How CND Equips Professionals for Today’s Threat Landscape – Interview with Paul Irwin

With the growing number of threats to an organization’s network assets, the demand for skilled network security professionals has surged significantly. This trend underscores the critical need for comprehensive network security training, especially for IT professionals who already possess a basic understanding of networking concepts. In a recent interview with EC-Council’s CyberTalks, Paul Irwin shared his professional insights on the importance of network security training in safeguarding organizational networks and data. He emphasized how the Certified Network Defender (CND) certification plays a pivotal role in establishing a strong foundation in network security. According to Paul, the CND program helps to streamline learning by offering a structured and focused approach to understanding core security concepts. Through its real-world applications and hands-on labs, the certification effectively builds foundational knowledge, enhances professional confidence, and prepares both entry-level and seasoned IT professionals to navigate today’s dynamic threat landscape.

What motivated you to pursue the Certified Network Defender (CND) certification?

I was relatively new to the cybersecurity industry, coming from a mechanical background. I was looking for an entry-level certification that could provide me with a solid foundational understanding of networking and the security infrastructure that supports it. The CND certification seemed like the right fit to bridge that gap and help me transition into the field effectively.

How did the CND (Certified Network Defender) certification contribute to your career goals?

The CND certification played a significant role in helping me establish a strong foundation in cybersecurity.

Coming from a novice background, I found the curriculum, hands-on labs, and overall structure of the program incredibly helpful in building my baseline understanding.

It introduced me to real-world scenarios I could expect to encounter throughout my career. It also gave me practical exposure to working with systems like Windows and Linux, along with the relevant commands and tools used in those environments.

How has the CND course influenced your career or professional development in network security?

The CND course really helped me gain clarity and direction in my cybersecurity journey. One of the biggest challenges I faced when entering the field was figuring out which path to take, given the vast number of options available.

The CND curriculum helped narrow things down by providing a structured and focused approach.
It gave me a clearer understanding of the core skills and knowledge required to grow and stay relevant in the ever-evolving field of network security.

What aspects of the CND program did you find most interesting or valuable, and how have they contributed to your professional development?

What I found most valuable about the CND program was the in-depth exploration of real-world tools and practical scenarios. The course introduced me to several useful commands and techniques I hadn’t encountered earlier in my studies. One such example was the use of Wireshark, which was incredibly insightful for understanding packet analysis and network behavior.
Additionally,

the course included practical security tips that were applicable not only in professional environments but also for personal/home network security.
The terminology and exposure to industry-standard acronyms helped me become more confident and articulate when discussing cybersecurity topics in my daily work. The hands-on labs were also a highlight. They closely mirrored the kinds of interfaces I interact with regularly—whether it’s command-line tools or web-based UIs—which made the learning experience feel highly relevant and applicable.

Have you applied the knowledge gained from the CND course in real-world scenarios?

If yes, please provide an example of how it benefited you or your organization.
Yes, I’ve definitely applied the knowledge from the CND course in real-world situations. One example that stands out involved a recent networking issue where several servers (or nodes) were experiencing connectivity problems. Thanks to the foundational understanding I gained from the course, particularly around IP subnetting, load balancers, and network flow, I was able to quickly analyze the situation and assist in identifying the root cause. Understanding how subnetting impacts communication between different parts of the network and how traffic is managed between hosts and load balancers made a big difference.

Have you completed the Network+, Cisco, or any other network-related courses? If yes, how does the CND certification differ from those courses and other industry certifications regarding network security concepts?

Yes, I’ve completed a Cisco networking course. While it did cover some aspects of network security, the content was largely focused on Cisco-specific tools and configurations.

In contrast, the CND certification provided a much broader and deeper dive into network security concepts across different platforms.

It covered not only Cisco-related topics but also included hands-on experience with Windows, Linux, and network traffic analysis tools like Wireshark. What really stood out in the CND course was the emphasis on identifying security vulnerabilities and understanding the various types of network traffic from a security perspective.

How critical or helpful do you think the CND training is for career development in cybersecurity or the IT industry?

I believe the CND certification is a very valuable starting point for anyone looking to build a career in cybersecurity or IT.
It provides a strong foundational overview without being overwhelming and, at the same time, offers enough depth to equip you with practical, actionable knowledge. Personally, I found the content incredibly useful—not just for professional development but even for securing my home network. I still refer back to the notes I took during the course. For someone without a prior background in cybersecurity, the CND was the ideal entry point. It breaks down the core concepts of networking and security and gives you exposure to the different components that make up the broader cybersecurity landscape.

Do you think professionals already in the IT industry should take the CND certification program? Why is it important in today’s digital landscape?

Absolutely.

I think the CND certification is beneficial not only for those entering the field but also for existing IT professionals, especially those with a focus on networking or infrastructure.

The digital threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and having a strong grasp of network defense fundamentals is essential for staying relevant. CND provides that foundational knowledge and helps professionals understand the “why” behind the “how” of network security.

In my view, CND pairs very well with other certifications, forming a solid base for anyone pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Together, they offer both breadth and depth, giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions and the confidence to handle real-world challenges. CND is a certification I’d strongly recommend for building a successful career in IT and cybersecurity.

Tell us about your journey as a cybersecurity professional.

My journey into cybersecurity began relatively recently, after completing a decade of active duty in the military.

Prior to that, my only IT experience was informal: helping out with home internet issues and being the go-to “tech guy” for my family. After leaving the service, I decided to pursue a new path and enrolled in a cybersecurity degree program.

With no formal background in IT, I knew certifications would be key to building credibility and skills. I began working toward various certifications, including the Certified Network Defender (CND), to strengthen my foundational knowledge. After earning my degree and a few certifications, I entered the job market and landed my first role in the cybersecurity industry.

The transition has been fast-paced and exciting. Despite the steep learning curve, I’ve been able to adapt quickly.

The CND certification gave me a solid grasp of networking concepts and helped me speak more confidently about cybersecurity-related issues in my work.
Looking ahead, my goal is to move into a more hands-on role—ideally within a Security Operations Center (SOC)—and focus on active threat detection and response. I’m also continuing to upskill, currently exploring Python and full-stack development to broaden my capabilities and stay versatile in this evolving field.

Would you recommend the Certified Network Defender (CND) certification to others interested in network security? If yes, what would be your key reasons for the recommendation?

Absolutely—

I would highly recommend the CND certification to anyone interested in network security.
What stood out to me the most was how well the course blended theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on labs. The lab environments and web interfaces were especially effective in translating complex concepts into real-world applications. Unlike some other courses that rely heavily on reading, CND gives you the chance to explore, experiment, and even make mistakes in a safe environment, which is incredibly valuable for learning. The course also offers a lot of practical tips and tricks that you can immediately apply, whether in a professional setting or even to secure your own home network. For beginners and professionals alike, CND serves as an excellent foundation for building both confidence and competence in network defense.

Conclusion

Paul Irwin’s experience highlights the value of the CND certification for both entry-level and experienced IT professionals as a developmental step into a cybersecurity career. The program’s hands-on and practical learning approach allows aspirants to gain confidence and competence to navigate the evolving field of network security. Paul’s successful transition into cybersecurity from a non-technical background illustrates how CND can empower aspiring professionals with the skills needed to make meaningful contributions in both personal and organizational contexts. For aspirants looking to establish or reinforce a career in cybersecurity, the CND certification stands out as a robust, practical, and highly relevant choice.

About the Interviewee

Paul Irwin is an information security analyst and military veteran passionate about cybersecurity. Transitioning from a non-IT background, he earned a cybersecurity degree, certifications with an aim to advance into roles of SOC and threat detection.

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