Why study this course?
Today's organisations and companies are challenged to rapidly detect cyber security breaches and effectively respond to security incidents. Teams in security operations centres (SOCs) keep a vigiliant eye on security systems, protecting their organisations by detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. The Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge for setting up the security, networking, threat prevention, logging and reporting features of next generation firewall technologies.
PCNSA certification validates your ability to configure the central features of Palo Alto Networks Next Generation Firewall and enables you to effectively deploy the firewalls to enable network traffic based on who (User-ID), what (App-ID) and when (Policy), all while ensuring security (Content-ID).
More about this course
The Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) course consists of two modules:
- Palo Alto Cyber Security Infrastructure Configuration
- Palo Alto Cyber Security Prevention and Countermeasures.
As well as learning the theory and configuration steps for setting up the security, networking, threat prevention, logging and reporting features of next generation firewall technologies, you will also acquire skills in the theory and extended configuration features necessary for setting up traffic handling, advanced content/user identification, quality of service, global protection and monitoring and reporting for high availability of next generation firewall technologies.
Assessment
You will be assessed by in-class chapter tests, final theory and practical exams.
Professional accreditation
On completion of this course you will receive Palo Alto PCNSA certification.
Fees and key information
Apply nowEntry requirements
You'll be required to have:
- already completed the Palo Alto PCCSA course
- a reading-age level (RAL) of 13
- basic computer literacy and awareness of the internet
Prior experience with computer hardware, cabling, binary maths and basic electronics is desirable but not required.
You'll need a Windows-based PC or laptop with an internet connection if you want to study the material outside of the University premises.
Please note references are not required for Palo Alto courses.
International students
The English language requirements for this course are:
- a minimum English qualification of IELTS 5.5 with 5.0 or above in all components, or 550 with 4 in TWE (Test of Written English) or 213 in the computer based test (essay rating 4)
For more information about how to take an IELTS exam (the preferred qualification), visit the British Council's website.
It may be possible to be exempt from formal English qualifications if:
- you received high grades in English throughout your education
- your education has been undertaken in English
Who's this course for?
This is an advanced hands-on lab course in cyber security, with advanced and interactive online learning material with various theory and practical exams.
Course structure
Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) part-time course structure
Module 1: Cyber Security Foundation explains the nature and scope of today's cyber security challenges. This module explores the cybersecurity landscape, cyber threats, malware and spamming, and Wi-Fi and advanced threats.
Module 2: Cyber Security Gateway explains networking concepts, fundamentals and technologies. This module explores the basic operation of computer networks; common networking devices; routed and routing protocols; network types and topologies; DNS; physical, logical and virtual addressing; IP addressing and subnetting; the OSI and TCP/IP models; network security models, cloud and data centre security, network security technologies, cloud computing, virtualisation and storage technologies; and network operations fundamentals.
Module 3: Cybersecurity Essentials presents detailed information about next-generation cyber security solutions available from Palo Alto networks. This module demonstrates the real-world application of the cybersecurity design best practices and principles presented in Module 2 to address the cyber security landscape and threat challenge design described in Module one.
The PCNSA consists of two modules, Palo Alto Cyber Security Infrastructure Configuration and Palo Alto Cybersecurity Prevention and Countermeasures. The Palo Alto Cyber Security Infrastructure Configuration course provides the student with a general understanding of how to install, configure and manage firewalls for defence of enterprise network architecture. You will learn the theory and configuration steps for setting up the security, networking, threat prevention, logging and reporting features of next generation firewall technologies.
The Palo Alto Cybersecurity Prevention and Countermeasures will provide you with advanced information on how to install, configure and manage firewalls for defence of enterprise network architecture. You will learn the theory and extended configuration features neccessary for setting up traffic handling, advanced content/user identification, quality of service, global protect, monitoring/reporting and high availabilty of next generation firewall technologies.
PCNSA Cyber Security Infrastructure Configuration, Prevention and Countermeasures
Week 1 (beginning 12 April 2021)
- Chapter 0 Course Introduction, Welcome to PCNSA Course
- Chapter 1 Security Architecture Planning
- Chapter 2 Infrastructure Device Configuration
- Chapter 3 Cybersecurity Policy
Week 2 (beginning 19 April 2021)
- Chapter 4 Application Software Identification
- Chapter 5 Anti-Virus, Anti Spyware, File Blocking
- Chapter 6 Uniform Resource Locator Filtering
Week 3 (beginning 26 April 2021)
- Chapter 7 Decryption and Certificate Management
- Chapter 8 Virus Analysis
- Chapter 9 End User ID
Week 4 (beginning 3 May 2021)
- Chapter 10 Remote Access
- Chapter 11 Monitor and Report
- Chapter 12 High Availability
Week 5 (beginning 10 May 2021)
- Assessments 10 May 2021
- Retakes 12 May 2021
This schedule is for guidance only. On the first day of each semester your instructor may provide you with the detailed schedule; however the start and end dates of the course will not be changed.
Where this course can take you
Upon completion of this course you will be able to work as a Certified Network Security Administrator.
Payments and discounts
By paying for a place on the course you confirm that you have received an offer letter accepting you onto the course, you meet the standard entry requirements for the course and that you agree to the School of Computing's standard terms and condtions for professional and short courses.
Payment must be made in full via our eShop before the start of the course. Paying the fee in full before the start of the course will qualify you for a 10% discount for all three modules.
Please note that the fees do not cover the cost of sitting the certification exam.
If we have given you the option of splitting the payment you are still committed to pay any outstanding fees as early as starting the second module, or when you are asked to do so. Please read our terms and conditions before proceeding with any payments. Current and former London Met degree students and staff are entitled to a 10% discount.
How to apply
Before paying, you will be asked to confirm you agree to our Short Course Training Centre terms and conditions .
When to apply
The official closing date for this course is one week before the course start date. Please refer to the course structure. However, you are advised to apply as early as possible, as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course. If you have missed the deadline, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.
For more information on course content, please contact the course administrator at cisco.academy@londonmet.ac.uk
Course leader: Dr Shahram Salekzamankhani s.salek@londonmet.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7133 3705