Computer security is one of the most important things a business has to consider. If your computer network isn't secure, your information assets are at risk. You are vulnerable to industrial espionage, sabotage, and even simple hacking. To ensure your computer network is secure and your information assets safe, get Cisco training for your computer security staff. While there are other security certifications you can consider, Cisco certification is in many ways the industry standard in network security certifications.

There are three ways you can get CCSP certification for your IT staff:

1. Send your IT staff to CCSP boot camp for a quick and intensive learning experience.

2. Examine CCSP self-study courses and training materials for your IT staff.

3. Consider formal learning opportunities in which your employee can become a Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP).

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bring your staff up to speed rapidly with CCNP boot camp programs

Boot camps provide a fast track where IT professionals can learn what they need to know in order to pass the CCSP examinations. These boot camps typically run one to two weeks, and usually require full-time participation.

I recommend: Unitek Education offers a CCSP boot camp. It is 132 hours of hands-on instructor-led training and provides your staff with the CCSP exam preparation that they need. CDI Communications offers a 14-day CCSP program designed for the professional who already possesses the CCNA.

Network security staff can use self-study materials to get CCSP training in a less formal way

Book-, video- and computer-based training programs are an excellent way to bring your IT staff up to speed on the latest in network security. They can get CCNP information from a variety of sources, providing them with a broad spectrum of knowledge that they wouldn't get from just a single vendor or from the CCSP boot camp experience.

I recommend: K Alliance offers CD-based and Internet-based computer training for CCSP certification. This can be a great way for your staff to get CCSP info in their spare work time. Cisco Press offers a number of CCSP books to help your IT staff become CCSP certified.

Offer employees formal education as a benefit to your business and their career

CCSP certification isn't the only education your IT staff needs. If your company already offers a tuition reimbursement plan, you can incorporate CCSP certification and training into a more formal education process.

I recommend: Western Governors University is a regionally-accredited university that offers CCSP training. Technical schools like ITT Technical Institute may offer the CCSP as part of a degree program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The CCNA certification is a prerequisite for the CCSP certification. If your computer security staff doesn't already have the CCNA, they will need to earn this certification before they can do the CCSP exam.