Cybersec First Responder Certification Training (CFR)

Course Overview

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.

Course Objectives

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

Who Should Attend?

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.

Course Prerequisites

  • 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.

What’s included?

  • Authorized Courseware
  • Intensive Hands on Skills Development with an Experienced Subject Matter Expert
  • Hands-on practice on real Servers and extended lab support 1.800.482.3172
  • Examination Vouchers & Onsite Certification Testing- (excluding Adobe and PMP Boot Camps)
  • Academy Code of Honor: Test Pass Guarantee
  • Optional: Package for Hotel Accommodations, Lunch and Transportation

With several convenient training delivery methods offered, The Academy makes getting the training you need easy. Whether you prefer to learn in a classroom or an online live learning virtual environment, training videos hosted online, and private group classes hosted at your site. We offer expert instruction to individuals, government agencies, non-profits, and corporations. Our live classes, on-sites, and online training videos all feature certified instructors who teach a detailed curriculum and share their expertise and insights with trainees. No matter how you prefer to receive the training, you can count on The Academy for an engaging and effective learning experience.

Methods

  • Instructor-Led (the best training format we offer)
  • Live Online Classroom – Online Instructor-Led
  • Self-Paced Video

Speak to an Admissions Representative for complete details

StartFinishPublic PricePublic Enroll Private PricePrivate Enroll
12/8/202512/12/2025
12/29/20251/2/2026
1/19/20261/23/2026
2/9/20262/13/2026
3/2/20263/6/2026
3/23/20263/27/2026
4/13/20264/17/2026
5/4/20265/8/2026
5/25/20265/29/2026
6/15/20266/19/2026
7/6/20267/10/2026
7/27/20267/31/2026
8/17/20268/21/2026
9/7/20269/11/2026
9/28/202610/2/2026
10/19/202610/23/2026
11/9/202611/13/2026
11/30/202612/4/2026
12/21/202612/25/2026
1/11/20271/15/2027

Agenda

Duration
5 Days

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

Upcoming Class Dates and Times

Mar 9,10,11,12,13
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$3,495.00 USD
Jul 6,7,8,9,10
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$3,495.00 USD
Aug 31 & Sep 1,2,3,4
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$3,495.00 USD
Jan 4,5,6,7,8
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$3,495.00 USD
CourseID: 3601702E