Exam Description
The 640-553 Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) exam is associated with the CCNA Security certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of securing Cisco routers and switches and their associated networks. It leads to validated skills for installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices and develops competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security infrastructure.
Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) course.
Exam Topics
The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.
Describe the security threats facing modern network infrastructures
Describe and list mitigation methods for common network attacks
Describe and list mitigation methods for Worm, Virus, and Trojan Horse attacks
Describe the Cisco Self Defending Network architecture
Secure Cisco routers
Secure Cisco routers using the SDM Security Audit feature
Use the One-Step Lockdown feature in SDM to secure a Cisco router
Secure administrative access to Cisco routers by setting strong encrypted passwords, exec timeout, login failure rate and using IOS login enhancements
Secure administrative access to Cisco routers by configuring multiple privilege levels
Secure administrative access to Cisco routers by configuring role based CLI
Secure the Cisco IOS image and configuration file
Implement AAA on Cisco routers using local router database and external ACS
Explain the functions and importance of AAA
Describe the features of TACACS+ and RADIUS AAA protocols
Configure AAA authentication
Configure AAA authorization
Configure AAA accounting
Mitigate threats to Cisco routers and networks using ACLs
Explain the functionality of standard, extended, and named IP ACLs used by routers to filter packets
Configure and verify IP ACLs to mitigate given threats (filter IP traffic destined for Telnet, SNMP, and DDoS attacks) in a network using CLI
Configure IP ACLs to prevent IP address spoofing using CLI
Discuss the caveats to be considered when building ACLs
Implement secure network management and reporting
Use CLI and SDM to configure SSH on Cisco routers to enable secured management access
Use CLI and SDM to configure Cisco routers to send Syslog messages to a Syslog server
Mitigate common Layer 2 attacks
Describe how to prevent layer 2 attacks by configuring basic Catalyst switch security features
Implement the Cisco IOS firewall feature set using SDM
Describe the operational strengths and weaknesses of the different firewall technologies
Explain stateful firewall operations and the function of the state table
Implement Zone Based Firewall using SDM
Implement the Cisco IOS IPS feature set using SDM
Define network based vs. host based intrusion detection and prevention
Explain IPS technologies, attack responses, and monitoring options
Enable and verify Cisco IOS IPS operations using SDM
Implement site-to-site VPNs on Cisco Routers using SDM
Explain the different methods used in cryptography
Explain IKE protocol functionality and phases
Describe the building blocks of IPSec and the security functions it provides
Configure and verify an IPSec site-to-site VPN with pre-shared key authentication using SDM
