If there is any industry that is expanding by leaps and bounds, then it is IT security. With the burgeoning cybersecurity concerns, enterprises are in need of skillful and seasoned professionals who can address these issues and fabricate remedial solutions.

The Security+ certification from CompTIA can validate you are such a professional the companies are seeking. Holders of this certificate are laced with demanding baseline cybersecurity skills and can be hired in a variety of intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

Why Earn CompTIA Security+

After finishing the certification journey triumphantly, professionals can vaunt verified expertise on concepts like network components deployment, assessing and troubleshooting issues, need-based implementation of secure network architecture, the configuration of identity and access services, management controls, and wireless security settings. Moreover, as this accreditation adheres to ISO 17024 standards and is accepted by the DoD i.e. Defense department of the US, the industry will vouch for Security+ certified professional’s skills without any uncertainties.

Target Audience

Security+ is a job-role-based certification preparing the aspirants for IS job roles. Thus, after obtaining it, one can opt for the positions of a systems administrator, network administrator, and security administrator, to name just a few. So, if your aim is becoming any of these then gear up yourself and invest your time and efforts in Security+. The core curriculum of this certification scours the inherited skills of IT practitioners for the above job roles.

Prior Expertise

The Security+ certificate is not for greenhorns because the cybersecurity industry demands strong expertise beforehand. Keeping this in mind, the vendor has kept some prerequisites for Security+. According to these requirements, the candidates should have earned Network+ and two years of hands-on experience in the IT administration domain. Obtaining this expertise is suggested so that the learner will be able to grasp the high-end information covered by Security+.

The Exam Profile

To make the Security+ certification all yours, you have to appear for SY0-601 exam. There is one more exam version, SY0-501, associated with this certificate, which is available currently but is going to retire on July 31, 2021. Hence, the focus of the below overview will be on SY0-601 exam.

The Security+ test features a maximum of 90 questions and lasts for 90 minutes. The most common followed question formats are multiple-choice and performance-based. When it comes to the needed marks, scoring 750/900 is essential for coming with flying colors in SY0-601 exam. The score remains valid for three years, so meeting re-certification requirements is imperative to enjoy the certification perks afterward. This version of the test is presented in English and Japanese languages globally.

Pearson VUE is handling the responsibility of conducting the exam at multiple locations in offline and online mode. For the enrollment process and other formalities, candidates have to visit the Pearson VUE website and fill the form. Finally, successful exam registration is done after paying the $370 exam fee in the form of an exam voucher, and this voucher can only be redeemed once and is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Exam Domains Covered

SY0-601 is an extensive exam and involves a wide range of topics that are grouped into 5 domains. Let’s have a quick overview of those:

• Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities

  The focus of this domain is to ensure a professional becomes a better problem-solver. To make this happen, the section explains different types of social engineering techniques and assesses potential indicators related to application and networking attacks. Besides, it explains some of the most common threat actor types, vectors, and intelligence sources.

  Learners will be able to carry out the result-driven security assessments of a given ecosystem since the concepts of threat hunting, vulnerability scans, and security orchestration, automation, and response are well explained. Key skills required for penetration testing are also covered in this domain.

• Architecture and Design

  With this exam module, the candidates will need to gain an in-depth understanding of network architecture and designing aspects. This part is focused on the criticality of security and related concepts in an enterprise environment, virtualization, cloud computing concepts, authentication, and authorization design concepts.

  Speaking of covered technologies, Open Web Application, Version control secure coding techniques, accounting, Biometrics, Restoration order, Embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) have given enough of importance all through the exam and should be mastered during preparation.

• Implementation

  Gain a best-of-breed understanding of cybersecurity concept implementation in the third exam domain.

  By paying needed attention to this section, test-takers will learn more about the implementation of secure protocols, host or application security solutions, secure network designing, and obtain skills in applying protocols needed to install and configure wireless security settings. Then, the domain extends by explaining the skills required for the implementation of cybersecurity solutions to the cloud, identity, and account management control implementation, authentication, and authorization solutions.

• Operations and Incident Response

  Become a seasoned professional who can handle operations and incident response in the real world with the fourth exam domain. Terms like network reconnaissance and discovery, data sanitization, password cracker, incident response plan, Netflow, log files, bandwidth monitors, and their implementations are well explained in this exam domain.

• Governance, Risk, and Compliance

  Learn about how to compare and contrast multiple kinds of controls, the importance of organizational security, vital risk management processes and concepts, and sensitive data concepts in the last exam section.

How Much Is the Earning Potential of CompTIA Security+ Certified Professionals?

Of course, this should be in knowledge as we all want to get better pay, industry penetration, and worldwide recognition in the career sphere. Gladly, CompTIA Security+ is capable to reap all of them.

After acquiring the certificate, you can be a system administrator or network engineer. According to ZipRecruiter, an entry-level system administrator can make $39k annually, and this is a decent start. With years of expertise and excellence, this figure touches the mark of $76k. Also, in any entry-level cybersecurity-focused job, $73k is the average salary one can expect to get.

What’s Beyond CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA Security+ is the springboard to the world of cybersecurity. After earning it, there are ample career enrichment opportunities. For instance, one can aim at CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+). This certification is designed to impart intermediate skills to the learner. CompTIA PenTest+ is another wise choice to make. Regardless of your selection, better industry exposure and skill-boosting are sure things.