The Security Fundamentals exam known as Microsoft 98-367 is the popular IT certification evaluation that allows individuals to validate their skills and knowledge of key security technologies and concepts. Thus, if you are building a successful career in the in-demand security field, this official evaluation is a must-do for you. Especially when you consider that once you complete this Microsoft test, you will be awarded the appropriate MTA: Security Fundamentals certification.

Who Is Microsoft 98-367 Intended For?

Concerning the target audience for this Microsoft exam, it should be noted, that the exam is designed for candidates who are familiar with technologies and concepts alongside have practical experience with anti-malware products, firewalls, and Windows Server. What’s more, it is recommended to have skills in dealing with Windows-based networking, Active Directory service, network topologies, and devices.

Anyway, it is an entry-level accreditation exam that allows you to take the first steps as a security developer and excel in your professional path by achieving this Microsoft accreditation. Therefore, anyone can go for the Microsoft 98-367 test with little knowledge of the security fundamentals and can enhance their expertise by getting an in-depth understanding of the key exam domains.

What Is The Microsoft 98-367 Exam?

Exam 98-367 consists of 52 various questions that you have to complete within no more than 50 minutes. Before that, the applicants have to pay $127 for the final test registration. At the same time, keep in mind that this price varies from one country to another. Therefore, you need to make an account with Pearson VUE to schedule your exam and choose the delivery option, in person or online.

It is important to remember that according to Microsoft, this exam will retire on June 30, 2022. Therefore, if you have already enrolled for the Microsoft 98-367 by this date, you still have time to prepare before the final evaluation.

What Are The Topics Included In The Microsoft 98-367 Exam?

It's not surprising that many people get excited about the upcoming testing process. But you have to understand that the result depends on your preparation. Thus, you have to work hard to be ready for the 98-367 exam objectives and once you master the following test domains you can get a good score.

• Understanding security layers (25-30%)

  The first tested area discusses the security layers and allows candidates to advance their abilities related to physical security and key security principles. Moreover, on the appointed day, you have to be familiar with internet security and wireless security technologies to score a passing grade. As well, test-takers are also asked about the advantages and disadvantages of specific security types, keys, and MAC filters in this domain.

• Realizing operating system security (35-40%)

  The second tested objective covers the major part of the exam as it discusses operating system security. The candidate must be aware of the concepts related to the user authentication process including subtopics like multifactor authentication, Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service, physical and virtual smart cards, and biometrics. You are also required to understand a permission system that has information about enabling and disabling inheritance, multiple groups with different permissions, and basic and advanced permissions. Besides, you should also understand encryption procedures and malware concepts in order to answer the major questions in the 98-367 test. The password and audit policies are also included in the exam syllabus so test-takers should know the common attack methods and types of auditing.

• Understanding network security (20-25%)

  The third tested area describes the network security process. It includes the understanding of dedicated firewalls like hardware firewall types, when to use a precise hardware firewall or a software firewall and their characteristics, as well as security baselines. To obtain a passing score, you should also have knowledge about network isolation and an understanding of honeypot, routing, network address translation, IPsec, server and domain isolation. Moreover, knowledge regarding protocol security is also essential for the aspiring candidate. While going through this domain, you will also come across tunneling, IPsec, network sniffing, and protocol spoofing.

• Recognizing security software (15-20%)

  The fourth tested domain talks about security software. This is because the Microsoft 98-367 exam verifies your understanding of client protection that includes protecting against unauthorized software installations, encrypting numerous offline folders, software restriction policies, and User Account Control. Furthermore, you will also have to understand the email protection process to better dig into the concepts of security. It involves antispam, spoofing, pharming, server vs client protection, PTR and SPF records. Next, this domain also covers effective server protection. So, every candidate must have expertise in keeping the server updated, securing dynamic Domain Name System, disabling unsecure authentication protocols, and Read-Only Domain Controllers.

What Are The Career Opportunities For Specialists With MTA: Security Fundamentals?

As already noted above, once you pass the Microsoft 98-367 evaluation, you are awarded the MTA: Security Fundamentals certification. Moreover, the specialists get a lot of opportunities after attaining this qualification. It paves your path to limitless growth and recognition in the IT sector. In addition, you can showcase your Microsoft accreditation on your profile to attract recruiters as many employers are looking for certified individuals to hire them for fruitful cooperation.

Many job options are also offered to the MTA: Security Fundamentals certificate owners and some of them are the following:

• Security Consultant
• Database Administrator
• Helpdesk Technician
• Mobile Application Developer
• Network Administrator
• IT Security Specialist

If you look at the numbers, then the specialists with the MTA Security certification can earn from $31,000 to $54,000, according to the Glassdoor website. Though developing your skills in the chosen field can increase your earning capacity. Thus, specialists who work as network administrators earn around $60,517 per year while the IT security specialists can make around $76,962 annually as revealed by PayScale. If we look at the annual income of a security consultant, it's around $84,514 on average and a database administrator has starting income of $73,342 per year. So, you need to improve your skills and validate your expertise by passing the Microsoft 98-367 exam and keep on growing in your professional career, as it will allow you to get a high-position job in reputable firms along with a handsome salary.

Career Path

After passing the Microsoft 98-367 exam, the candidates can expand their knowledge and go for the following intermediate-level certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, to mention a few. As you can see, the Microsoft accreditation track can be a remarkable career choice for you that allows you to upgrade your skills by passing higher-level exams and boost your career in security.