Certified CyberDefender (CCD): the Good and the BAD! Tips for the exam

The realm of cybersecurity certifications is continuously expanding, and the Certified Cyber Defender (CCD) is one of the newer entries in this space. Many individuals have started pursuing this certification, and it has drawn attention from those seeking to bolster their skills in a dynamic field. This post will explore the pros and cons of the CCD, alongside some essential tips for anyone considering this certification.

What I Liked

The CCD platform is user-friendly and devoid of bugs, providing a smooth experience during course completion. The dark mode is a nice touch, and the ability to open lab questions in separate tabs is a significant advantage, especially for those who work on multiple screens. Moreover, the course materials are well-structured, with straightforward English that aids comprehension. The course content reflects real-world experience, making it relevant for those at junior to mid-level positions in cybersecurity.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, there are several areas where the CCD could enhance the learning experience. The voice reader feature struggles with technical terminology, and the absence of live training sessions leaves a gap in practical understanding. Many pages contain minimal content, which can feel redundant. Additionally, students cannot bookmark essential pages, complicating review processes. The slow pacing of lab instruction also hinders engagement, and the consistent need to adjust settings for video playback can be frustrating.

Challenges with Labs

The labs present a notable challenge; while they are designed to mimic real-world scenarios, they can be overly difficult, leaving students stuck for extended periods. The lack of support and guidance can lead to frustration, and many learners feel compelled to brute-force answers rather than genuinely understanding the material. This aspect raises significant concerns about the overall efficacy of the CCD in teaching practical skills.

Conclusion

In summary, the CCD certification offers valuable content and is a great resource for those new to cybersecurity or looking to enter the defensive side. However, the challenges associated with its labs and the support structure must be addressed for the certification to gain wider acceptance and utility. If you’re considering pursuing the CCD, be prepared to navigate these obstacles, and good luck on your journey into the world of cybersecurity!

This article is written by Fady Azzi

Fady Azzi is a Cyber Security expert, based in Sydney, Australia. Through quick and short videos full of interesting and trusted information, Fady’s channel aims to inform and educate people of all ages about cyber security, hacking, technology and many interesting topics.