Is the CBRCOR Worth It?

If you’ve wanted to increase your security skills, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Cisco’s CBRCOR exam, also known as the Performing CyberOps Using Cisco Security Technologies exam. Yes, it is unclear to us how they derive the acronym “CBRCOR” from this. The CBRCOR exam validates a candidate’s skills as a senior analyst in a security operations center. Among other things, the exam will test your ability to conduct cloud security and other network security-related initiatives.

In this article, we will discuss the CBRCOR exam — and whether it’s worth studying for. 

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How Much Does the CBRCOR Cost?

The CBRCOR exam costs $400 USD. However, you can use Cisco Credit to subsidize the exam cost as well. Another way to offset the cost of the exam is to see if your organization would pay for you to take the exam. After all, passing the exam would prove to them that you have the skills they need — and are committed to keeping your knowledge up to date.

What is the Format of the CBRCOR Exam?

Candidates for the CBRCOR exam have 120 minutes to complete the exam with around 101 questions to answer. All the questions are either multiple-choice or drag-and-drop. Some of the questions will be easy, such as the difference between certain Linux commands. However, many questions will test your knowledge and understanding of actual Cisco Cyber Products. Ergo, it is highly advisable that a test taker has some level of experience with Cisco security products.

What is on the CBRCOR Exam?

The CBRCOR exam consists of four different domains that test you on a wide range of topics from security basics to security automation. Just browsing through the exam blueprint reveals that this exam definitely validates that candidates have strong cybersecurity chops. 

1.0 Fundamentals (20%) This domain ensures the candidate has knowledge of numerous baseline cybersecurity concepts. For example, you should understand different cyberthreats such as DDoS, unauthorized elevation of privilege, and website defacement. 

Additionally, this domain requires an understanding of numerous industry compliance standards such as PCI, GDPR, and ISO27101. You don’t have to be an expert on them, just make sure you know they exist and have a basic understanding of what they entail.

Lastly, you’ll need a broad understanding of cloud platforms and how they compare to each other from a security standpoint.

2.0 Techniques (30%) Be able to mitigate threats using available Cisco tools when you get to this domain. For example, you should understand what it means to harden a machine image for deployment. Also, know how to detect data loss and enforce data prevention techniques. This domain revolves around techniques to detect anomalous behavior and how to properly handle data, so be especially ready in this area.

3.0 Processes (30%) This domain will test your ability to analyze playbooks to ensure data loss from threats is mitigated as quickly as possible. For example, you’ll need to prioritize components in a threat model. 

The CBRCOR exam expects candidates to analyze Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) given a specific scenario — and then recommend general mitigation steps to address any found vulnerabilities. 

Lastly, it’s important that you have an awareness of industry scoring systems, like the CVSS, to triage vulnerabilities. 

4.0 Automation (20%) The last domain will test candidates on basic security automation concepts. You don’t need to know how to program, but you should at least have familiarity with reading and understanding Python scripts. Also, a basic understanding of HTTP response codes is a plus. For example, you should see the difference between an HTTP status code of 500 and 401. The exam also will evaluate competency in basic DevOps practices such as describing the components of a CI/CD pipeline.

Now that we have basic understanding of the CBRCOR, let’s discuss who the exam is geared toward.

Who Should Take the CBRCOR?

The CBRCOR is a great exam for any individual in the cybersecurity field. However, it is particularly relevant for IT pros in the following fields: 

• Cybersecurity engineer. These professionals identify threats and vulnerabilities within an organization’s network. A cybersecurity engineer will develop solutions using the latest software security practices to ensure all threats are mitigated and prevented as quickly as possible.

• Cybersecurity investigator. A cybersecurity investigator reviews attacks on networks and takes steps to determine how exactly the attacks occurred.

• Incident manager. Incident managers oversee threat mitigation in real time. Their primary goal is to ensure normal business operations can return as quickly as possible. They generally oversee numerous incident responders.

• Incident responder. An incident responder is on the frontlines of cybersecurity. They think quickly on their feet to quarantine existing attacks and mitigate damage.

• SOC analyst. A SOC analyst is similar to an incident responder. They constantly monitor their organizations' network for anomalous behavior.

Is the CBRCOR Worth it?

The short answer is “Yes.” The CBRCOR can put you leaps ahead of other professionals who do not possess one. The exam is known to be difficult. But as with any certification, a good study plan and experience working with the technology can help immensely.

The CBRCOR is the required first step toward earning Cisco CyberOps Professional certification. So by passing the exam, you are already halfway to an extremely valuable cert.

Additionally, the CBRCOR can help you: 

• Develop new skills and validate existing ones. Even if you have experience in the cybersecurity field, earning the CBRCOR will provide you with a stronger understanding of Cisco security products and threat mitigation techniques. 

• Advance in your career. The CBRCOR exam validates expertise in cybersecurity and it looks great on a resume. Developing and increasing your certification portfolio can also create new opportunities within your existing organization. 

Final Thoughts

The CBRCOR is challenging, but ultimately, it is a great way to build your cybersecurity expertise. There will always be a need for competent security professionals — and passing this exam will give you a leg up in the crowd.