CCST CyberSecurity

INTRODUCTION The CCST Cybersecurity certification is an entry‑level credential designed to validate core cybersecurity knowledge for beginners. It covers essential principles, network security, endpoint protection, vulnerability assessment, risk management, and incident handling. It serves as a foundation for roles such as cybersecurity technician or junior analyst and aligns with Cisco’s early-career support pathway. EXAM OVERVIEW EXAM CODE 100‑160 CCST Cybersecurity EXAM DURATION Approximately 50 minutes NUMBER OF QUESTIONS Range of 40 to 60 multiple‑choice questions PASSING SCORE Typically around 70 percent (700 out of 1000 scaled score) EXAM COST Approximately 125 USD in many locations EXAM DOMAINS AND WEIGHTS ESSENTIAL SECURITY PRINCIPLES Including definitions of vulnerabilities, threats, exploits, risk, defense‑in‑depth, CIA triad and hardening techniques BASIC NETWORK SECURITY CONCEPTS Such as protocol vulnerabilities, network components, device access control, ...

  Privileged Access Management (PAM) PAM is a security discipline that focuses on managing and securing access to high-value assets within an organization. These assets typically include: Systems:  Servers, databases, network devices, cloud infrastructure Data:  Sensitive data stored on these systems Applications:  Critical applications with administrative privileges Key Components of PAM: Password Management:  Securely storing and managing privileged credentials (passwords, keys) for various systems and accounts. Access Control:  Implementing strong access controls to restrict access to privileged accounts and resources. Session Monitoring and Recording:  Recording and auditing all privileged access sessions to identify and investigate suspicious activity. Just-in-Time (JIT) Permissions:  Granting temporary, time-bound access to privileged accounts only when necessary. Least Privilege:  Granting users only the minimum necessary privileges to...

Understanding Malware and Virus Attacks: A Comprehensive Guide Malware and viruses are malicious software designed to infiltrate computer systems, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. These cyber threats can cause significant damage to individuals and organizations alike. Let's delve into the different types of malware attacks, providing real-world examples: Types of Malware Attacks Viruses: Worm: A self-replicating program that spreads rapidly across networks, often clogging up systems and networks. A famous example is the ILOVEYOU worm, which caused widespread disruption in 2000. Trojan Horse: Disguised as legitimate software, it can steal data, damage files, or provide backdoor access to attackers. The infamous Zeus Trojan horse has been used to steal millions of dollars from online banking users. Macro Virus: Embedded in Microsoft Office documents, these viruses can execute malicious code when the document is opened. Boot Sector Virus: Infects the master b...

CCST CyberSecurity Study Notes Endpoint Security Concepts: Endpoint security is absolutely crucial in today's digital landscape. Here's why: Endpoints: The Frontlines of Defense: Endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, are the primary entry points for users to access your network. They are often the first point of attack for cybercriminals because compromised endpoints can provide a gateway into your entire network. Evolving Threats: The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new malware, phishing scams, and hacking techniques emerging all the time. Endpoint security solutions help protect against these ever-changing threats by employing techniques like malware detection, intrusion prevention, and application control. Data at Risk: Endpoints often store sensitive data, including user credentials, financial information, and intellectual property. Stro...

 Network Security Concepts TCP/IP, the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol suite, underpins all internet communication. While it's fundamental for everyday internet functionality, it also has inherent weaknesses that attackers can exploit. Here are some common TCP/IP protocol vulnerabilities: IP Spoofing: This technique involves forging an IP address in a packet to impersonate a trusted source. Attackers can use IP spoofing to launch denial-of-service attacks (DoS) or gain unauthorized access to a network. Here's an example of IP spoofing to illustrate how it can be used in a cyberattack: Scenario: Imagine Sarah, a college student, wants to gain unauthorized access to the university's online grading system to change her grades. The grading system has security measures in place, and Sarah cannot access it directly with her student ID. IP Spoofing Attack: Target Identif...

What is CyberSecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from digital attacks. The term encompasses a vast range of practices, tools, and technologies that aim to safeguard the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital assets. Cybersecurity is important because the world is increasingly reliant on digital systems. From financial transactions to healthcare records, a significant portion of our lives is now stored and managed online. This reliance introduces a range of potential risks, including data breaches, identity theft, and system failures, which cybersecurity practices aim to mitigate. Cybersecurity can be divided into several sub-categories, including network security, application security, information security, operational security, and disaster recovery and business continuity. Each of these areas requires a unique set of strategies, tools, and best practices to ensure comprehensive cybe...