Training plan
Module 1: Network Attacks and Defense Strategies
- Explain essential terminologies related to network security attacks
- Describe the various examples of network level attack techniques
- Describe the various examples of application level attack techniques
- Describe the various examples of social engineering attack techniques
- Describe the various examples of email attack techniques
- Describe the various examples of mobile device specific attack techniques
- Describe the various examples of cloud specific attack techniques
- Describe the various examples of wireless network specific attack techniques
- Describe the various examples of Supply Chain Attack techniques
- Describe Attacker’s Hacking Methodologies and Frameworks
- Understand fundamental goal, benefits, and challenges in network defense
- Explain Continual/Adaptive security strategy
- Explain defense depth security strategy
Module 2: Administrative Network Security
- Learn to obtain compliance with regulatory framework and standards
- Discuss various Regulatory Frameworks, Laws, and Acts
- Learn to design and develop security policies
- Learn to conduct different type security and awareness training
- Learn to implement other administrative security measures
- Discuss Asset Management
- Learn How to Stay Up to Date on Security Trends and Threats
Module 3: Technical Network Security
- Discuss access control principles, terminologies, and models
- Redefine the Access Control in Today’s Distributed and Mobile Computing World
- Discuss Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Discuss cryptographic security techniques
- Discuss various cryptographic algorithms
- Discuss security benefits of network segmentation techniques
- Discuss various essential network security solutions
- Discuss various essential network security protocols
Module 4: Network Perimeter Security
- Understand firewall security concerns, capabilities, and limitations
- Understand different types of firewall technologies and their usage
- Understand firewall topologies and their usage
- Distinguish between hardware, software, host, network, internal, and external firewalls
- Select firewalls based on its deep traffic inspection capability
- Discuss firewall implementation and deployment process
- Discuss recommendations and best practices for secure firewall
- Implementation and deployment
- Discuss firewall administration concepts
- Understand role, capabilities, limitations, and concerns in IDS deployment
- Discuss IDS classification
- Discuss various components of ID
- Discuss effective deployment of network and host based IDS
- Learn to how to deal with false positive and false negative IDS/IPS alerts
- Discuss the considerations for selection of an appropriate IDS/IPS solutions
- Discuss various NIDS and HIDS Solutions with their intrusion detection capabilities Snort
- Discuss router and switch security measures, recommendations, and best practices
- Leverage Zero Trust Model Security using Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP)
Module 5: Endpoint Security-Windows Systems
- Understand Window OS and Security Concerns
- Discuss Windows Security Components
- Discuss Various Windows Security Features
- Discuss Windows Security Baseline Configurations
- Discuss Windows User Account and Password Management
- Discuss Windows Patch Management
- Discuss User Access Management
Windows OS Security Hardening Techniques - Discuss Windows Active Directory Security Best Practices
- Discuss Windows Network Services and Protocol Security
Module 6: Endpoint Security Linux Systems
- Understand Linux OS and security concerns
- Discuss Linux Installation and Patching
- Discuss Linux OS Hardening Techniques
- Discuss Linux User Access and Password Management
- Discuss Linux Network Security and Remote Access
- Discuss Various Linux Security Tools and Frameworks
Module 7: Endpoint Security-Mobile Devices
- Common Mobile Usage Policies in Enterprises
- Discuss Security Risk and Guidelines associated with Enterprises mobile usage policies
- Discuss and implement various enterprise-level mobile security management Solutions
- Discuss and implement general security guidelines and best practices on Mobile platforms
- Discuss Security guidelines and tools for Android devices
- Discuss Security guidelines and tools for iOS devices
Module 8: Endpoint Security-IoT Devices
- Understanding IoT Devices, their need and Application Areas
- Understanding IoT Ecosystem and Communication models
- Understand Security Challenges and risks associated with IoT-enabled environments
- Discuss the security in IoT-enabled environments
- Discuss Security Measures for IoT enabled IT Environments
- Discuss IoT Security Tools and Best Practices
- Discuss and refer various standards, Initiatives and Efforts for IoT Security
Module 9: Administrative Application Security
- Discuss and implement Application Whitelisting and Blacklisting
- Discuss and implement application Sandboxing
- Discuss and implement Application Patch Management
- Discuss and implement Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Module 10: Data Security LO#01: Understand data security and its importance
- Understand data security and its importance
- Understand Data Integrity and Its Importance
- Discuss the implementation of Encryption of Data at rest
- Discuss the implementation of Encryption of “Data at transit”
- Discuss Data Masking Concepts
- Discuss data backup and retention
- Discuss Data Destruction Concepts
- Data Loss Prevention Concepts
Module 11: Enterprise Virtual Network Security
- Discuss the evolution of network and security management concept in modern Virtualized IT Environments
- Understand Virtualization Essential Concepts
- Discus Network Virtualization (NV) Security
- Discuss SDN Security
- Discuss Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Security
- Discuss OS Virtualization Security
- Discuss Security Guidelines,
- Recommendations and Best Practices for Containers
- Discuss Security Guidelines, Recommendations and Best practices for Dockers
- Discuss Security Guidelines, Recommendations and Best Practices for Kubernetes
Module 12: Enterprise Cloud Security
- Understand Cloud Computing Fundamentals
- Understanding the Insights of Cloud Security
- Evaluate CSP for Security before Consuming Cloud Service
- Discuss security in Amazon Cloud (AWS)
- Discuss security in Microsoft Azure Cloud
- Discuss security in Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Discuss general security best practices and tools for cloud security
Module 13: Wireless Network Security
- Understand wireless network fundamentals
- Understand wireless network encryption mechanisms
- Understand wireless network authentication methods
- Discuss and implement wireless network security measures
Module 14: Network Traffic Monitoring and Analysis
- Understand the need and advantages of network traffic monitoring
- Setting up the environment for network monitoring
- Determine baseline traffic signatures for normal and suspicious network traffic
- Perform network monitoring and analysis for suspicious traffic using Wireshark
- Discuss network performance and bandwidth monitoring tools and techniques
- Understand Network Anomaly Detection with Behavior analysis
Module 15: Network Logs Monitoring and Analysis
- Understand logging concepts
- Discuss log monitoring and analysis on Windows systems
- Discuss log monitoring and analysis on Linux
- Discuss log monitoring and analysis on Mac
- Discuss log monitoring and analysis in Firewal
- Discuss log monitoring and analysis on Routers
- Discuss log monitoring and analysis on Web Servers
- Discuss centralized log monitoring and analysis
Module 16: Incident Response and Forensic Investigation
- Understand incident response concept
- Understand the role of first responder in incident response
- Discuss Do’s and Don’t in first response
- Describe incident handling and response process
- Enhance Incident-Response using AI/ML
- Learn how to Automate Incident Response-SOAR
- Understand Incident Response using Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
- Understanding Incident Response using Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
- Describe forensics investigation process
Module 17: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
- Introduction to Business Continuity (BC) and Disaster Recovery (DR) concepts
- Discuss BC/DR Activities
- Explain Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)
- Discuss BC/DR Standards
Module 18: Risk Anticipation with Risk Management
- Understand risk management concepts
- Learn to manage risk though risk management program
- Learn different Risk Management Frameworks (RMF)
- Learn to manage vulnerabilities through vulnerability management program
- Learn vulnerability Assessment and Scanning
- Discuss Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)
Module 19: Threat Assessment with Attack Surface Analysis
- Understand the attack surface concepts
- Learn to understand and visualize your attack surface
- Learn to identify Indicators of Exposures (IoE)
- Learn to perform attack simulation
- Learn to reduce the attack surface
- Understand Attack surface monitoring tools
- Discuss attack surface analysis specific to Cloud and IoT
Module 20: Threat Prediction with Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Understand role of cyber threat intelligence in network defense
- Understand the types of threat Intelligence
- Understand the Indicators of Threat Intelligence: Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and Indicators of Attack (IoA)
- Understand the layers of Threat Intelligence
- Learn to leverage/consume threat intelligence for proactive defense
- Understand threat Threat Hunting
- Discuss Leveraging AI/ML capabilities for threat intelligence
Recommended prerequisite knowledge
- Knowledge of the operation of client and server operating systems (file systems, permissions, Windows security, Linux, etc.)
- Basic knowledge of network protocols, for example TCP / IP
- General notions of server roles and services present in a network
Credentials and certification
Exam features
- Code: 312-38
- Title: Certified Network Defender
- Duration: 4 hours
- Number of Questions: 100
- Question Format: Multiple Choice
- Online with EC-Council Exam Center
- Cost: $0 (included in your training)
Eccentrix Corner article/publication
Certified Network Defender (CNDv3) (EC6156)
The Certified Network Defender (CNDv3) (EC6156) training is an advanced program designed for network administrators and security professionals who aim to protect, detect, and respond to cyber threats effectively. This course focuses on defending against network vulnerabilities, securing configurations, and implementing robust incident response strategies.
Participants gain hands-on experience in network defense techniques and prepare for the globally recognized CND certification, validating their expertise in maintaining secure network environments.
Why Choose the CNDv3 Training?
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, organizations rely on skilled network defenders to protect their infrastructure. The CNDv3 training equips participants with the skills to detect and mitigate threats proactively, ensuring network integrity and minimizing risks.
Earning the CND certification demonstrates your capability to secure networks and respond to incidents effectively, making it a valuable asset for advancing your career in cybersecurity.
Key Skills Developed in the Training
Understand network security fundamentals
Gain a deep understanding of network protocols, architectures, and vulnerabilities.Secure network configurations
Learn best practices for configuring firewalls, routers, and switches to prevent unauthorized access.Implement threat detection mechanisms
Use monitoring tools and techniques to identify and respond to suspicious activities.Conduct risk assessments
Evaluate network vulnerabilities and apply mitigation strategies.Develop incident response plans
Create structured approaches to handle security incidents effectively.Prepare for the CND certification exam
Acquire the knowledge needed to succeed in the CNDv3 certification exam.
Instructor-Led Training with Practical Labs
This training is delivered by certified instructors who combine theoretical insights with practical lab sessions. Participants engage in hands-on exercises to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, reinforcing their skills in network defense.
Who Should Attend?
This training is ideal for:
- Network administrators and engineers responsible for securing infrastructure
- IT professionals specializing in network monitoring and threat mitigation
- Security analysts aiming to enhance their network defense skills
- Individuals preparing for the Certified Network Defender (CNDv3) certification
Strengthen Your Network Security Expertise with CNDv3
The Certified Network Defender (CNDv3) (EC6156) training provides comprehensive knowledge and skills to secure and monitor network environments effectively. Enroll today to advance your career in cybersecurity and achieve a globally recognized certification.
Exam Success Strategies for CND v3
Mastering the Certified Network Defender (CND v3) certification requires more than technical knowledge – strategic preparation, effective time management, and optimal mental performance are equally crucial for success. By understanding the exam structure, mastering network defense methodologies, and practicing with real-world scenarios, you’ll develop the confidence and expertise needed to excel in the CND v3 certification.
CND v3 Exam Statistics & Success Rates
- Average Pass Rate: 70-75% on first attempt
- Most Common Score Range: 72-80% for passing candidates
- Average Study Time: 5-7 weeks for experienced network administrators
- Retake Rate: 20-25% of candidates require a second attempt
- Top Failure Areas: Incident response procedures (32%), network traffic analysis (27%), endpoint security configurations (24%)
Study Method Comparison
| Study Approach | Duration | Pass rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hands-on Practice Only |
7-10 weeks |
45-55% |
Experienced Network Admins |
|
Documentation + Practice |
8-12 weeks |
70-75% |
Methodical learners |
|
Training + Labs + Practice |
4-6 weeks |
85-90% |
Comprehensive preparation |
|
Practice Tests Only |
2-3 weeks |
35-45% |
Not recommended |
Strategic Study Approach
- Create a 5-7 week study timeline – Don’t rush through this certification; network defense requires comprehensive understanding of multiple security layers
- Follow the 70-20-10 rule – 70% hands-on lab practice with defense tools, 20% reading documentation and course materials, 10% practice exams
- Focus on scenario-based learning – CND v3 emphasizes real-world network defense over memorization of facts
- Study in 90-minute focused blocks with 15-minute breaks to maximize retention and prevent burnout
- Practice the protect-detect-respond approach repeatedly – understand how each phase integrates into comprehensive network defense
Common Exam Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t confuse administrative and technical security controls – understand when each applies and their implementation differences
- Incident response procedures are heavily tested – master the phases of incident handling, evidence collection, and forensic investigation
- Network traffic analysis requires practical skills – know how to interpret packet captures, identify anomalies, and detect malicious activity
- Endpoint security configurations vary by platform – understand Windows, Linux, mobile, and IoT security requirements and differences
- Log monitoring without context is insufficient – learn to correlate logs from multiple sources to identify security incidents
- Business continuity vs. disaster recovery have distinct purposes – know the differences in planning, implementation, and testing
- Risk management frameworks require structured approaches – understand risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring processes
Topic Weight Distribution
| Exam Domain | Weight | Focus Areas | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Network Security Fundamentals |
10-12% |
Network attacks, defense strategies, security controls |
High |
|
Network Perimeter Security |
12-15% |
Firewalls, IDS/IPS, DMZ configuration, perimeter defense |
Critical |
|
Endpoint Security |
15-18% |
Windows, Linux, mobile, IoT device security |
Critical |
|
Application & Data Security |
10-12% |
Application security controls, data protection, encryption |
High |
|
Virtual & Cloud Security |
10-12% |
Virtual network security, cloud security controls |
High |
|
Wireless Network Security |
8-10% |
WiFi security, wireless protocols, access control |
Medium |
|
Network Monitoring & Analysis |
12-15% |
Traffic analysis, log monitoring, anomaly detection |
Critical |
|
Incident Response & Forensics |
12-15% |
Incident handling, forensic investigation, evidence collection |
Critical |
|
Business Continuity & DR |
5-8% |
Continuity planning, disaster recovery, backup strategies |
Medium |
|
Risk & Threat Management |
5-8% |
Risk assessment, threat intelligence, attack surface analysis |
Medium |
Exam Day Time Management
- Allocate approximately 2 minutes per question on average – this gives buffer time for complex scenario-based questions
- Read scenario-based questions completely before attempting to answer – don’t miss critical details about network configurations
- Flag uncertain questions and return to them – don’t get stuck on difficult items and waste valuable time
- Reserve 10-15 minutes at the end for reviewing flagged questions and checking your answers
- Manage technical questions strategically – prioritize questions related to your strongest domains first
Managing Exam Stress & Performance
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before – avoid last-minute cramming which reduces cognitive performance
- Connect 5 to 10 minutes earlier to the testing website – settle in and complete check-in procedures calmly
- Use deep breathing techniques if you feel overwhelmed during the exam – mental clarity is essential for complex questions
- Trust your preparation – your first instinct is usually correct on scenario-based ethical hacking questions
- Remember the passing score is 70% – you don’t need perfection, just solid competency in ethical hacking principles
Technical Preparation Tips
- Practice with multiple lab environments – understand how different network architectures and security tools behave
- Master industry-standard tool navigation – know where to find specific functions quickly in Wireshark, Snort, Nessus, and other defense tools
- Understand the protect-detect-respond framework deeply – this approach is heavily weighted and forms the foundation of network defense
- Practice end-to-end incident response scenarios – simulate complete incidents from detection through resolution and reporting
- Review command-line proficiency for Windows and Linux – many network defense tasks require CLI expertise
- Practice interpreting tool output – understand what Wireshark captures, Snort alerts, and Nessus scans actually mean in security context
Final Week Preparation
- Take 2-3 practice exams to identify knowledge gaps and build confidence
- Review EC-Council’s official exam objectives one final time
- Focus on your weakest domains – incident response, network traffic analysis, and endpoint security are top failure areas
- Avoid learning new concepts – focus on reinforcing what you already know
- Prepare your exam day logistics – required identification, computer setup
Mental Preparation Strategies
- Visualize success scenarios – imagine yourself confidently answering questions and solving network defense challenges
- Remind yourself of your hands-on experience – you’ve likely solved many of these problems in labs before
- Stay positive during difficult questions – every candidate faces challenging scenarios
- Remember that network defense is a practical skill – your lab experience is your greatest asset
- Approach the exam as validation of your expertise, not a test of memorized facts
How to Schedule Your CND v3 Exam
- Testing is done online with EC-Council Exam Center, the authorized testing partner for the CND v3
- Scheduling Process: Create an account, search for “CND v3” or “312-38”, select your preferred date
- Exam Cost: Included with your Eccentrix training – exam voucher provided for this certification
- Scheduling Timeline: Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for better time slot availability
- Rescheduling Policy: Free rescheduling up to 24 hours before your exam appointment
- Required ID: Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) matching your registration name exactly
Success Mindset: Approach the CND v3 as a validation of your network defense expertise and ability to protect organizational infrastructure, not as a test of memorized facts. Your practical experience with network security tools and defense methodologies is your greatest asset.
Frequently asked questions - EC-Council Certified Network Defender training (FAQ)
What are the prerequisites for the CNDv3 training?
Participants should have a basic understanding of networking concepts and security principles.
What topics are covered in this course?
The course covers network security, vulnerability management, incident response, and threat detection.
Does the training include hands-on labs?
Yes, practical lab exercises are included to help participants apply network defense techniques.
How does the CND certification benefit my career?
The certification validates your ability to secure networks, enhancing your employability in cybersecurity roles.
What tools are used during the training?
Participants will work with tools such as Wireshark, Snort, Nessus, and other industry-standard platforms.
Is this training aligned with the latest CNDv3 certification requirements?
Yes, the course content is fully aligned with the current objectives of the CNDv3 certification exam.
