Certified Virtualization Security Expert

CVSE Candidates’ Profile

Background  
Candidates for this examination typically work in one of two areas; most candidates are responsible, at some level, for the security of their infrastructure in that:

• they are managing their security staff and are implementing the daily security initiatives of the virtualized and physical environment. Or
• they are working in the Virtual Infrastructure environment where they are responsible for the implementation and configuration of virtualized servers using VMware ESX or ESXi Server and VMware VirtualCenter Server.

Invariably their organizations have a pressing duty to provide a secure environment for their clients while utilizing VMware ESX or ESXi Server and VMware VirtualCenter Server.

Prerequisites
Candidates should have 6 months to a year of experience in monitoring, analyzing and planning the use of VMware ESX Server in a medium-size to enterprise-size computing environment. Candidates should also have at least 6 months experience in security planning and implementation in a medium-size to enterprise-size computing environment.

Learning Process
The qualified candidate for this examination would have learned all aspects of planning, architecting, installation, configuration, deployment, analyzing, backing up, monitoring and securing a VMware Virtual Infrastructure consisting of ESX/ESXi Servers and the virtual machines created on them. Candidates would also have the unique understanding of how a hacker breaks into the ESX/ESXi environment. Candidates become qualified to take this certification examination by attending one of the Hacking Uncovered:VMware® classes worldwide.

Certified Virtualization Security Expert® -- Objective

The objective of the Certified Virtualization Security Expert® (CVSE®) designation is to confer upon the certificate holder the best-of-breed virtual infrastructure security professional certification. The CVE® conveys that the individual, who merits this certification, does not just deserve the certification through merely the examination process. More importantly, it assures in-depth knowledge related to virtual security, virtual design, maintenance, infrastructure management, expertise in the field of virtualization and that his/her training is current, relevant and complete.

Scope of the Examination

The examination aims to test candidates from the following segments as taught in the HUVM course. There is a total of 80 questions and candidates have 2 hours to complete the test. CVSE comprises 8 segments:

Segment 1 – Primer and Reaffirming your Knowledge – 15% - 12 Questions
Segment 2 – Penetration Testing Basics – 5% - 4 Questions
Segment 3 – Routing and the Security Design of VMware – 10% - 8 Questions
Segment 4 – Information Gathering, Scanning and Enumeration – 15% - 12 Questions
Segment 5 – DMZ Virtualization – 5% - 4 Questions
Segment 6 – Remote DataStore Security – 10% - 8 Questions
Segment 7 – Penetration Testing and the Tools of the Trade – 10% - 8 Questions
Segment 8 – Hardening your ESX Server – 30% - 24 Questions.

Certification – The Goal

Certification assures that recipients have the skills-set to perform the following tasks:

1.  Administer a VMware Infrastructure.
2.  Perform a Penetration Test against a VMware Infrastructure.
3.  Have a sound understanding of the routing performed in a VMware Infrastructure.
4.  Understand the security designs built into a VMware infrastructure.
5.  Properly setup the Remote DataStore Environment.
6.  Fully harden the ESX server and entire VMware environment.

Certification – The Benefits

Certification can lead to better visibility, opportunities and jobs. In today's increasingly complex and highly-specialized economy, credentials are everything. Granted the student knows that he/she has the skills to do the job, but nevertheless they still have to convince potential customers and employers as to their prowess. For many career-minded professionals, certification is often the answer.

For IT professionals, it is recognized as a valuable asset to prove professional credentials to employers and the general public. For others, the topic can generate a puzzled response. Why become certified? Isn't a college degree and/or years of practical hands-on experience enough to establish one's credentials? Either response of yes or no is correct, depending on your clientele and colleagues.

The Path to CVSE® Certification

• Attend an Official Hacking Uncovered:Vmware® Course prior to taking the test.
• Pass the proctored examination with a score of 75% or better.

Certification Cost

The cost of CVSE® certification is $295.00. Testing is available at authorized Hacking Uncovered:Vmware™ testing centres throughout the world. To purchase a voucher, please click here.