Second Watch Articles

Welcome you to the Palo Alto Networks Second Watch, training for Military Veterans!   At Palo Alto Networks, we believe veterans are well-positioned to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Your military experience equips you with transferable skills that can be applied to develop the latest cybersecurity innovations and prevent successful cyberattacks. Veterans have intangible qualities and values developed during their military career. Those same qualities and values are needed in the cybersecurity arena. We value the service you have already given, and have yet to give. We are glad you’ve chosen to invest your time to participate in this curriculum. We want to help you make the most of it as you embark on an exciting journey in cybersecurity. We are proud to be able to offer this training and hope you enjoy it!   Navigate through the training courses by clicking the links on the right or follow this Veteran Skills Learning Path.

  Create a Palo Alto Networks Beacon account to access the Palo Alto Networks Digital Learning courses. Open a browser and navigate to https://beacon.paloaltonetworks.com/student/catalog Click “Log In” to register     Click “please register for one here” to create an SSO login   Follow the prompts to create your account by entering your preferred email address and satisfying the captcha.   Fill in the form with your desired account information.       Once completed, an email will be sent to you. Click the link in the email to activate your account. Login using the email and password you used to create the account. Create unique security questions and answers to help secure your account. Once logged in, you will see your name on the home screen above a search box.   After completion of these activities, proceed to Step 2.

Login to Beacon Use the search field in the top right corner to search for the “Introduction to Cybersecurity” course. Palo Alto Networks Beacon Click the name of the course from the search results. Palo Alto Networks Beacon Click the course name “Introduction to Cybersecurity” to access the course. Palo Alto Networks Beacon   Click “Launch” to launch the course.   After completion of the Introduction to Cybersecurity course, enroll in and complete the Course Assessment.   Follow the same steps as before to enroll in the Fundamentals of Cloud Security and Fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC) courses. After completion of the course assessments, proceed to Step 3.        

  The Introduction to Cybersecurity Digital Learning course is the first step in the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA) certification. The PCCSA certification validates the knowledge required for entry-level network security positions, whose technical requirements change as quickly as the technology upon which they are based.  This course is intended for learners who want to enter the field of cybersecurity—whether a student entering the workforce or an established professional transitioning from another field—and it will help them demonstrate knowledge about current threats. In addition, this course will describe the latest trends in network-based cyberattacks and the historical and current cutting-edge technologies available to prevent them.   To prepare for the PCCSA certification, follow these steps: Complete the Introduction to Cybersecurity Digital Learning course, as well as the Fundamentals of Cloud Security and Fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC) Digital Learning courses. Pass each course exit assessment and review the Cybersecurity Survival Guide . Complete the PCCSA Practice Exam. Finally, Palo Alto Networks certification exams are all administered by Pearson Vue. You will find enrollment instructions on the Pearson Vue website.   After completion of these test study activities, proceed to Step 4.  

This step is designed to teach you the basic fundamentals of networking. This step is optional and can be skipped if you have prior training or experience from the following:   CompTIA Network+ Cisco ICND  Equivalent networking training includes: Networking Models (OSI vs. TCP/IP) Networking Topologies and Standards Layer 2 Networking Layer 3 Networking Routing Layer 4 Protocols and Ports If you haven't taken one of the courses above and wish to self-study, below are some self-paced videos you can watch to help you understand fundamental networking topics.                             After completion of these videos, proceed to Step 5.  

Login to Beacon . Use the search field in the top right corner to search for the “Next-Generation Firewall 10.0” course collection.     Click the name of the course collection “Next-Generation Firewall 10.0” from the search results.  Choose a course from the provided course collection to get started. Complete the following courses.   Begin each course by clicking on the first module. Proceed to the next modules accordingly.       After completion of each module, enroll in and complete the Course Assessment.     Follow the same steps as before to launch and complete the following modules.   After completion of the course assessment, proceed to Step 6.

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) certifies that individuals have demonstrated knowledge of key features of Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls and can effectively deploy the firewalls to securely enable traffic based on who (users), what (applications), when (time-based policy), and how (content). Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls that are configured correctly enable administrators to prevent successful cyberattacks.   The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) exam is a formal certification exam that can be attempted by anyone who has completed either the EDU-110 or EDU-210 course. The PCNSA exam is based on the current PAN-OS® release.   Study for Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) exam   To prepare for the PCNSA certification, follow these steps: Complete the EDU-110 training. Take and pass the EDU-110/210 assessment and review the PCNSA Study Guide . Note: Most courses have an assessment OR exam, not both  After completing the PCNSA exam, proceed to Step 7.  

Login to Beacon .   Use the search field in the top right corner to search for the “Firewall Essentials: Configuration and Management,” “Panorama: Managing Firewalls at Scale,” or “Firewall: Troubleshooting” courses.     Click the name of the specific course from the search results.     Once the course name is accessed, click “Click Here” or “Get Started” to learn more about Palo Alto Networks Authorized Training Partners (ATPs) and how you can access our Instructor-Led Training.       Click “Launch” to launch the module. There are three recommended courses. Follow the same steps as before to take the remainder courses.  After completion of the course assessment, proceed to Step 8.

Becoming Palo Alto Networks certified will greatly increase your knowledge in the cybersecurity industry and will also help you secure a rewarding career as a Network Security Administrator/Engineer.   PCNSE certification is the final step in the Palo Alto Networks cybersecurity training program for veterans!   To prepare for the PCNSE certification exam, use the following study resources: PCNSE Certification Info page PCNSE Preparation Best Practices PCNSE Study Guide + PCNSE Prep Videos PCNSE Practice Test Finally, Palo Alto Networks certification exams are all administered by Pearson Vue. You will find enrollment instructions and directions to authorized testing centers nearby on the Pearson Vue Website. Note: The Cybersecurity Survival Guide is not required but is encouraged reading before attempting the PCNSE certification.    Once you take and pass the PCNSE exam, you will receive an email with instructions on posting the digital badge to your LinkedIn profile.   If you have not yet done so, please consider: Joining Palo Alto Networks Following Palo Alto Networks on Twitter Follow Palo Alto Networks on LinkedIn   If you are hunting for a job using your newly acquired cybersecurity skills, proceed to the job hunting section on our Q&A page.

Now that you have made your way to the end of the Veteran Skills Learning Path, you should be fully prepared to take the PCNSE exam. If you haven’t completed all of the steps just yet, you can still request a voucher for the PCCSA or the PCNSA exams.   Here’s what you’ll need to get your vouchers: Digital Learning Course completion verification One of the following: Link to your LinkedIn profile with past military employment Picture of your Military ID (CAC, VA issued ID Card, Retiree ID Card) Once you have these two items prepared, send an email to certification@paloaltonetworks.com and include the items above as attachments.

Need Guidance? We'll point you in the right direction! Got Questions? We have Answers!     Second Watch Veterans Program Questions Veteran Positions Contact Veterans Recruiting at Palo Alto Networks Why Cybersecurity as a Career for Veterans?   Palo Alto Networks Education & Learning Center Questions Education FAQ Contact E-Learning Support LIVEcommunity – Automation & API Resources Palo Alto Networks YouTube Channel LIVEcommunity Tutorials & Guides on YouTube   Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) Prep Palo Alto Networks PCNSE Study Guide PCNSE Overview LIVEcommunity PCNSE Prep Videos Learning Center Practice Tests Palo Alto Networks PCNSE FAQ   Best Practices Guides Best Practice Assessment (BPA) Prevention Posture Assessment (PPA)   Job Hunting Military Training, Entrepreneurship, Info, and Opportunity Websites American Corporate Partners Beyond the Uniform Bunker Labs Hiring our Heroes FourBlock Intelligence Careers Company / Employment Insights & Hunt Tools LinkedIn Glassdoor Google PowerSearching