Upcoming dates

All times shown in the class's own timezone. 2 of 2 are guaranteed to run, meaning they go ahead regardless of enrollment.

Dates	Starts	Where	Status	Seat	Book
Aug 31 to Sep 4	9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT	Live virtual	GUARANTEED	$3,495
Jan 4-8	9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST	Live virtual	GUARANTEED	$3,495

About this class

Cyber threats are constant, and escalating. To defend networks and critical assets, today’s IT professionals need more than just awareness, they need structured, tested methods to detect, respond, and recover. The average breach costs $4.45 million, making fast, skilled response more critical than ever.

The CyberSec First Responder (CFR) course from CertNexus equips practitioners with the skills to assess risk, monitor for intrusions, analyze threats, and respond to incidents in real time. Built around leading frameworks like NIST 800-61r2 and PPD-41, this 5-day course prepares learners to protect information systems and carry out Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) effectively.

This course also prepares candidates for the CFR-410 certification exam, validating their ability to detect, contain, analyze, and recover from cybersecurity incidents across modern network environments.

What you'll be able to do

This course prepares learners to act as the first line of defense in cyber operations. Through labs, tools, and instructor-led discussion, participants develop the hands-on skills needed to detect threats, secure systems, and conduct response procedures aligned with federal and industry guidelines.

Assess cybersecurity risks and analyze threat landscapes
Identify and respond to reconnaissance, malware, and network-based attacks
Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
Collect and analyze log data using SIEM and forensic tools
Execute structured incident response and recovery procedures

Course outline

1, Assessing Cybersecurity Risk

Identify the importance of risk management
Assess and mitigate risk
Integrate documentation into risk processes

2, Analyzing the Threat Landscape

Classify threats and threat profiles
Analyze trends affecting security posture

3, Analyzing Reconnaissance Threats to Computing and Network Environments

Implement threat modeling
Assess the impact of reconnaissance and social engineering

4, Analyzing System Hacking Attacks

Assess the impact of system, web-based, and malware attacks
Evaluate threats like hijacking, impersonation, DoS, mobile and cloud vulnerabilities

5, Analyzing Post-Attack Techniques

Assess techniques including command & control, lateral movement, exfiltration, and anti-forensics

6, Assessing the Organization's Security Posture

Perform cybersecurity audits
Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing

7, Collecting Cybersecurity Intelligence

Set up intelligence platforms
Collect data from host-based and network-based sources

8, Analyzing Log Data

Use SIEM tools and log analysis for threat detection

9, Performing Active Asset and Network Analysis

Investigate incidents using Windows and Linux tools
Analyze indicators of compromise

10, Responding to Cybersecurity Incidents

Deploy incident handling architecture
Mitigate incidents and support forensic handoff

11, Investigating Cybersecurity Incidents

Apply forensic investigation methods
Collect, analyze, and follow up on digital evidence

Before you attend

At least two years (recommended) of experience or education in computer network security technology or a related field.
The ability or curiosity to recognize information security vulnerabilities and threats in the context of risk management.
Foundational knowledge of the concepts and operational framework of common assurance safeguards in network environments. Safeguards include, but are not limited to, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and VPNs.

Who this is for

This course is designed primarily for cybersecurity practitioners preparing for or who currently perform job functions related to protecting information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation. It is ideal for those roles within federal contracting companies and private sector firms whose mission or strategic objectives require the execution of Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) or DoD Information Network (DoDIN) operation and incident handling. This course focuses on the knowledge, ability, and skills necessary to provide for the defense of those information systems in a cybersecurity context, including protection, detection, analysis, investigation, and response processes.In addition, the course ensures that all members of an IT team, regardless of size, rank, or budget, understand their role in the cyber defense, incident response, and incident handling process.