The Cybersecurity Powerhouse Security+ (SY0-701)

What does CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Certification Cover?

CompTIA Security+ stands as the top choice for cybersecurity enthusiasts seeking to establish a robust foundation in this dynamic field. Beyond merely being a certification, it acts as a passport to core security functions and a trusted pathway to an IT security career. More job roles rely on Security+ for their baseline cybersecurity skills than any other certification in the industry.

Are you curious about what the CompTIA Security+ certification entails?

Security+ extends beyond a mere certification; it stands as a pivotal component of the cybersecurity workforce, constituting 24% of the total employed professionals in this field. It’s no surprise that Security+ certified individuals are in high demand, with employers recognizing its value, as 1 out of 5 cybersecurity job roles require this certification. Furthermore, Security+ job roles are handsomely rewarded, boasting a median pay of $80,000 in 2023. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, job openings in this field also reflect the importance of Security+, with 13% of the total cybersecurity job openings in 2023 explicitly requiring Security+ certification as part of their job requirements.

The technical skills covered in the CompTIA Security+ certification and training are divided into the following categories, each with its corresponding percentage:

1. General Security Concepts (12%): This section covers the comparison of security controls, fundamental security concepts, change management processes’ significance in security, and the importance of appropriate cryptographic solutions.

2. Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations (22%): In this category, you’ll explore common threat actors and their motivations, various threat vectors and attack surfaces, different types of vulnerabilities, indicators of malicious activity analysis, and mitigation techniques for enterprise security.

3. Security Architecture (18%): Security architecture involves understanding the security implications of different architectural models, applying security principles to secure enterprise infrastructure, comparing and contrasting strategies to protect data, and emphasizing the importance of resilience and recovery in security architecture.

4. Security Operations (28%): This section encompasses common security techniques for computing resources, security implications of proper hardware, software, and data asset management, vulnerability management activities, security alerting, and monitoring concepts and tools, enhancing enterprise capabilities to improve security, implementing and maintaining identity and access management, emphasizing the importance of automation and orchestration in secure operations, and understanding appropriate incident response activities.

5. Security Program Management & Oversight (20%): This category includes elements of effective security governance, the risk management process, processes associated with third-party risk assessment and management, elements of effective security compliance, types and purposes of audits and assessments, and the implementation of security awareness practices within given scenarios.

These sections together provide a comprehensive overview of the technical skills and knowledge you’ll gain when pursuing the CompTIA Security+ certification.

Security+ SY0-601 vs. SY0-701

The SY0-701 exam has undergone significant changes to align with the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. It has shifted its focus to emphasize crucial aspects like cloud security, security automation, cryptography, threat modeling, and security assessment and testing. This shift reflects the increasing relevance of these areas in the field.

1. Cloud Security: The updated exam now includes coverage of cloud security concepts, encompassing cloud computing, service models, deployment models, and best practices. This reflects the growing prominence of cloud computing in the corporate world.

2. Security Automation and Orchestration: The exam also delves into security automation and orchestration concepts involving scripting, configuration management, and orchestration tools. This adjustment acknowledges the rising demand for automating security processes to enhance efficiency.

3. Cryptography: Cryptography, a fundamental security concept, takes center stage with coverage of asymmetric encryption, symmetric encryption, and hashing. As encryption becomes more prevalent in data protection, this knowledge becomes increasingly essential.

4. Threat Modeling: The exam includes a focus on threat modeling, encompassing the process, techniques, and tools involved. Threat modeling is a pivotal process for identifying and mitigating potential threats to an organization’s systems and data.

5. Security Assessment and Testing: The updated certification covers concepts related to security assessment and testing, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and social engineering testing. These practices are crucial for identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities within an organization’s systems and data.

Overall, the SY0-701 exam has transitioned to align more closely with the day-to-day responsibilities of IT security engineers, emphasizing practical knowledge and skills needed to tackle the challenges of modern cybersecurity.

What Awesome Career Paths Does Security+ Certification Lead To?

With a Security+ certification, you’re not just getting a piece of paper; you’re unlocking a world of exciting job opportunities in IT and Cybersecurity. Check out these cool gigs that appreciate or even require your Security+ know-how: