CDA Certification
Cyber Defense Analyst
Begin your cybersecurity defense career with comprehensive SOC analyst training. Master threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring fundamentals.
4 Hours
Exam Duration
2 Attempts
Exam Attempts
20
Questions
75%
Passing Score
Defensive Skills You'll Master
Security Monitoring
- β’ SIEM operation and log analysis
- β’ Real-time threat detection
- β’ Network traffic monitoring
- β’ Alert triage and escalation
Incident Response
- β’ Incident classification and prioritization
- β’ Initial response procedures
- β’ Evidence collection and preservation
- β’ Communication and escalation
Threat Analysis
- β’ Malware analysis fundamentals
- β’ IOC identification and tracking
- β’ Threat intelligence integration
- β’ Attack pattern recognition
Security Analytics
- β’ Log correlation and analysis
- β’ Baseline establishment
- β’ Anomaly detection techniques
- β’ Risk assessment and scoring
SOC Analyst Training Modules
1 Security Operations Center Fundamentals
- β’ SOC roles, responsibilities, and workflows
- β’ Security frameworks and compliance requirements
- β’ Incident response lifecycle and procedures
- β’ Communication protocols and escalation paths
2 SIEM and Log Analysis
- β’ SIEM platform operation and configuration
- β’ Log collection, parsing, and normalization
- β’ Query writing and correlation rule development
- β’ Dashboard creation and alert management
3 Network Security Monitoring
- β’ Network protocol analysis and packet inspection
- β’ IDS/IPS management and tuning
- β’ Network flow analysis and anomaly detection
- β’ DNS and web traffic monitoring
4 Threat Intelligence & Incident Handling
- β’ Threat intelligence sources and integration
- β’ IOC identification and threat hunting basics
- β’ Incident documentation and reporting
- β’ Post-incident analysis and lessons learned
SOC Simulation Labs
Virtual SOC Environment
- 24/7 access to realistic SOC environment
- Enterprise SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar)
- Real network traffic and security events
- Multi-tier enterprise network topology
Practical Exercises
- 20+ guided SOC analyst scenarios
- Live incident response simulations
- Real-world malware analysis exercises
- Blue team vs red team competitions
Industry-Standard SOC Tools
Splunk
IBM QRadar
ArcSight
Elastic Stack
Wireshark
Suricata
Zeek/Bro
Snort
TheHive
MISP
Cortex
Phantom
Wazuh
OSSIM
Security Onion
Graylog
CDA Exam Details
Comprehensive Duration
4 hours to complete the assessment
Practical Questions
20 scenario-based and technical questions
Multiple Attempts
2 exam attempts with detailed feedback
Professional Standard
75% minimum score for certification
Access Period
120 days complete access to materials
Industry Certification
Recognized digital certificate for SOC analysts
COMING SOON
βΉ0.00
Entry-level certification
Complete SOC analyst training
Virtual SOC lab access
2 exam attempts
Industry certification
Expert instructor support
120 days validity
Coming Soon
This certification will be available soon. Check back later!
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP)
Basic command line experience
Understanding of Windows and Linux systems
Career Opportunities
SOC Analyst Level 1
Security Operations Specialist
Incident Response Analyst
Threat Detection Specialist
Starting Salary Range
$50,000 - $75,000
Entry to mid-level positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our certification programs and exam process.
Certification Support
1
What is the certification process?
The certification process involves: 1) Registering for the exam, 2) Completing the required training modules, 3) Passing the practical exam with 85% or higher score, 4) Receiving your digital certificate and verification badge.
2
How long is the certification valid?
Our certifications are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. You can renew your certification by taking a recertification exam or completing continuing education credits.
3
What are the prerequisites for this certification?
Prerequisites vary by certification level. Most specialist certifications require basic IT knowledge and security fundamentals. Advanced certifications may require prior certifications or professional experience.
4
How many attempts do I get for the exam?
You receive 3 attempts within a 6-month period. Each attempt must be scheduled separately. If you don't pass after 3 attempts, you must wait 90 days before retaking the exam.
5
What is the exam format?
Exams are hands-on, performance-based tests in our virtual lab environment. You'll complete real-world scenarios and practical challenges rather than multiple-choice questions.
6
How do I access the lab environment?
After registration, you'll receive login credentials for our virtual lab platform. Labs are accessible 24/7 during your subscription period. You can access them from any modern web browser.
7
What happens if I don't pass the exam?
If you don't pass, you'll receive detailed feedback on areas for improvement. You can retake the exam after a 7-day waiting period, using your remaining attempts.
8
Are there study materials available?
Yes! We provide comprehensive study guides, video tutorials, lab exercises, and practice exams. All materials are accessible through our learning portal.
Still Have Questions?
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