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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Cisco
Exam Format
90 min
60-70
Not publicly disclosed
Associate
Registration
$300 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
3 years
Pass any current CCNA exam (except CCNA Cyber Ops); Pass any current CCNP concentration exam; Pass the CCIE lab exam
210-255 Exam Topics and Domains
210-255 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with IPFIX, Cisco ASA, Cisco NetFlow, Firepower, and more.
1
Endpoint Threat Analysis and Computer Forensics
15%
Threat Analysis
CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and AvailabilityThreat ModelingRisk Analysis and CVSSMalware Analysis
- Apply knowledge of CIA triad to security scenarios
- Perform threat modeling and attack vector analysis
- Utilize CVSS for vulnerability assessment
- Interpret malware analysis results
Digital Forensics
Evidence Collection and HandlingWindows ForensicsLinux Forensics
- Collect and preserve digital evidence from various sources
- Perform Windows system forensics
- Conduct Linux system forensics
- Maintain proper chain of custody
2
Network Intrusion Analysis
22%
Intrusion Analysis Fundamentals
Security Event Sources and ArtifactsAlert AnalysisRegular Expressions
- Identify and classify security events
- Differentiate between true/false positives and negatives
- Apply regular expressions to security analysis
Packet Analysis
Packet Capture TechniquesProtocol Header Analysis
- Perform packet capture and analysis
- Examine protocol headers for intrusion analysis
- Use Wireshark and TCPDump effectively
Security Device Data Analysis
Intrusion Detection SystemsFirewall and Security Appliance Logs
- Analyze IDS/IPS alerts and signatures
- Interpret security device logs
- Correlate security device data for intrusion analysis
NetFlow for Cybersecurity
NetFlow FundamentalsNetFlow Versions and Flexible NetFlowNetFlow for Incident Response
- Understand NetFlow fundamentals and versions
- Use NetFlow for cybersecurity incident response
- Analyze NetFlow data for anomaly detection
3
Incident Response
18%
Incident Response Fundamentals
Event vs. Incident DefinitionsIncident Response Plan and ProcessInformation Sharing and CoordinationIncident Response Team Structure
- Differentiate between events and incidents
- Execute incident response process phases
- Coordinate information sharing effectively
- Understand incident response team structure
Incident Response Teams
Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs)Product Security Incident Response Teams (PSIRTs)Coordination Centers and National TeamsManaged Security Service Providers (MSSP)
- Understand CSIRT structure and operations
- Differentiate PSIRT from CSIRT functions
- Coordinate with national and sector teams
- Work effectively with MSSPs
Compliance Frameworks
PCI DSSHIPAASarbanes-Oxley (SOX)
- Apply PCI DSS requirements to incident response
- Understand HIPAA breach notification obligations
- Recognize SOX compliance in security incidents
Network and Host Profiling
Network ProfilingHost Profiling
- Create network and host behavior baselines
- Identify deviations from normal behavior
- Use profiling for incident detection
4
Data and Event Analysis
23%
Data Analysis Fundamentals
Data NormalizationUniversal Data Formats
- Normalize data from diverse sources
- Work with universal data formats
- Aggregate log data effectively
Event Correlation
5-Tuple CorrelationRetrospective Analysis
- Perform 5-tuple event correlation
- Conduct retrospective security analysis
- Correlate events across multiple sources
Specialized Log Analysis
DNS AnalysisWeb Log Analysis
- Perform DNS log analysis for security threats
- Analyze web server logs for attacks
- Map threat intelligence to DNS activity
Analysis Methodologies
Deterministic vs. Probabilistic AnalysisSecurity Event Monitoring
- Apply deterministic and probabilistic analysis
- Perform effective security event monitoring
- Utilize SIEM platforms for analysis
5
Incident Handling
22%
Intrusion Event Categories
Diamond Model of IntrusionCyber Kill Chain
- Apply Diamond Model to intrusion analysis
- Map incidents to Cyber Kill Chain phases
- Identify defensive opportunities at each phase
Kill Chain Phase Details
ReconnaissanceWeaponizationDeliveryExploitationInstallationCommand and ControlActions on Objectives
- Identify and mitigate reconnaissance activities
- Detect and prevent exploitation attempts
- Recognize and block C2 communications
- Prevent attacker objectives achievement
VERIS Framework
VERIS Vocabulary and SchemaVERIS Application to Incident Handling
- Apply VERIS framework to incident documentation
- Use VERIS schema for standardized reporting
- Categorize incidents using 4A's framework
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 210-255 earns the CCNA Cyber Ops (CyberOps Associate) certification. It sits in the Cybersecurity Operations track.
Current Level Exams
- 210-250 - SECFNDUnderstanding Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- 210-255 - SECOPSImplementing Cisco Cybersecurity Operations
Next Level Options
- 350-701 - SCORImplementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies - core exam for CCNP Security
- Various - CyberOps Professional Track Advanced cybersecurity operations certification path
Alternative Paths
- 200-201 - CBROPSSingle exam path replacing the two-exam CCNA Cyber Ops certification • Current replacement exam that consolidates both 210-250 and 210-255
- 350-701 - SCORTransition to CCNP Security track for broader security focus beyond operations
- 300-715 - SISEComplementary security skills in identity services and Cisco ISE
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for 210-255.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2017-06-15
- Announcement date: 2016-06-27
Updates
- Wireshark 4.0+ Exam covers Wireshark 2.x/3.x, but newer versions maintain backwards compatibility • Release date: 2022-05-25
- Snort 3.0 Exam primarily covers Snort 2.x, but rule syntax remains largely compatible • Release date: 2021-01-26
- NetFlow v9 and IPFIX Exam covers NetFlow v5, v9, Flexible NetFlow, and IPFIX - all still relevant
Who should take this exam?
210-250 SECFND (Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals)
- Understanding of TCP/IP networking and network architecture
- Basic Windows and Linux operating system skills
- Familiarity with security concepts and terminology
- Experience with network monitoring and security tools