Certified Network Defender (C|ND)
Course Description
Network Defender (C|ND)
Course Code: C|ND 101 — Certified Network Defender
The Certified Network Defender (C|ND) program is a comprehensive, ANSI-accredited,
hands-on training course that provides vendor-neutral networking and cybersecurity expertise.
Designed to strengthen the skills of network administrators and security professionals,
C|ND delivers a structured approach to securing, defending, and maintaining resilient
enterprise networks.
Students will learn to identify, assess, and mitigate network vulnerabilities through
a combination of theory and real-world simulation. The curriculum aligns with
Department of Defense (DoD) work role requirements and the
NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, ensuring practical readiness for
industry and defense cybersecurity roles.
system engineers responsible for securing, monitoring, and defending organizational networks.
What You’ll Learn
- Foundations of network defense and security principles
- Designing and implementing secure network architectures
- Identifying network vulnerabilities and threat vectors
- Implementing defense-in-depth and layered security strategies
- Securing routers, switches, and firewalls
- Incident detection, response, and network recovery procedures
- Risk reduction and mitigation planning aligned with DoD standards
Topics Covered
- Network security controls, access management, and policy enforcement
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure remote access configurations
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) fundamentals
- Network traffic analysis and forensic investigation techniques
- Incident response playbooks and threat intelligence integration
- DoD and NICE Framework-aligned cybersecurity competencies
Format & Materials
- Instructor-led lectures with hands-on virtual labs
- Guided network defense simulations using real-world tools
- Study materials, lab guides, and exam preparation resources
Prerequisites
- Basic networking and cybersecurity knowledge recommended
- Completion of Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CIS 101) or equivalent experience preferred
Outcomes & Next Steps
- Develop the ability to detect, defend, and respond to network-based attacks
- Gain practical experience securing enterprise and DoD-aligned environments
- Prepare for the Certified Network Defender (C|ND) certification exam
- Advance toward roles such as Network Security Engineer, Defense Analyst, or Cybersecurity Specialist
Course Info
- Start Course: Weekly
- Duration: 5 days
- Prerequisites: No