Cybersec First Responder Certification Training (CFR)

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.

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

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.

• 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.