SAN JOSE, Calif., February 19, 2003 - Cisco Systems, Inc.® announced today the global availability of its newest security training course, Cisco SAFE Implementation (CSI), that teaches network professionals advanced-level principles and axioms needed to implement and use the Cisco SAFE blueprint for enterprise networks. SAFE provides best practice information on designing and implementing secure end-to-end e-business solutions.

The Cisco SAFE Implementation is a four-day, instructor-led, lab-intensive course that builds upon an individual's existing experience managing Cisco's broad portfolio of integrated security solutions including routers, firewalls, remote access VPNs and intrusion detection systems. It offers a disciplined approach to implementing the SAFE blueprint on a network using Cisco security products and technologies. Students will spend more than 50 percent of their time working on hands-on-lab configuring Cisco routers, PIX firewalls, Cisco VPN concentrators, and Cisco IDS sensors to build a complete end-to-end security solution.

"The new Cisco SAFE Implementation courseware is designed to enable individuals to list the general recommendations for mitigating common attack methods and techniques, discuss the Cisco SAFE design philosophy and how it impacts the decision making process, and implement specific configurations to apply mitigation roles in a network," said Rick Stiffler, senior manager of VPN and security training, Cisco Systems. "This training supports Cisco's security strategy to embed security throughout the network, and tightly integrates both network and security services throughout a company's infrastructure."

Training and Availability

To attend a Cisco SAFE Implementation course, individuals must have a valid CCNA® certification or equivalent knowledge and have a valid Cisco Security Specialist 1 certification or at least six months practical experience configuring Cisco routers, Cisco PIX firewalls, Cisco VPN concentrators, and Cisco IDS sensors. Competency using Windows operating systems and familiarity with implementing network security policies and the following networking concepts are highly recommended:

• Perimeter security system components: perimeter router, firewall, bastion host
• Servers: syslog server, web and FTP servers
• IPSec concepts: IKE, IPSec, encryption, authentication, CA servers

The Cisco SAFE Implementation course is offered through a global network of authorized Cisco Learning Partners and the Partner E-Learning Connection. For more information, visit: www.cisco.com/go/training.