Have you thought about writing a book?

So how in depth does the class go into each topic?

This is huge news if you want to take the exam but haven't been able to due to travel issues:

https://www.isc2.org/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?id=8493

I may be taking a look at it since I have a Vue center about 6 blocks from my job. This will be after CCNP/CCNP:S of course.

I don't have anything to add besides good luck! Are you taking the 30, 60, or 90 day course?

Maybe you want to read Hacking:AOE 2nd edition to get you going.

I've read the Wireshark guide and I am reading TCP/IP Illustrated now. I have the TCP/IP Guide by no starch press on my to read list (which grows daily). I don't think I will have 3k to spend on a single class anytime soon but those along with the TAO guide and extrusion detection (and the NMAP guide) are sort of my poor mans prep for the GCIA.

I have seriously considered doing the WCNA. It would be more in line with what I am doing on a daily basis than Linux+.

Nice.


I just thought about it and GCIA cost less than CCIE:S lab and it is at least open book

Good to hear. Maybe after reading you experience with it I'll be more inclined to put up $900 for a challenge. Good Luck! Arent you doing GWAPT as well?

I've looked at the jobs. Most of them want the skills I have described (*nix, packet analysis, wireless, etc). But that doesn't mean I should certify in all of those areas. I guess most bang for my buck is what I am looking for. I know CISSP would offer that but I want to be a bit more rounded before I take it.

I thought about it and I think I might need to just go back to my original goal (regardless of what Cisco's security marketshare is doing btw the shrinking marketshare is the reason why I made this thread).

We do work with 802.11. As a VAR we resell some motorolla and aerohive gear so it isn't like the knowledge would be completely wasted.  I don't work with 802.11 daily (or weekly). Also I thought CWNA covered more than 802.11. Doesn't it cover basic wireless theory for all wireless networks?

I guess I see your point. GCIA would be so sexy and I have drooled over it for almost a year now. I know a few guys who have taken it and even a few who have challenged (at one point weren't you going to do it? ) I'm just a little gunshy of a $900 bullet.

I know you have more certs than probably anyone so you would have the best experience in this particular subject

Oh and when I say right around the corner I mean this year. CCNP R/S in may and CCNP:S a couple of months after that (I work with a ton of ASAs).

What would you consider "less prestigious"? CWNA/CWSP or were you talking about Linux+ exclusively? I work for a wireless company (cellular) but I don't work with any of the wireless gear nor do we own our own GGSNs etc.

Maybe after I knock out some fun stuff (CWNA/CWSP maybe Linux+) I'll look at CISSP and then OSCP after that. That likely won't be this year but you never know.

More of the same I suppose. I think security analysis focusing on the router/switch/wap/firewall/ips/ids side would be fun. I'd love to get to work on the security provider space. I have worked with HIPS and enterprise AV solutions as well. So that would be fun.

I don't know I am interesting in Pentesting fulltime but I do want to make that a part of my job.

Yea but at least they are expensive AND well known

Greetings,


I am currently working as a Network Engineer. I currently have A+/N+/S+ CCNA and CCNA:S and I am currently working on CCNP and CCNP:S. I have 5 years of IT experience (about a 8 months as a Network Engineer and 1 year as a Network Security Admin). I have some experience in windows and linux (very little) as well as BSD. I have worked with Cisco, sonicwall and windows firewalls as well as a many different switch and router brands. After I finish those two I want to start working on actual Infosec certifications. Basically somethings to round me out before I go full steam ahead into CCIE:S (which is changing this year so I want to wait until new material somes out).  I am quite interested in Wireless networking. CWNA/CWSP interest me quite a bit but I am having second thoughts due to the popularity level of the certs. I'd like to hit a SANS exam but I am somewhat broke. OSCP interest me as well and would be closer to reasonable for me to pay for but I would need to wait until I am done with school (so about October/November). I have the elearnsecurity course (student not pro). Linux+ interest me. CISSP is very popular around here (and everywhere else) but it does not interest me at all.
 Anyone have any other suggestions? For those who have made the leap from Network Engineering to Security what skillset did you have and what certs/study materials helped you build that skillset?

I was thinking of getting the Linux+ as a primer to the RHCSA/RHCE since I don't actually work with linux professionally. There are a lot of Network Engineer jobs in my area that want Unix/Linux knowledge. After CCNP:S in a couple of months I might pick up Linux+/LPIC-1 for fun along with CWNA/CWSP (which not very many people have in my neck of the woods). We will see. I might just hold off and go towards RHCSA/RHCE. Linux+ is pretty expensive.