An American multinational technology conglomerate, Cisco Systems, Inc., is a worldwide leader in providing cybersecurity, IT, and networking solutions. The certification program of this company has experienced a significant change in February 2020. Thus, in its associate-level track, all the CCNA credentials were combined in one with a single exam to pass.
According to the vendor, the new test covers an enormous array of fundamentals that are based on the latest job roles, software, development skills, and technologies. As per the new rules, the current CCNA certificatehas replaced the following paths:
- CCNA Security;
- CCNA Service Provider;
- CCNA Wireless;
- CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate);
- CCNA Cloud;
- CCNA Collaboration;
- CCNA Data Center;
- CCNA Industrial;
- CCNA Routing and Switching.
The first thing you should know is that there are no prerequisites for the new Cisco CCNA certification. However, of course, you can have more than one year of expertise in administering and implementing Cisco solutions, just like most of the applicants do. This will help you greatly during your preparation.
Cisco 200-301 is a prerequisite exam that will lead you to the Cisco Certification 200-301 CCNA certificate. To pass this test, it is crucial to prepare for a vast range of topics that include wireless networking, routing, security, switching, and also some programming concepts. Moreover, you must have the basic knowledge of networking and IP addressing. The candidate's comprehension regarding the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of medium- or small-sized enterprise branch networks isalso evaluated in this certification exam.
All in all, the knowledge domains that you need to cover for Cisco 200-301 CCNA have the following impact on the whole test:
- Network Fundamentals (routers, cabling, switches, TCP and UDP, IPv4 and IPv6) – 20%;
- Network Access (EtherChannel, VLANs, and trunking) – 20%;
- IP Connectivity (OSPFv2, IP routing) – 25%;
- IP Services (DCHP, NTP, SNMP) – 10%;
- Security Fundamentals (wireless security, VPNs, port security) – 15%;
- Automation and Programmability (Chef, JSON, Puppet, REST APIs, SDN) – 10%.
Ideally designed for preparing the professionals for the associate-level jobs, the new CCNA exam is offered in two different languages, i.e. English and Japanese. It is going to be a single test in which anindividual has to attempt about 102multiple-choice questions in 2 hours. The passing score for the Click Here to Visit (200-301) from Exam-Labs 200-301 exam is about 825 out of 1000. The test costs $300.
The Cisco CCNA credential comes with a validity of three years. After the successful completion of this period, it gets vital for the specialists to recertify in order to continue enjoying the status of being a certified professional. By succeeding in obtaining this certificate, the applicants will have great opportunities in different IT companies. By holding this associate-level certification, an average salary can be around $81,000.
Preparation optionsforCisco200-301 CCNA exam
We all have heard this cliché: "study smarter, not harder". And if we follow it, it is going to be beneficial for us. Just like for any other exam, you have to study wisely for Cisco 200-301. It doesn't matter whether you're going to sit for this test for the first time or retake it, the tips shared below are sure to help you out. So, take a moment and relax, it is going to be the first step toward the journey of an amazing and high-paying career.
Make sure you have a strong grip over the exam objectives
It is one of the most important points that should never be neglected. The exam topics give you an idea about what is going to come in the test, so whenever you're preparing for the one, make sure that these objectives are met. Otherwise, your preparation will be of no use.
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Get a study guide
Buying a study guide doesn’t cost so muchbut it has a lot of impact on your preparation process. No one wants to waste money without getting the passing score.So, paying a bit more so that the result will be on the top is the right choice.The official tutorials are often underestimated, but they are necessary as they help you prepare and pass your exam.
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Opt for video courses
To succeed in any certification exam, you need to identify your weak areas, and the same goes for Cisco 200-301. Make a list of all your knowledge gaps and take some video courses. You can even go for the free ones from YouTube or pay for the ones on Udemy. This type of training can help you enhance your performance in the problematic areas.
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Join study groups and forums
Nothing could be better than engaging yourself in group discussions. This ensures that you grasp all the details and skills that are needed. However, the members of these study groups also share some useful prep materials and exam tricks that will help you boost your confidence. Meeting other people who are preparing for the same test as you will help you deal with stress.
In a nutshell
Clearing the Cisco 200-300 exam isn't a piece of cake; it takes a lot of smart work and studying. On the other hand, it is quite rewarding. As the world needs more and more qualified professionals who can ease the way people communicate with their devices, the specialists like those with the CCNA credentialare in high demand. So, follow the study tips discussed above and you will be ready to jump in!
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).