What is the Difference Between CCNA and CCNA Security?

In networking and information technology, certifications play a crucial role in validating professional skills and knowledge. The Difference Between CCNA and CCNA Security is important to understand as these are two of the most popular certifications from Cisco Systems. Cisco is a renowned provider of networking solutions that offers various certifications to individuals looking to build a successful career in this field.   

According to Allianz Risk Barometer 2022 report, out of all the surveyed companies, 57% saw an increase in ransomware attacks, and 57% of all respondents reported data breaches. As the threat landscape evolves, companies seek skilled individuals to build robust network security. In this blog, we will  distinguish the Difference Between CCNA and CCNA Security, including their scope, topics covered, career prospects, and overall differences. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is CCNA? 

2) What is CCNA Security? 

3) Key Difference Between CCNA and CCNA Security 

4) Topics in CCNA vs CCNA Security   

5) Difference in difficulty between CCNA and CCNA Security 

6) Career scope in CCNA vs CCNA Security 

7) Conclusion 

What is CCNA? 

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a foundational certification designed to understand networking principles, protocols, and technologies. CCNA is an excellent starting point for professionals or freshers who want to pursue a career in networking. A broad spectrum of topics is covered includes network fundamentals, IP addressing, routing and switching, LAN and WAN technologies, network security, and basic troubleshooting. It equips professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to design, build, and manage small to medium-sized networks.  

Professionals with CCNA certification are capable of configuring and operating network infrastructure, understanding network devices, implementing IP services and connectivity, and ensuring network security. CCNA is the entry-level certification usually taken by freshers and someone who wants to qualify for more advanced certifications like CCNP and CCIE. 

Learn how to support business- critical network switches and other essential skills to become Cisco Certified Network Associate with our CCNA Training (Cisco Certified Network Associate) course. 

What is CCNA Security? 

CCNA Security is a specialised certification offered by Cisco Systems focusing specifically on network security. It equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement network security measures and protect against potential cyber threats.  

The CCNA Security certification covers a range of topics related to securing network infrastructures, like secure network design principles, implementing security protocols, configuring firewalls, VPN (Virtual Private Network) technologies, intrusion prevention systems, and security policy implementation. You also gain an understanding of common security threats and vulnerabilities and learn how to mitigate them effectively.  

Professionals with CCNA Security certification are considered capable of addressing security risks, implementing security measures to protect networks and data, and responding to security incidents. This expertise in Network and Information Security sets CCNA Security apart from general networking certifications by focusing on specialised security skills. 

Key Difference Between CCNA and CCNA Security 

While both focus on networking and are offered by Cisco Systems, there are some differences. The difference in topics, career prospects and difficulty levels are the major differences that set them apart.

Topics in CCNA vs CCNA Security 

Since both are entry-level certifications, one of their significant differences lies in the topics covered within each certification. While CCNA provides a broad understanding of networking principles, CCNA Security focuses specifically on network security concepts and practices.  

CCNA Topics:  

1) Network Fundamentals: Covers the basics of networking, including protocols and addressing.  

2) Network Access: This section focuses on control methods, VLANs, wireless networks, and device security.  

3) IP Connectivity: This primarily covers IP-related topics like IP routing, routing protocols, and troubleshooting.  

4) IP Services: This focuses on DHCP, DNS, NAT, and QoS.  

5) Security Fundamentals: Covers the topics like common threats, security devices, and device hardening.  

6) Automation and Programmability: Provides an understanding of network automation tools and programmability concepts.  

CCNA Security Topics:  

1) Secure Network Infrastructure: Covers the implementation and configuration of firewalls, routers, switches and other network security devices.  

2) VPN Technologies: Explores Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), including types, protocols, encryption, and secure remote access.  

3) Security Policies and Procedures: Focuses on implementing and developing security standards, procedures and policies within an organisation.  

4) Access Control: Covers authentication, authorisation, and accounting (AAA) protocols, access control lists (ACLs), and secure network access.  

5) Threat Mitigation and Intrusion Prevention: Discusses common security threats, vulnerability assessments, and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).  

The topics covered in CCNA Security provide a deeper understanding of network security concepts, technologies, and practices compared to the broader networking knowledge gained through CCNA Syllabus.



 

Difference in difficulty between CCNA and CCNA Security 

When comparing the difficulty level of these two, it is essential to consider that both certifications require a solid understanding of networking concepts. However, CCNA Security is slightly more challenging due to its specialised focus on network security. 

Depth of security knowledge: CCNA Security delves deeper into security concepts and technologies, requiring a more comprehensive understanding of network security principles, protocols, and practices. This includes secure access control, VPN technologies, secure routing and switching, and firewall configurations.  

Security-specific configuration and troubleshooting: CCNA Security professionals are expected to have hands-on experience with configuring and troubleshooting security devices and technologies. This involves understanding and implementing security policies, access control mechanisms, VPN tunnels, and firewall rules.  

Rapidly evolving threat landscape: The field of network security constantly evolves with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging. CCNA Security requires staying updated with the latest security trends, attack techniques, and mitigation strategies to secure network infrastructures effectively.  

Despite the difficulty, both CCNA and CCNA Security certifications can be achieved with dedication, study, and practical experience. It is better to have a solid foundation in networking concepts before pursuing CCNA Security to grasp the security-specific topics covered fully. Understanding the importance of CCNA builds a strong foundation that helps in mastering CCNA Security topics.  

Enhance your networking knowledge and understand WAN/LAN connections with our Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 Training Course!. 

Career scope in CCNA vs CCNA Security 

Earning a certification in networking can open up numerous career opportunities. While both certifications are valuable in the domain of networking, they lead to different career paths due to their distinct focuses. Here are some popular career options for CCNA and CCNA Security illustrating the benefits of CCNA certification in paving the way for various roles within the industry. 

CCNA Career Options  

1) Network Administrator  

2) Network Technician  

3) Network Engineer  

4) Technical Support Engineer  

5) IT Manager  

6) Systems Engineer  

CCNA Security Careers  

1) Network Security Engineer  

2) Network Security Support  

3) Security Administrator  

4) Cybersecurity Analyst  

5) IT Manager

To gain a broader perspective, explore the differences between CCNA and CompTIA certifications. 

Conclusion 

The Difference Between CCNA and CCNA Security mainly arises in topics, career prospects and difficulty level. Both certifications offer valuable knowledge and skills in networking but with different areas of focus. When choosing between CCNA and CCNA Security, consider your career goals, interests, and the specific path you want to pursue. Whether you choose CCNA or CCNA Security, it should align with your career aspirations and provide a solid foundation for your professional growth in networking. 

Get started with your networking career with CCNA certifications and our host of CCNA Training Courses!