Telecommunication: What Are the Benefits of Becoming CWSS Certified?

In a recent article at CertMag.com, Ahmed Badr, an experienced network consultant, wrote about the Five top certifications to get you involved in wireless networking; he included CWSP offered by Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) among the list of most sought-out certifications due to the fact that security for wireless networks is definitely one of the most in-demand networking skills currently. Certifications are a great way to keep current not only with the new methods malicious hackers use to attack systems but also with the latest developments in defensive technologies, tools and monitoring methods.

Ahmed states the vendor-neutral advanced level CWSP credential gives such individuals the knowledge and skills to secure any wireless network thanks to the critical security topics it covers, to include “wireless vulnerability assessment, WLAN security audits, and compliance monitoring solutions, and implementing Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS).” To acquire this credential, candidates need to demonstrate basic knowledge through another certification, the CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator), that shows they have the required knowledge of topics like radio and antenna technologies, wireless architectures, 802.11, wireless standards and troubleshooting. The CWSP is valid for three years after which time, professionals can re-certify or move on to acquire the more advanced CWNE (Certified Wireless Network Expert) for experienced professional with advanced knowledge in “protocol analysis, intrusion detection and prevention, performance and QoS analysis, spectrum analysis and management and advanced design,” as mentioned on the official website.

According to Pearson VUE that serves test owners and test takers in nearly every industry, IT professionals in over 140 countries have already achieved CWNP certification to prove their knowledge in how to make wireless networks more secure, cost-effective and reliable.

How Can I Become CWSS Certified?

In addition to experience gained on the job, it is possible to become a Certified Wireless Security Specialist by looking for specific and effective training programs like InfoSec Institute’s Wireless Security Training course, which is 5-days hands-on class where you will use a variety of industry-standard access points, 802.1x protocol assessment devices, and WLAN security assessment tools from vendors. The course prepares professionals to pass the CWSP certification. Alternatively, there is CWNP’s Wi-Fi Security coursework that will measure the skills and knowledge necessary and gets students ready for this professional-level cert. Also, the CWSP Premium Self Study Kit includes unlimited access to an eLearning Course in preparation of the CWSP-205 exam (See: What’s Changed in Exam CWSP-205?).