Cyber Threat Management
Course Description
Cyber threats are constantly evolving. New vulnerabilities appear daily. Ransomware attacks make headlines. Security teams are overwhelmed with alerts. How do you stay ahead? This course from Cisco Networking Academy teaches you the systematic approach to cyber threat management: identify threats, assess risks, detect incidents, and respond effectively.
You'll learn how Security Operations Centers (SOCs) work, how to use threat intelligence, and how to hunt for threats that evade traditional defenses. The course covers the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, incident response lifecycles (NIST and SANS), and modern threat management tools. You'll also explore vulnerability management, risk assessment methodologies, and compliance considerations.
This free, self-paced course takes about 15 hours to complete and includes interactive labs, quizzes, and a final exam. It's ideal for cybersecurity analysts, SOC team members, and IT professionals responsible for security operations. Upon completion, you'll earn an official Cisco digital badge.
Course Provider
Provider: Cisco Networking Academy, a global leader in IT and cybersecurity education.
Platform: Cisco NetAcad online platform – fully online, self-paced, with integrated labs and threat simulation exercises.
Accreditation: This course is part of Cisco's cybersecurity pathway and prepares you for roles like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, and Threat Intelligence Analyst. It aligns with industry frameworks (NIST, MITRE ATT&CK).
Course Syllabus (Key Modules)
Learning Objectives
- Identify and classify cyber threats and threat actors.
- Perform vulnerability assessments and risk analysis.
- Use threat intelligence to anticipate attacks.
- Monitor security alerts and investigate potential incidents using SIEM tools.
- Follow an incident response lifecycle to contain and eradicate threats.
- Apply threat hunting techniques to find hidden malicious activity.
- Understand compliance requirements and reporting structures.
- Earn a Cisco digital badge in cyber threat management.
Course Prerequisites
Technical: Strong foundation in networking and cybersecurity basics. You should understand IP addressing, network protocols, common attacks (malware, phishing, DoS), and basic security concepts (firewalls, IDS/IPS). Prior completion of Cisco's Introduction to Cybersecurity and Networking Basics is recommended.
Recommended prior courses: Introduction to Cybersecurity, Networking Basics, CyberOps Associate (or equivalent knowledge).
Who should take this: Cybersecurity analysts, SOC team members, IT security administrators, and anyone pursuing a career in security operations or threat management.
User Reviews
"As a new SOC analyst, this course was exactly what I needed. The modules on SIEM and incident response gave me practical knowledge I use daily. The threat hunting section was eye-opening—I didn't realize how proactive security teams need to be. The Cisco badge helped me get promoted. Highly recommended."
"I've taken several threat management courses, but this one stands out for its practical approach. The labs are realistic, and the coverage of the MITRE ATT&CK framework is excellent. The incident response module follows industry best practices. If you want to work in a SOC, this is a great foundation."
"Solid course. I appreciated the focus on the entire lifecycle, not just detection. The vulnerability management section was very practical. My only criticism is that some of the tool-specific labs feel a bit dated, but the concepts are timeless. The Cisco badge is a legitimate credential. Worth the time."
Based on 950+ ratings on Cisco NetAcad.
💡 Final Thoughts
Security is no longer just about building walls. It's about continuous threat management: identifying, detecting, responding, and learning. This Cisco course gives you the framework and practical skills to do that. You'll learn how to run vulnerability scans, use threat intelligence, work with SIEM tools, respond to incidents, and even proactively hunt for threats. It's intermediate-level material, so you need networking and security basics first. But if you have that foundation, this course will prepare you for real-world SOC roles. The Cisco badge is credible, and the skills are immediately applicable. Cyber threat management is a growing field. Get ahead.
Cyber Threat Management (Cisco) – FAQ
Is this course really free?
Yes, completely free. Cisco Networking Academy offers this course at no cost. You just need a free NetAcad account.
Do I need prior experience?
Yes, this is an intermediate-level course. You should have a solid understanding of networking and basic cybersecurity concepts. Take Introduction to Cybersecurity and Networking Basics first if you're a beginner.
How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced and takes approximately 15 hours. Most learners complete it in 2-4 weeks.
Will I receive a certificate or badge?
Yes, upon passing the final exam, you'll earn an official Cisco digital badge. You can share it on LinkedIn and other platforms.
What's the difference between this and the CyberOps Associate course?
Cyber Threat Management is a shorter, focused course on threat management processes. CyberOps Associate is a more comprehensive certification (70+ hours) that covers broader SOC operations. This course is a great introduction before tackling CyberOps Associate.
Does this course use the MITRE ATT&CK framework?
Yes, the course introduces the MITRE ATT&CK framework and how to use it for threat intelligence and detection.