Managing Cisco Network Security

Cisco authorized self-study book for network security foundation learning

• Master technology concepts and security services to protect your network
• Develop and implement a network security policy
• Configure Cisco routers to secure the network environment by controlling SNMP access, routing updates, network traffic, and Ethernet switch port and access security
• Understand the AAA architecture and configure the network access server for AAA, CiscoSecure ACS, and TACACS+
• Secure Internet connections by creating a perimeter security system with Cisco routers
• Configure a variety of features of the PIX Firewall, including access control, multiple interfaces, AAA, PPTP support, Java applet blocking, URL and FTP filtering, SNMP and syslog support, redundancy, and maintenance
• Understand Cisco Encryption Technology and the steps you must follow to configure it on Cisco routers
• Learn how to use IPSec protocols to create a secure VPN and scale IPSec networks to support multiple IPSec peers

While the benefits of the information revolution are enormous, so too are the risks you take when offering products, services, and information to your customers, employees, and business partners via your network. Now more than ever, taking the proper steps to ensure the integrity of your network is critical for protecting your most valuable asset: your data. Even so, most corporate and government networks are vulnerable to attack. Managing Cisco Network Security teaches you how to install, configure, operate, manage, and verify Cisco network security products and Cisco IOS(r) Software security features.

Managing Cisco Network Security focuses on implementing IP network security. Each chapter in the book presents a practical, task-based approach to implementing the security features discussed through a running case study of a hypothetical company that builds a network security architecture from the ground up. Divided into six parts, the book begins with an overview of network security threats and helps you identify the causes of network security problems. Part I also contains information that teaches you how to establish network security policies and secure the network infrastructure. Part II describes methods for securing remote dial-in access using CiscoSecure ACS and Cisco IOS Software AAA security features. Part III focuses on protecting Internet access by identifying the basic components of a perimeter security system and configuring perimeter routers and the Cisco PIX(r) Firewall Feature set. Part IV introduces you to the features and components of the PIX Firewall, presenting details on how to configure essential PIX Firewall features. Part V examines Cisco Encryption Technology, and shows you how to configure Cisco Encryption Technology to ensure data privacy. In Part VI, you will learn how to implement a secure virtual private network (VPN) solution using IPSec features as well as how to use intrusion detection and network auditing tools. In addition to the running case study, Managing Cisco Network Security contains a wealth of configuration examples, command summaries, helpful tables and diagrams, and chapter-ending review questions.

Managing Cisco Network Security is part of a recommended study program from Cisco Systems that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press. To find out more about instructor-led, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners, please visit www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining.

Mike Wenstrom is an education specialist at Cisco Systems, Inc., where he designs, develops, and delivers training on Cisco VPN and network security products. Mike has more than 18 years of experience in many facets of technical training, having been an instructional designer, course developer, technical instructor, and project manager.

Cisco Systems, Inc. is the leading global supplier of internetworking solutions, including routers, LAN and ATM switches, dial-up access servers, and network management software. This core of this book is a collaboration of multiple authors and experts over time to develop the ultimate and definitive course in Cisco router configuration, making this guide a perfect choice candidates pursuing Cisco networking certifications. Michael Wenstrom is an education specialist in the Security Internet Services Training Unit at Cisco Systems. He has over 15 years experience in training development, technical writing, and the networking and telecommunications industry. Michael contributed to the development of the most recent version of the MCNS course, upon which this book is based.