Bringing Simplicity to Security: The Journey of the Cisco Security Cloud

In June of 2022 at the RSA Conference, we announced our vision for the Cisco Security Cloud Platform. We set out to provide an integrated experience to securely connect people and devices everywhere to applications and data anywhere. We focused on providing an open platform for threat prevention, detection, response, and remediation capabilities at scale. Since the announcement, we’ve been working hard to deliver, and the core of what we’ve accomplished has been rooted in how we can bring simplicity to security, and simplicity for our customers.

Our platform vision was founded with five key design goals in mind: Cloud-native, multicloud, unified, simplified, AI-first, and open and extensible. Here’s how we have executed on our vision since we launched the Cisco Security Cloud:

• We delivered Cisco Secure Access, a cloud-delivered security service edge (SSE) solution, grounded in zero trust, that provides our customers exceptional user experience and protected access from any device to anywhere.
• We improved zero-trust functionality with an integrated client experience (Secure Client), and industry first partnerships with Apple and Samsung using modern protocols to deliver user friendly, zero trust access to private applications, and improved network traffic visibility.
• We delivered our Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution with first-of-its-kind capabilities for automatically recovering from ransomware attacks that costs businesses billions of dollars annually.
• We have made significant investments in advanced technologies and top talent in strategic areas like multicloud defense, artificial intelligence, and identity with the acquisitions of Valtix, ArmorBlox, and Oort.
• We simplified how customers can procure tightly integrated solutions from us with our first set of Security Suites (User, Cloud, and Breach Protection) that are powered by AI, built on zero trust principles, and delivered by our Security Cloud platform.
• We have taken a major step in making artificial intelligence pervasive in the Security Cloud with the new Cisco AI Assistant for Security, and introduction of our AI Assistant for Firewall Policy. Managing, updating, and deploying policies is one of the most complex and time-consuming tasks that is fraught with human error. Our AI Assistant solves the complexity of setting and maintaining these policies and firewall rules.

Our goal continues to be lifting the complexity tax for customers

While I’m certainly proud of the tremendous progress we have made in the last two years, I know there’s still work to be done. It’s a well-known fact that within security industry, every time there is a new problem, there would be a cluster of security companies that spring up to solve that problem. This whac-a-mole approach can certainly challenge efficiency but, more importantly, it puts the burden on the customer to constantly deploy a new vendor, a new tool, and manage siloed data. I refer to this as customers paying the “complexity tax”.

This has created fatigue among security practitioners and increased interdependencies, blind spots, and unpredictability as evidenced by the eye-opening data from Gartner showing that 75% of organizations today are pursuing security vendor consolidation. Customers should not have to spend time deciphering what products they need in order to solve their specific security challenges. That should be our job and I take this responsibility to heart.

What’s crucial to our success is to listen to the voice of our customers, which is a powerful force in helping us steer in the right direction. We always appreciate candid feedback we get from customers. A couple of recent reminders we got from customers include:

• Customers value things that will minimize disruption when migrating to a new solution or platform. They need our help to simplify and make this process easier through features like the Cisco Secure Firewall Migration Tool and the Cisco AI Assistant for Security.
• We must be mindful that there are operational and business costs associated, and vendor or software consolidation may not always be as easy as technology migration – for example, factoring in for cost of existing software licenses of decommissioned products.
• Hybrid cloud is the de facto operating model for companies today and security is no exception. We must continue to deliver the benefits of cloud operating model and SaaS-like functionality to on-premises security environments.

The Road Ahead

As we mentioned at launch, fulfilling the Security Cloud vision is a multi-year commitment and journey. From the Cisco Security Engineering standpoint, our go-forward strategy and priorities include:

• A major priority is for us to optimize the user experience and simplify management across our portfolio for features and products we have shipped. We will continue to focus on delivering innovation from a customer-centric approach and shifting focus from deliverables to outcomes; the business value we can provide and what problems we can solve.
• Working closely with our customers to prioritize customer-found defects or security vulnerabilities as we develop new features. In general, security efficacy continues to be one of our top objectives for Cisco Security engineering.
• Harnessing the incredible power and potential of generative AI technology to revolutionize threat response and simplify security policy management. Solving these problems is one of the first “killer applications” for AI and we’re only scratching the surface of what we can do from AI-driven innovation.
• With Oort’s identity-centric technology, we will enhance user context telemetry and incorporate their capabilities across our portfolio, including our Duo Identity Access Management (IAM) technology and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) portfolios.
• Leveraging our cloud-native expertise and decades of on-premises experience to reimagine and redefine how security appliances are deployed and used.

We are making big moves, and our Cisco Security Cloud journey continues. Our vision is realized through innovation, and innovation comes from new technology, new concepts for mature technologies, and new ways to build, buy or use our capabilities. Stay tuned on more news from us as we continue to deliver some of the most exciting innovation areas for Cisco and the security industry at large.

Source: cisco.com

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How Cisco Black Belt Academy Learns from Our Learners

Cisco Black Belt Academy offers the latest in technology enablement to our partners, distributors, and Cisco employees. With ever-changing industry trends and market dynamics, an in-depth understanding of end-users’ requirements is of supreme importance, and we strive to offer the best in Partner Experience.

Learning from our learners

Listen-Learn-Act-Repeat is a never ending cycle at Black Belt Academy. We endeavor to engage our partners in a variety of ways to offer Black Belt Academy courses that help them succeed. With an exhaustive enablement catalogue, we ensure that we are in sync with the wants of our learners. Our Partner Experience team works tirelessly behind the scenes to support learners when they need help.

In principle, we believe in having a symbiotic approach in the way we go about doing business: we are as good as our learners on any given day.

Constantly refining based on learners’ input

We have identified specific touch points to include our partners’ input in refining our Learning Plans:

Voice of the Partner: The initiative is a part of Global Partner Routes and Sales. It is designed to understand the perspective of our consumers across all Cisco verticals. Such inputs help us in innovating and upgrading our offerings.

Partner Listening: Taking cue of the Voice of the Partner initiative, we have set forth a Partner Listening activity that caters to Black Belt-specific partners and distributors. We take pride in the fact that the initiative has increased our engagement levels with our consumers. Our platform refinement and the revamped framework of our learning courses exemplifies our commitment towards developing user-oriented products.

Review and Feedback: At the end we have the Review/Feedback option attached to our courses. This might be a contemporary tool, but it is nevertheless very important at sorting escalations at the earliest.

Your voice, our actions

The feedback received is diligently addressed by our entire Black Belt Team. We make deliberate efforts to accommodate the requested changes from our partners, especially those that affect our overall engagement and user experience. Our Annual Refresh is dedicated to integrating these changes into both the Platform Experience and the curated content. The Black Belt Content BDMs collaborate to enhance the quality of assets and the context of trainings each year, ensuring we provide what you need in the manner you need it.

An experience based on learners’ needs

We take pride in being among a handful of organizations whose product orientation is based on customers’ wants. Through the implementation of both proactive and reactive measures, we ensure our learners have the best experience. As you learn from us rest assured, we are continuously learning from you.

Source: cisco.com

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Why You Should Pass Cisco 350-701 SCOR Exam?

The CCNP Security credential confirms your expertise in security solutions. Achieving the CCNP Security certification involves successfully completing two exams: one covering core security technologies and another focusing on a security concentration of your choosing. This article will concentrate on the core examination known as "Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies" (350-701 SCOR).

What Is the Cisco 350-701 SCOR Exam?

The 350-701 SCOR exam by Cisco assesses a wide range of competencies, encompassing network, cloud, and content security, as well as endpoint protection and detection. It also evaluates skills in ensuring secure network access, visibility, and enforcement.

The SCOR 350-701 exam, titled "Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies v1.0," lasts for 120 minutes and includes 90-10 questions. It is linked to certifications such as CCNP Security, Cisco Certified Specialist - Security Core, and CCIE Security. The exam focuses on the following objectives:

Security Concepts (25%)

Network Security (20%)

Securing the Cloud (15%)

Content Security (15%)

Endpoint Protection and Detection (10%)

Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement (15%)

Tips and Tricks to Pass the Cisco 350-701 SCOR Exam

When dealing with Cisco exams, it's essential to be clever and strategic. Here are some tips and techniques you can employ to excel in your Cisco 350-701 exam:

1. Have a Good Grasp of the Cisco 350-701 SCOR Exam Content

Initially, it's crucial to possess a well-defined understanding of the examination format. You must comprehend the expectations placed on you, enabling you to confidently provide the desired responses without hesitating among seemingly comparable choices.

2. Familiarize Yourself With the Exam Topics

Gaining insight into the goals of the Cisco SCOR 350-701 Exam can be highly advantageous. It allows you to identify the key concepts within the course, enabling a more concentrated effort to acquire expertise in those specific areas.

3. Develop a Study Schedule

Having a study schedule is crucial as it enhances organization and ensures comprehensive coverage. It provides a clear overview of the time available before the exam, allowing you to determine the necessary study and practice duration.

5. Perform Cisco 350-701 SCOR Practice Exams

Engaging in practice exams assists in identifying areas of deficiency, areas for improvement, and whether there's a need to enhance speed. You can access dependable Cisco 350-701 SCOR practice exams on the nwexam website. Repeat the practice sessions, pinpoint your weaker areas, monitor your results, and ultimately build confidence in your knowledge and skills.

6. Engage in Online Forums

Numerous online communities are specifically focused on Cisco certifications and exams. By becoming a part of these communities, you can connect with individuals possessing relevant experience or working as professionals in the field. Their insights and recommendations will assist you in steering clear of errors and optimizing your work efficiency.

7. Brush Up on Your Knowledge Right Before the Exam

Having a concise set of notes that you can review just before the exam is beneficial. This aids in activating your memory and bringing essential knowledge to the forefront of your mind, saving valuable time that might otherwise be spent trying to recall information.

8. Strategies for Multiple-Choice Questions

Utilizing Multiple-Choice Questions strategies is beneficial when you're uncertain about the correct answer. For instance, employing the method of eliminating incorrect options can be effective. It's also advisable to skip questions that are challenging, proceeding to the others without spending excessive time on them. Complete the remaining Cisco 350-701 questions and return to the challenging one later.

Why Should You Pass the Cisco 350-701 SCOR Exam?

Indeed, examinations are commonly undertaken to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to address human challenges. Successfully completing the Cisco 350-701 SCOR exam offers more than just that – it grants the CCNP Security certification and additional advantages, including:

1. Set Yourself Apart From the Crowd

The job landscape for IT professionals is intensely competitive. Simultaneously, hiring managers are compelled to seek exceptionally skilled candidates. Consequently, only individuals who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to their careers through examinations and certifications are chosen. Opting for a Cisco 350-701 SCOR exam also signifies your enthusiasm and practical expertise in your professional domain.

2. Official Validation

Consider the perspective of the hiring manager: asserting your proficiency in network security technologies through words alone may not be highly persuasive. However, when your resume is enhanced by an industry-standard certification from a reputable vendor, additional explanations become unnecessary. The esteemed reputation of Cisco in the networking field alone is sufficient to secure a job.

3. Showcase Your Professional Relevance

Many employers prefer to recruit versatile professionals capable of undertaking diverse responsibilities within a company. Successfully completing the Cisco 350-701 SCOR exam demonstrates your accurate understanding of workplace technologies and your capacity to contribute to organizational empowerment. In essence, certification assures your employer that your skill set aligns with the requirements of their job position.

4. Boost Your Earnings

Attaining the CCNP Security certification opens doors to lucrative opportunities for increased earnings. Additionally, you become eligible for job positions that offer higher salaries compared to those available to non-certified professionals.

5. Propel Your Career Advancement Swiftly

If you've been aiming for promotions within your company, obtaining CCNP Security certification can be instrumental in reaching even managerial positions. The widespread application of Routing and Switching technologies in many organizations is attributed to their provision of secure communication and data sharing.

6. Reinforce Your Confidence

Positions in networking are typically hands-on, demanding consistent performance. Successfully completing the Cisco 350-701 SCOR exam instills confidence in executing tasks, as the acquired skills provide a robust comprehension of network security. Certifications also hold significance for employers during the hiring process, serving as proof that they have selected a qualified and capable professional.

Conclusion

Ascending to higher levels and achieving your aspirations in the IT field can be challenging without additional certifications validating your capabilities. Although various organizations provide numerous certifications, it's crucial to identify the one that aligns most effectively with your objectives. Otherwise, the investment of time and money could prove futile. Act promptly and secure your Cisco 350-701 SCOR certification using the best available resources tailored for you.

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Integrated Industrial Edge Compute

Predicting the future of new technology is often like gambling. Predicting the future of a massive locomotive on a railway track is quite predictable. The future of edge compute is more like a locomotive with a predictable future. It is already impacting the energy and mining industry today and there’s much more to come in the next few years.

Let’s start with some general enterprise market numbers for context. In early 2023 Grand View Research identified that the edge compute market had grown from $1.9B in 2020 to $11.24B in 2022. Their research predicts an exponential growth curve that will continue at 37.9% compounded annual growth rate and reach $155.9B in 2030. That’s a very big number, almost 100X increase in 10 years. It’s safe to say this technology will touch almost every enterprise.

Market Growth Projection

Industry Trends

These edge compute numbers may explain my boldness, but the business value of specific outcomes are what drives this growth in energy and mining. The following trends are what provide fuel for this growth in the near term.

Digital Instrumentation

I’m often reminded that digital instrumentation has been around for dozens of years in process control. In spite of our history with digital instrumentation, a surprising number of instruments are still read manually and entered by hand into computer systems. This is changing. The use of centralized operations centers and remote experts raises the need for visibility across all process elements from remote tools and dashboards. The move to more complete digital instrumentation is making the role of compute and data infrastructure critical to operations.

Cloud Challenges

Almost everyone has drastically shrunk their corporate data center footprint and moved their compute functions to the cloud. This approach continues to be problematic for many operational environments that struggle to get reliable connectivity. Even with the improvement of today’s connectivity options, the risk of failure is still too high for critical operations. In addition to the reliability risk, the latency risk for certain operations is also too high for cloud services. These two factors make compute at the edge an important consideration.

Artificial Intelligence

In 2023, It seems like every conversation or publication must contain a reference to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and for good reason. AI can cut through the noise and focus our attention on the critical data points that affect meaningful business outcomes. In many cases the resulting algorithms are quite simple and can be deployed in lightweight container apps at the edge.

Container Apps at the Cisco Edge

AI is one of multiple use cases that benefit from container-based compute at the edge. Cisco’s container feature (IoX) directly addresses this trend today in energy and mining companies. Here are a few examples of edge software that address operating outcomes today. Each software solution has an instance running at the edge, in a container, on a Cisco router or switch.

Cisco Cyber Vision

What if your network’s routers and switches could give you visibility to the OT inventory on your network and identify any security anomalies that occur?  Cisco’s Cyber Vision can provide this visibility from your Cisco infrastructure. The Cyber Vision agents that monitor OT traffic and describe it in meta data for central analysis, live in containers on Cisco routers and switches. There is no need to invest in separate monitoring devices and an expensive backhaul network to reroute that traffic for analysis. It’s built in.

Cyber Vision Architecture

Industrial Network Solutions

What if you could implement a small SCADA function in a router or switch that lives in a small cabinet or pumphouse? Industrial Network Solutions has integrated multiple container based agents that can perform all needed functions from a container on a router or switch. This avoids the old model of putting expensive purpose built boxes at every little site. It puts SCADA into locations with Ignition Edge, Node-RED and others where dedicated SCADA devices were not feasible before.

Cheetah Networks

What if you could objectively measure the communication experience that your remote site is experiencing? A small container app from Cheetah Networks gives you visibility to modem metrics and other local data points that were very difficult and cumbersome to aquire and manage with other solutions. As you guessed this container app can live in Cisco’s routers and switches without additional compute hardware.

Cisco Edge Intelligence

What if you need customized data management? Sometimes data acquisition requires a more flexible tool that can read data locally, normalize it and then send it to a central server as required. Edge Intelligence from Cisco is one such tool that’s highly programmable and comes with a wide variety of connectors and normalization capabilities. As with previous examples, it lives in a container app on Cisco’s routers and switches without additional compute hardware.

And More

These are just a few of the apps that have found a home in the small container space on Cisco routers and switches. The sweet spot for this approach is a small site that can’t justify a dedicated compute platform or an app that is tightly associated with network traffic on the router or switch.

The edge compute trend is coming like a freight train and needs to be assessed across every enterprise. Before investing in a dedicated edge compute platform for every possible location, take a look at the capabilities already built into your network infrastructure. You may be surprised by the capability that’s already there.

Source: cisco.com

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Effortless API Management: Exploring Meraki’s New Dashboard Page for Developers

A Dashboard Designed for Developers

APIs serve as the bridges that enable different software systems to communicate, facilitating the flow of data and functionality. For developers, APIs are the foundation upon which they build, innovate, and extend the capabilities of their applications. It’s only fitting that the tools they use to manage these APIs should be just as robust and user-friendly.

That’s where Meraki’s API & Webhook Management Page steps in. This dedicated interface is a testament to Meraki’s commitment to creating a seamless developer experience. It’s not just another feature; it’s a reflection of the understanding that developers need practical solutions to handle the complexities of APIs effectively.

Simplifying API Key Management

One of the key aspects that API developers will appreciate is the simplified API key management. With just a few clicks, developers can create and revoke the API keys they need effortlessly. With this new page, you can easily manage the keys associated with the current Dashboard user account.

Streamlining Webhook Setup

Webhooks have become an integral part of modern application development, allowing systems to react to events in real-time. The new UI offers a separate section to manage your webhook receivers, allowing you to:

• Create webhook receivers across your various networks
• Assign payload templates to integrate with your webhook receiver
• Create a custom template in the payload template editor and test your configured webhooks.

Many external services typically demand specific headers or body properties to accept a webhook. Templates serve as a means to incorporate and modify these webhook properties to suit the particular service’s requirements. Utilize our integrated template editor for crafting and evaluating your personalized webhook integrations. Develop custom webhook templates to:

• Establish custom headers to enable adaptable security options.
• Experiment with different data types, like scenarios involving an access point going offline or a camera detecting motion, for testing purposes.

Connecting applications and services via webhooks has never been easier, and developers can do it with confidence, knowing that the shared Secret for webhook receivers is handled securely.

Access to Essential Documentation and Community Resources

Every developer understands the value of having comprehensive documentation and access to a supportive community. Meraki’s API & Webhook Management Dashboard Page goes a step further by providing quick links to essential documentation and community resources. This means that developers can quickly find the information they need to troubleshoot issues, explore new features, and collaborate with a like-minded community.

What’s on the Horizon?

I hope this blog post has given you a glimpse of the incredible features that Meraki’s API & Webhook Management Page brings to the table. But the innovation doesn’t stop here. Meraki’s commitment to an “API-first” approach means that new API endpoints for generating and revoking API keys will be available very soon, providing developers with even more control over their API integration.

Additionally, Meraki places a strong emphasis on security, aligning with API key security best practices. The sharedSecret for webhook receivers will no longer be visible after setting, enhancing the overall security of your API connections.

But we’re not stopping there. The roadmap ahead is filled with exciting updates and enhancements, promising to make the Meraki Dashboard an even more powerful tool for developers.

Source: cisco.com

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Making Your First Terraform File Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

For the past several years, I’ve tried to give at least one Terraform-centric session at Cisco Live. That’s because they’re fun and make for awesome demos. What’s a technical talk without a demo? But I also see huge crowds every time I talk about Terraform. While I wasn’t an economics major, I do know if demand is this large, we need a larger supply!

That’s why I decided to step back and focus to the basics of Terraform and its operation. The configuration applied won’t be anything complex, but it should explain some basic structures and requirements for Terraform to do its thing against a single piece of infrastructure, Cisco ACI. Don’t worry if you’re not an ACI expert; deep ACI knowledge isn’t required for what we’ll be configuring.

The HCL File: What Terraform will configure

A basic Terraform configuration file is written in Hashicorp Configuration Language (HCL). This domain-specific language (DSL) is similar in structure to JSON, but it adds components for things like control structures, large configuration blocks, and intuitive variable assignments (rather than simple key-value pairs).

At the top of every Terraform HCL file, we must declare the providers we’ll need to gather from the Terraform registry. A provider supplies the linkage between the Terraform binary and the endpoint to be configured by defining what can be configured and what the API endpoints and the data payloads should look like. In our example, we’ll only need to gather the ACI provider, which is defined like this:

terraform {

  required_providers {

    aci = {

      source = “CiscoDevNet/aci”

    }

  }

}

Once you declare the required providers, you have to tell Terraform how to connect to the ACI fabric, which we do through the provider-specific configuration block:

provider "aci" {

username = "admin"

password = "C1sco12345"

url      = "https://10.10.20.14"

insecure = true

}

Notice the name we gave the ACI provider (aci) in the terraform configuration block matches the declaration for the provider configuration. We’re telling Terraform the provider we named aci should use the following configuration to connect to the controller. Also, note the username, password, url, and insecure configuration options are nested within curly braces { }. This indicates to Terraform that all this configuration should all be grouped together, regardless of whitespaces, indentation, or the use of tabs vs. spaces.

Now that we have a connection method to the ACI controller, we can define the configuration we want to apply to our datacenter fabric. We do this using a resource configuration block. Within Terraform, we call something a resource when we want to change its configuration; it’s a data source when we only want to read in the configuration that already exists. The configuration block contains two arguments, the name of the tenant we’ll be creating and a description for that tenant.

resource "aci_tenant" "demo_tenant" {

name        = "TheU_Tenant"

description = "Demo tenant for the U"

}

Once we write that configuration to a file, we can save it and begin the process to apply this configuration to our fabric using Terraform.

The Terraform workflow: How Terraform applies configuration

Terraform’s workflow to apply configuration is straightforward and stepwise. Once we’ve written the configuration, we can perform a terraform init, which will gather the providers from the Terraform registry who have been declared in the HCL file, install them into the project folder, and ensure they are signed with the same PGP key that HashiCorp has on file (to ensure end-to-end security). The output of this will look similar to this:

[I] theu-terraform » terraform init

Initializing the backend...

Initializing provider plugins...

- Finding latest version of ciscodevnet/aci...

- Installing ciscodevnet/aci v2.9.0...

- Installed ciscodevnet/aci v2.9.0 (signed by a HashiCorp partner, key ID 433649E2C56309DE)

Partner and community providers are signed by their developers.

If you'd like to know more about provider signing, you can read about it here:

https://www.terraform.io/docs/cli/plugins/signing.html

Terraform has created a lock file .terraform.lock.hcl to record the provider

selections it made above. Include this file in your version control repository

so that Terraform can guarantee to make the same selections by default when

you run "terraform init" in the future.

Terraform has been successfully initialized!

You may now begin working with Terraform. Try running “terraform plan” to see any changes required for your infrastructure. All Terraform commands should now work.

If you ever set or change modules or backend configuration for Terraform, rerun this command to reinitialize your working directory. If you forget, other commands will detect it and remind you to do so if necessary.

Once the provider has been gathered, we can invoke terraform plan to see what changes will occur in the infrastructure prior to applying the config. I’m using the reservable ACI sandbox from Cisco DevNet  for the backend infrastructure but you can use the Always-On sandbox or any other ACI simulator or hardware instance. Just be sure to change the target username, password, and url in the HCL configuration file.

Performing the plan action will output the changes that need to be made to the infrastructure, based on what Terraform currently knows about the infrastructure (which in this case is nothing, as Terraform has not applied any configuration yet). For our configuration, the following output will appear:

[I] theu-terraform » terraform plan

Terraform used the selected providers to generate the following execution plan. Resource actions are indicated with the following symbols:

 + create

Terraform will perform the following actions:

# aci_tenant.demo_tenant will be created

+ resource "aci_tenant" "demo_tenant" {

+ annotation                    = "orchestrator:terraform"

+ description                   = "Demo tenant for the U"

+ id                            = (known after apply)

+ name                          = "TheU_Tenant"

+ name_alias                    = (known after apply)

+ relation_fv_rs_tenant_mon_pol = (known after apply)

}

Plan: 1 to add, 0 to change, 0 to destroy.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Note: You didn't use the -out option to save this plan, so Terraform can't guarantee to take exactly these actions if

you run "terraform apply" now.

We can see that the items with a plus symbol (+) next to them are to be created, and they align with what we had in the configuration originally. Great!  Now we can apply this configuration. We perform this by using the terraform apply command. After invoking the command, we’ll be prompted if we want to create this change, and we’ll respond with “yes.”

[I] theu-terraform » terraform apply                                                      

Terraform used the selected providers to generate the following execution plan. Resource actions are indicated with the

following symbols:

  + create

Terraform will perform the following actions:

  # aci_tenant.demo_tenant will be created

  + resource "aci_tenant" "demo_tenant" {

      + annotation                    = "orchestrator:terraform"

      + description                   = "Demo tenant for the U"

      + id                            = (known after apply)

      + name                          = "TheU_Tenant"

      + name_alias                    = (known after apply)

      + relation_fv_rs_tenant_mon_pol = (known after apply)

    }

Plan: 1 to add, 0 to change, 0 to destroy.

Do you want to perform these actions?

  Terraform will perform the actions described above.

  Only 'yes' will be accepted to approve.

  Enter a value: yes

aci_tenant.demo_tenant: Creating...

aci_tenant.demo_tenant: Creation complete after 3s [id=uni/tn-TheU_Tenant]

Apply complete! Resources: 1 added, 0 changed, 0 destroyed.

The configuration has now been applied to the fabric!  If you’d like to verify, log in to the fabric and click on the Tenants tab. You should see the newly created tenant.

Finally – if you’d like to delete the tenant the same way you created it, you don’t have to create any complex rollback configuration. Simply invoke terraform destroy from the command line. Terraform will verify the state that exists locally within your project aligns with what exists on the fabric; then it will indicate what will be removed. After a quick confirmation, you’ll see that the tenant is removed, and you can verify in the Tenants tab of the fabric.

[I] theu-terraform » terraform destroy                                                    

aci_tenant.demo_tenant: Refreshing state... [id=uni/tn-TheU_Tenant]

Terraform used the selected providers to generate the following execution plan. Resource actions are indicated with the

following symbols:

  - destroy

Terraform will perform the following actions:

  # aci_tenant.demo_tenant will be destroyed

  - resource "aci_tenant" "demo_tenant" {

      - annotation  = "orchestrator:terraform" -> null

      - description = "Demo tenant for the U" -> null

      - id          = "uni/tn-TheU_Tenant" -> null

      - name        = "TheU_Tenant" -> null

    }

Plan: 0 to add, 0 to change, 1 to destroy.

Do you really want to destroy all resources?

  Terraform will destroy all your managed infrastructure, as shown above.

  There is no undo. Only 'yes' will be accepted to confirm.

  Enter a value: yes

aci_tenant.demo_tenant: Destroying... [id=uni/tn-TheU_Tenant]

aci_tenant.demo_tenant: Destruction complete after 1s

Destroy complete! Resources: 1 destroyed.

Complete Infrastructure as Code lifecycle management with a single tool is pretty amazing, huh?

A bonus tip

Another tip regarding Terraform and HCL relates to the workflow section above. I described the use of curly braces to avoid the need to ensure whitespace is correct or tab width is uniform within the configuration file. This is generally a good thing, as we can focus on what we want to deploy rather than minutiae of the config. However, sometimes it helps when you format the configuration in a way that’s aligned and easier to read, even if it doesn’t affect the outcome of what is deployed.

In these instances, you can invoke terraform fmt within your project folder, and it will automatically format all Terraform HCL files into aligned and readable text. You can try this yourself by adding a tab or multiple spaces before an argument or maybe between the = sign within some of the HCL. Save the file, run the formatter, and then reopen the file to see the changes. Pretty neat, huh?

Source: cisco.com

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10 Useful Tips to Ace Cisco 300-415 ENSDWI Exam

Embarking to become a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a formidable task, and the 300-415 ENSDWI (Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions) exam is a pivotal gateway. In this comprehensive guide, we'll navigate the intricacies of the 300-415 ENSDWI exam, offering valuable insights, expert tips for preparation, and a glimpse into the rewarding career opportunities that await those who successfully conquer this certification.

Decoding 300-415 ENSDWI Exam

The 300-415 ENSDWI exam delves into Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions, evaluating candidates' proficiency in orchestrating WAN edge routers to connect to the SD-WAN fabric. This exam is not merely a test of theoretical knowledge but a practical assessment of your ability to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot SD-WAN solutions in real-world scenarios.

Before delving into preparation tips, it's crucial to understand the terrain you'll be navigating. The 300-415 ENSDWI exam typically consists of 55-65 questions; candidates are allotted 90 minutes for completion. The format encompasses a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation-based scenarios.

Cisco 300-415 ENSDWI Exam Objectives

Architecture (20%)

Controller Deployment (15%)

Router Deployment (20%)

Policies (20%)

Security and Quality of Service (15%)

Management and Operations (10%)

Ten Expert Tips for 300-415 ENSDWI Preparation

1. Create a Study Plan

Building a structured study plan is the foundation of successful exam preparation. Allocate dedicated time daily to cover specific topics, ensuring a balanced approach to all exam objectives. Consistency is key, and a well-organized study plan will help you stay on track.

2. Hands-On Practice

Theory is vital, but practical application is paramount. Set up a virtual lab environment to experiment with SD-WAN configurations. The hands-on experience will reinforce theoretical concepts and enhance your troubleshooting skills—a crucial aspect of the exam.

3. Utilize Official Cisco Resources

Cisco provides many official resources, including documentation, whitepapers, and video tutorials. These materials offer insights into SD-WAN technologies and Cisco's expectations for exam candidates. Leverage these resources to complement your study materials.

4. Join Online Communities

Engage with fellow candidates and networking professionals in online forums and communities. Discussing concepts, sharing experiences, and seeking clarification on doubts can provide a fresh perspective and fill gaps in your understanding. The collective wisdom of the community is a valuable asset.

5. Use Cisco 300-415 ENSDWI Practice Test

Perform Cisco 300-415 ENSDWI practice tests to familiarize yourself with the time constraints and pressure. Timed practice exams assess your knowledge and train you to manage time effectively during the test. This step is crucial for building confidence and reducing exam-day anxiety.

6. Focus on Weak Cisco 300-415 ENSDWI Syllabus Topics

Regularly evaluate your progress and identify weak areas. Allocate additional time to reinforce your understanding of these topics. Whether it's troubleshooting, security configurations, or SD-WAN policies, addressing weaknesses proactively will contribute to a more well-rounded preparation.

7. Stay Updated with Industry Trends

The world of networking is dynamic, with technologies evolving rapidly. Stay abreast of industry trends, especially those related to SD-WAN. Familiarizing yourself with the latest developments ensures that your knowledge is exam-centric and reflective of real-world scenarios.

8. Explore Third-Party Study Materials

While official Cisco resources are indispensable, exploring third-party study materials can offer diverse perspectives. Books, practice exams, and online courses from reputable sources can provide alternative explanations and additional context, enriching your understanding.

9. Teach to Learn

The act of teaching reinforces your understanding. Collaborate with study partners or create study guides for specific topics. Explaining concepts in your own words solidifies your knowledge and highlights areas in which you need further clarification.

10. Review and Revise Cisco 300-415 ENSDWI Exam Topics

Continuous revision is the key to retention. Periodically revisit previously covered topics to reinforce your memory. The spaced repetition technique, where you review information at increasing intervals, is particularly effective in ingraining knowledge for the long term.

Beyond 300-415 Exam: The CCNP Enterprise Certification

Earning the 300-415 ENSDWI certification is a significant accomplishment, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Combining it with the 350-401 ENCOR (Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies) exam leads to the coveted CCNP Enterprise certification.

1: Career Paths with CCNP Enterprise

The CCNP Enterprise certification opens doors to a myriad of career opportunities. You become a sought-after professional capable of designing and implementing complex enterprise network solutions. Roles such as Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, and Network Administrator are within reach.

2: Industry Recognition

CCNP Enterprise certification is globally recognized and respected. It serves as a testament to your expertise in networking technologies and positions you as a qualified professional in the eyes of employers worldwide. This recognition can be a game-changer in job interviews and salary negotiations.

3: Salary Advancement

With CCNP Enterprise certification, you're not just acquiring knowledge but investing in your earning potential. Certified professionals often command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. The certificate becomes a tangible asset, showcasing your dedication to continuous learning and mastery of your craft.

Conclusion

The journey to mastering the 300-415 ENSDWI exam is undoubtedly challenging, but the rewards are commensurate with the effort invested. As you delve into the intricacies of SD-WAN solutions, remember that each concept mastered is a step closer to unlocking a world of career possibilities. The CCNP Enterprise certification, born from the synergy of 300-415 ENSDWI and 350-401 ENCOR, is your passport to a future where your expertise is valued and indispensable in the ever-evolving networking landscape. So, gear up, embrace the challenge, and set forth on the path to CCNP Enterprise mastery. Success awaits those who dare to venture into the realm of possibilities that certification unlocks.

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