, analyze, and respond to suspicious network activities.

  • Incident Response and Recovery – Handle security incidents effectively, including containment, eradication, and recovery processes.

  • Threat Intelligence Utilization – Learn to gather, analyze, and use threat intelligence to predict and prevent cyber attacks.

  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning – Ensure network resilience and continuity in the face of cyber incidents.

Jobs You Can Land with this  Certification:

  • Network Security Administrator

  • SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst

  • Cybersecurity Technician

  • Network Defense Technician

  • Security Analyst

  • IT Security Administrator

  • Cybersecurity Auditor

  • Information Security Analyst

Exam Details

Exam ComponentDetails
Exam TitleEC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND)
Exam Code312-38
Number of Questions100
Question FormatMultiple Choice
Duration4 Hours
Exam AvailabilityECC Exam Portal / Pearson VUE
Passing ScoreVaries (Typically ~70%, exact score set by EC-Council)
PrerequisitesBasic networking knowledge recommended
AccreditationANSI/ANAB and DoD 8570/8140 compliant

Exam Preparation

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