We all know that the dependency on the database has increased drastically for the corporations. The vast increase in data and networks have also made it prone to cyberattacks and data breaches. The cyberattack occurs when hackers gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, with the bad intention of stealing or destroying the data. Even if it occurs accidentally, it can cost a lot of money to the owners of data.
The safest way here is to protect the database and networks from unauthorized access. So the companies look for cybersecurity professionals. Since it is not the old trend there is a huge gap between the demand of the cybersecurity professionals and the actual cybersecurity professionals. As a result, the hiring organizations are even willing to pay a higher price to get these individuals.
A cybersecurity professional is responsible for developing, configuring, and troubleshooting a variety of technologies such as encryption, firewall/IPS, advanced malware protection, network analytics, and processes like identity access management and authentication. Cybersecurity requires you to have basic information technology knowledge required to move to advanced topics.
In-house iPKI for IoT often falls between two camps: Well supported and costly or understaffed and fragile.
Cybersecurity offers vast opportunities for professionals. Some of them are auditors, incident responders, IOT security professionals, SOC analysts, cloud security experts, cyber forensic experts, Governance, Risk Management and Compliance(GRC) Manager, etc.
If you want to become capable of achieving these positions, then going for a cyber security certification is your best way. One of the most popular certifications for beginners is the CompTIA Security+ Certification. This article explains to you in detail about this certification and how you should prepare for it.
CompTIA Security plus certification
CompTIA Security+ Certification is a globally Accredited certification that demonstrates the individual’s proficiency in the fundamental skills required to perform core IT security operations. The fundamental security skills play an important role in setting a foundation for advanced operations.
This is an entry-level certification that the cybersecurity aspirants must opt for kick-starting their cybersecurity career. It helps the people to understand the core security knowledge required for a cybersecurity career. This opens up for intermediate-level and Advanced-level cybersecurity careers. The individual gains hands-on practice on troubleshooting security problems. As a result, the professional gains good problem-solving abilities in cybersecurity.
The CompTIA Security+ meets the requirements of ISO 17024 standards, which is also approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01- M requirements. Over 2.3 million CompTIA ISO/ANSI accredited exams have been delivered since January 1, 2011.
The Security+ certification also focuses on the performance-based questions which help the people to handle the real-world challenges. As a result, people enhance their practical skills. It focuses on the latest trends and techniques in risk management, risk mitigation, threat management and intrusion detection. The new Security+ covers the junior IT Auditor/penetration tester job role along with systems administrator, network administrators, and security administrator.
The Domains that will be covered while getting certified in Security+ are:
- Identification of threats, attacks and vulnerabilities
In any cybersecurity operation, the first step is to identify all the possible threats, attacks and system vulnerabilities. So here, the individual will be able to detect all of the above-mentioned things. This requires to have an understanding of the penetration testing and vulnerability scanning concepts.
- Technologies and Tools
The tools help the cybersecurity professional to install, configure and deploy network components. Also, these technologies are important to assess and troubleshoot issues for supporting information security.
- Architecture and design
The candidate will learn to form secured networks and architecture concepts. Also the system’s design.
- Identity and access management
Installation and configuration of identity and access services, as well as management controls
- Risk management
Implementing the risk management practices to prevent the cyber-attacks keeping in mind the business impact.
- Cryptography and PKI
Install and configure wireless security settings and implement the public key infrastructure.
So the job roles that use CompTIA Security+ certification are Systems administrator, Security Administrator, security specialist, security specialist, security Engineer, network administrator, Junior IT Auditor, Penetration tester, Security Consultant.
The pre-requisite experience that CompTIA recommends is that of Network+ certification along with at least 2 years of experience in IT administration and security focus.
The Exam for getting certified consists of 90 questions, with a time of not more than 90 minutes. The types of questions asked are multiple-choice also, performance-based. The minimum score required to clear the exam is 750(on a scale of 100-900).
How to Prepare for a Security+ Certification?
Follow these steps to prepare for the Security+ Certification:
- Become familiar with security+ exam domains
The initial step in any exam one should take is that they should be well aware of the topics that are going to be asked in the exam. So in the security+ exam, the topics it focuses on are:
- Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
- Technologies and tools
- Architecture and Design
- Identity and Access Management
- Risk Management
- Cryptography and PKI
Divide the topics along with subtopics inside it. Do not forget to include each and every topic. Rate each topic according to your difficulty level such as easy, intermediate, hard. Start your preparation by gathering the best resources for your topics. This is a professional-level certification and the preparation step should be taken very seriously.
- Create a study plan
After you have made yourself aware of the topics, take the next important step of creating a study plan. Create the plan in such a way that it should align with your topics. Keep in mind the number of days you have to prepare for the examination. Keeping the examination date in mind will help you make a realistic study plan. Make sure that your work or other important tasks are not hampered during the preparation.
- Take Practice Exams
As you have already heard before “Practice makes a Man Perfect”, so don’t wait for the right time to take action. Instead, enhance your preparation by taking out practice tests. You can also check CompTIA’s Practice tests.
- Get plenty of rest
After spending so much time on your preparation, it will be good for you to take rest for your body. It improves your overall health and strengthens you for future challenges. Most often, it is ignored but it shouldn’t be.
- Get to know your exam
Take some time out of your preparation to find out about the details for the exam. The fee structure, the exam location, validity of the certification, and other terms and conditions.
- Get involved in the exam prep course
Even in the time of your busy schedule, it becomes challenging for people to take time for self-studies. It will always be best for you to enroll yourself in the exam preparation course. The courses are nowadays designed in such a way that you don’t leave out important topics and also use your time effectively.
- Join a security+ online community
Find out about the existing communities to prepare for the exam. With the help of the community, you can get your doubts clear for the exam. Or you can connect with your friends who are preparing for the same.
- Finally, give your exam well!
Last but not the least, it is important for you to make most of the exam time allotted for you. So read all the questions very carefully and determine which topics you will be able to answer well and which you don’t. Don’t take too much time in answering questions. If you are not confident about any question, it will be better to skip it. Remember to attempt the questions within the allotted time.
