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Home > Archive > General Discussion > November 2003 > CCSP vs CISSP?
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| I understand you need 4 years of experience to attempt the CISSP? How about CCSP or CCNP, are there such pre requisites?
Would it be logical for me to pursue CCSP after CCNA if I am going into the security field? And then go for CISSP from there?
Or would it better for me to study CCNP and then go for CISSP? The topics covered in CCNP and CCSP are so different that I feel like I will be missing a big part in knowledge if I choose one of the two.
Thanks in advance!
Sincerely,
Brian | |
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| your experience?
network security without a thorough understanding of networking ( np knowledge ) is a joke...
you have to understand how data is move across the network first, then understand how to protect against those vulnerability...
in a structured environment, you will often find organizations to fill security staff from the network/server group depending on what aspect of security they are involve in...
the reason as stated, you have to understand the network inside out and the servers inside out, to protect it.
the curriculum for CCSP is very network centric, PIX and IOS firewall, VPN, IDS and an overview exam... which all require that you have a comprehensive understanding of the network.
CISSP would require you to have a working understanding of the political aspect of IT...
so... from reading your posts, you are currently a student... you have inquired about MCSE, CCNA, now CCSP/CISSP... my advice... pick anything and stick with it... whether you actually take the exam is irrelevant... anything you pick up to study will be an asset to you when you graduate to pursue a carreer... and unless the company you apply specifically need a certified individual to fulfill partnership requirement, none of the certification matter... so ... if it is a matter of spending your time studying for certification or for internsip, get an internship... IBM and other large company has comprehensive internship programs... they pay relative well... and while it is hard to get in, this is what matter when it come time for your first real time employment, not certifications when it may be clear that you have never seen an IDS setup before. | |
| DSComputers 2003-11-23, 5:38 pm |
| "network security without a thorough understanding of networking ( np knowledge ) is a joke...
you have to understand how data is move across the network first, then understand how to protect against those vulnerability..."
I couldn't agree with this more. After reading 2 security+ books, I decided I could probably pass the test with a bit more studying but didn't feel I really knew what the hell it all meant...and I think thats the most basic security test that exists. So I am now going for ccna(np/dp) instead/first.
My recommendation to you, ejoa, would be the same thing. Network+ for a basic understanding and then mcse and/or cisco ccna/np stuff before security...speaking in certs only.
Security is totally facinating to me, I hope to persue it later in life, but for someone at my and your levels its worthless. After some ccnp reading, I don't know how anybody could be good at security without that level of understanding or more.
Whats your major anyway? IMO, a security professional need to be able to code too, atleast a bit.
BTW, we have 3 network admins and 1 DBA where I work. The lead admin, with 8 years experience, me with about 4 (most being pc support unfortionately) and the other with 3. We outsource our security needs because none of us feel confident in handling something that important. | |
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| Thanks so much for your feedbacks. If you read my other posts, you will probably think that I am expanding things without focusing on one area. That is not true. I am just trying to write a plan for me to follow in the next few years and that is why I am in need of information in different areas. I have worked with computers since high school and have over 5 years in experience in computer hardware/software and networking. I have about 1 year of experience in Windows NT/2000 servers thanks to my two consulting clients who use Windows NT and 2000 servers on their network. I also have some basic knowledge in Checkpoint Firewall mainly because one of my clients use it in their business and I had to learn a bit to manage it.
I never bothered studying for certifications before because I felt like they were useless. I started "cert hunting" about 2 weeks ago and was able to pass the A+ exam and Network+ exam fairly easy.
I am currently going for MCSE 2000 and then maybe the emphasis on Security. Luckily I can apply the things I learn (self-study) at work and also at home using my small Windows 2000/2003 Lab. This makes it possible for me to self-study instead of taking courses.
I will be taking a training course in CCNA; however (mid December), because I feel like a strong starting point is important to pursue any further in something novel to me like Cisco. I could buy myself a book and two routers and self-study, but I would not have the hands-on experience but merely book knowledge. After my CCNA, I will finish pursuing my MCSE track and hopefully get an internship by next summer to get some hands-on experience mainly in Cisco. I will still be taking care of my clients (hopefully) just so that I don't forget or stop working on Microsoft Servers and networks.
Now I have decided to pursue CCNP hopefully after my internship since I will have a little bit more of experience than going straight into it after CCNA.
I am currently a 3rd Cognitive Science major @ UCLA and I know some C, C++, Perl, and CGI.
It's so expensive to take exams and buy books! I am going broke, it's not even funny 
Sincerely,
Brian | |
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| how would owning 2 cisco routers not get you any real world experience?? if you just read the book and have an 'understanding' of cisco IOS, but have never touched a router? yes, that is not having real world. playing and configuring one or 2 cisco routers in the comfort of your own home without having to use one in a rented lab environment, or in a classroom with 20 other people, is very valuable.
i am bieng mentored by a CCIE, and even though he has his own routers, im buying a few just so i can practice at home.... an environment where you can break/fix stuff is amazing....
good luck, you can do it if you set your mind to it..
Z |
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