SAN JOSE, Calif., February 20, 2002 - Cisco Systems, Inc.®, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced that its security certifications are being offered as an extension of its "total solution" approach to network security. Cisco's security certifications are a critical component of SAFE, a flexible, dynamic blueprint for security and VPN networks. SAFE is based on Cisco AVVID -- the Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data -- enabling businesses to maximize security and successfully take advantage of e-Business and compete in the Internet economy. The announcement was made in conjunction with this week's RSA Security Conference in San Jose, California.

As corporations continually expand their mission-critical networks with new intranet, extranet, and e-commerce applications, the demand for skilled networking professionals capable of implementing and operating complex network infrastructures is essential. Cisco's security certifications, CCIE® Security and Cisco Security Specialist 1, aim to achieve the highest level of technical knowledge and expertise across a broad range of security and internetworking-related technologies including Cisco intrusion detection, firewall and VPN solutions.

CCIE Security represents the industry's most comprehensive and rigorous security-related certification. This recent addition to the expert-level CCIE program emphasizes a broad range of security-related technologies in addition to the traditional CCIE focus on core IP routing and switching. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of expertise by physically configuring a secure enterprise network under timed, stressful conditions. Lab scenarios involve a variety of products and technologies including firewalls, intrusion detection, authentication servers, routers and switches. CCIE Security was introduced on a limited basis in September and is currently being deployed to CCIE Certification Testing Labs worldwide.

"As organizations accelerate their interest in Internet business solutions, they need qualified networking professionals who possess the skills necessary to ensure the security of all network-based transactions," said Tom Kelly, vice president, Internet Learning Solutions Group, Cisco Systems. "As a leader in the security industry, Cisco is offering security certifications that are evolving in step with what the market and our customers are demanding. Security is the last place organizations take unnecessary risks and staffing doesn't need to be one of them."

Differing from CCIE Security, the Cisco Security Specialist 1 demonstrates an individual's proficiency in designing, installing, and supporting Cisco-specific security solutions in three core areas of network security: firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPNs. Cisco Security Specialist 1 is one of the most difficult focused certifications to achieve, requiring individuals to pass four rigorous courses and exams. It is the fastest growing focused certification offered by Cisco today with growth of 10 to 12 percent month over month. Other Cisco Qualified Specialist focused certifications include cable, Internet solutions, SNA/IP and IP telephony.

Training and Exam Availability:

Information on how to prepare for the CCIE Security exam (written and lab) will vary depending on candidates' past work experience, training, and time available. The Cisco Security Specialist 1 courses are only available through authorized Cisco Learning Partners and individuals are required to have a valid CCNA® certification. Cisco Learning Partners offer recommended training in multiple formats, including instructor-led and e-learning. Recommended courses include Managing Cisco Network Security, Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced, Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks, and Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System.

Authorized Cisco Learning Partners instructors are certified by Cisco to provide the recommended courses in preparation for the required exams. Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) and Prometric offer Cisco certification exams at locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.cisco.com/go/training. More information on SAFE is available at http://www.cisco.com/go/safe.