Question 1

Is the CompTIA Security+ worth it?

Accepted Answer

Certifications tell hiring managers that potential hires have the necessary skills to perform specific tasks and can save time spent on training. Specifically speaking, the CompTIA Security+ says that a candidate understands basic cybersecurity concepts and can perform cybersecurity tasks. When you are new to the field, this certificate proves you have this knowledge when you have little experience. The CompTIA Security+ certification ranks high on Global Knowledge's list of top-paying certifications because it is a vendor-neutral certification that will help you get many well-paying, entry-level jobs. Once you have a few years of experience working in IT security, it will count for more than the certification.

Question 2

What are the skills evaluated in Security+?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-501) tests that the applicant has a basic knowledge to perform IT security tasks and work in the cybersecurity field. Applicants will demonstrate their ability to assess the security of an enterprise environment, find security flaws, and implement solutions to improve security. They will also need to know how to monitor and secure cloud, mobile, and IoT environments. The exam will test knowledge of the principles of governance, risk, and compliance and the ability to follow those principles. Applicants that pass the CompTIA Security+ certification will also be able to identify, track, and respond to a security-related incident in the enterprise IT environment. The CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification and is the first certification an IT security candidate should earn.

Question 3

What types of places hire people with a Security+ certification?

Accepted Answer

Just about any business that requires IT staff to manage the software, applications, and infrastructure necessary to keep the business running are looking for security professionals that have a CompTIA Security+ certification. Because this certification meets the Department of Defense standards for security professionals, a Security+ professional can find a job working for a government agency, for laboratories that do work for the government, and for other companies that have government contracts. Other businesses looking for penetration testers, systems administrators, network administrators, and security administrators that are Security+ certified include major tech companies, state universities, healthcare companies, and insurance companies.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need before pursuing the CompTIA Security+ certification?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level certification for information technology security professionals, so it is the first certificate a candidate on the CompTIA+ cybersecurity career path should take. Although this is an entry-level certificate, there are some things you should know to ensure you can succeed at taking the Security+ exam. You should have a fundamental knowledge of computer and networking concepts. It will also help if you already have the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications or equivalent knowledge. You should have some on-the-job experience in the IT field as well. It is recommended that you have six to nine months of networking experience and two years of IT administration experience before you take the exam.

Question 5

What domains are covered in the CompTIA Security+ exam?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ exam is a vendor-neutral exam that tests applicants' knowledge of IT security and their ability to perform core security functions. Around 20% of the questions will cover the topics of threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks. Applicants will have to understand various types of compromise and understand penetration testing and vulnerability scanning. An equal portion of the test will cover the technologies and tools a security professional will use to accomplish security tasks. Next, about 16% of the test will be questions that test a candidate’s knowledge of identity and access management. Around 15% of the exam will cover secure network concepts, architecture, and design. The remaining portion of the exam will validate an applicant's knowledge of risk management best practices, cryptography, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Question 6

What are some careers that use CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ certification is the industry standard for testing the minimum skills that an IT security professional needs on the job. This certificate complies with ISO 17024 standards and meets the directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements of the Department of Defense. This certification covers the role of junior IT auditor/penetration tester. Another job title an applicant with a Security+ might pursue is system administrator, whose responsibilities include maintaining user accounts and access, which requires a knowledge of enterprise security. Network administrator and security administrator jobs may also require that applicants have CompTIA Security+ certification. Of course, any hiring manager looking to fill positions that involve IT security, like security specialist, security consultant, or security engineer, would most likely consider Security+ certification a bonus.

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