Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Certified Network Defender (CND)
The Certified Network Defender (CND) is a vendor-neutral, hands-on certification program designed to prepare network administrators to detect, protect, and respond to network security threats. Developed using a job-task analysis and aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, the course focuses on real-world, practical skills needed to secure and defend networks.
Who It’s For:
This course is ideal for network administrators, IT professionals, cybersecurity technicians, and anyone responsible for network infrastructure security. It’s also suitable for individuals seeking to build a career in network defense or enhance their existing cybersecurity skill set.
What You’ll Learn:
Participants will gain expertise in network security controls, protocols, perimeter appliances, secure IDS, VPNs, firewalls, and more. The course emphasizes risk assessment, vulnerability management, and incident response strategies.
Course Outline:
Network Attacks and Defense Strategies
Administrative Network Security
Technical Network Security
Network Perimeter Security
Endpoint Security – Windows Systems
Endpoint Security – Linux Systems
Endpoint Security – Mobile Devices
Administrative Application Security
Data Security
Enterprise Wireless Network Security
Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis
Network Logs Monitoring and Analysis
Incident Response and Forensic Investigation
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Risk Anticipation with Risk Management
Threat Assessment with Attack Surface Analysis
Threat Prediction with Cyber Threat Intelligence
Why It’s Valuable for Federal Employees and Contractors:
The CND certification is aligned with the NIST NICE Framework and supports federal cybersecurity workforce development goals. It equips federal employees and contractors with the skills to proactively defend networks, manage risks, and respond to incidents—critical capabilities in government and defense environments.
Delivery Formats:
The CND program is available in multiple formats: In-Person Training, Online Self-Paced, and Online Instructor-Led.
Course Overview
none
Learning Objectives
understand network security concepts and architecture
Identify and mitigate network threats and vulnerabilities
Implement network security controls and policies
Perform risk assessment and vulnerability management
Monitor and analyze network traffic and logs
Respond to and recover from network security incidents
Secure endpoints, wireless networks, and mobile devices
Apply data and application security best practices
Understand business continuity and disaster recovery planning
Use threat intelligence for proactive defense
Framework Connections
The materials within this course focus on the NICE Framework Task, Knowledge, and Skill statements identified within the indicated NICE Framework component(s):
Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback on this course, please e-mail the NICCS team at NICCS@mail.cisa.dhs.gov. Please keep in mind that NICCS does not own this course or accept payment for course entry. If you have questions related to the details of this course, such as cost, prerequisites, how to register, etc., please contact the course training provider directly. You can find course training provider contact information by following the link that says “Visit course page for more information...” on this page.