Intro to CompTIA Security+ Certification
The industry-wide benchmark of cybersecurity certifications, the CompTIA Security+ certification, covers six core fundamental security areas, including:
- Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
- Technologies and Tools
- Architecture and Design
- Identity and Access Management
- Risk Management
- Cryptography and PKI
Created by the leading computing technology association in the world, CompTIA, and accredited by ANSI in compliance with the ISO 17024 Standard, the Security+ certification is vendor-neutral, allowing candidates to focus on general security aspects rather than company-specific approaches. Because the test is so comprehensive and “flying by the seat of one’s pants” is not advised, individuals seeking Security+ certification are encouraged to review various study guides and video training materials to prepare thoroughly.
What the Security+ Certification Means for Your Career
Taking and passing the Security+ test is no easy feat. As such, achieving Security+ certification elevates your value to current and future employers because it underscores your ability to:
- Explain the security functions of common network devices and technologies across any architecture you encounter, making you highly valuable to virtually any employer.
- Apply and implement secure network administration principles and procedures in nearly all environments you face.
- Implement and configure a wireless network in a safe and secure manner, including Internet-of-Things devices and networks, making you a vital player as the proliferation of devices continues to spread.
- Identify security threats and perform risk mitigation activities in an expeditious fashion, thus limiting the damages.
- Understand applicable policies, laws and regulations of IT security, whether dictated locally or globally, and thus reducing potential fines from compliance authorities.
- Explain the impacts and proper use of environmental controls.
- Understand and apply cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure.
- Explain the concepts of user authentication, authorization, and access control, helping raise the importance of security among fellow employees and making security a part of everyone’s job.
- Exemplify the concepts of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Identify and analyze common attacks, e.g., social engineering, malware, application & wireless attacks.
How Does Security+ Differ from Other Security Certifications
The Security+ certification is one of the top sought-after credentials for entry-level IT positions. Other certifications, which are generally more granular in nature, often lead to more specific security roles and positions. These other certifications include:
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
- CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor.
- CISM – Certified Information Security Manager.
- GIAC – GIAC Security Essentials Certification.
- CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control.
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker.
- ECSA – EC-Council Certified Security Analyst.
- GPEN – GIAC Penetration Tester.
- SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner.
Regardless of the certification you eventually hold, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that certified security specialists can earn significantly higher annual salaries than those lacking credentials.
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Job Prospects for Security+ Certified Professionals
The current job market for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals is growing. In fact, it’s hard to imagine another job sector with brighter prospects than cybersecurity professionals. Analysts predict that by the end of 2018, there will be up to two million unfilled cybersecurity jobs. Approximately six million cyber professionals will be needed with only four million available. By 2021, according to CyberSecurity Ventures, that gap will increase to 3.5 million unfilled positions. Obviously, this gap will create an increasing demand for qualified security professionals and push salaries up accordingly. CompTIA found that 62% of managers in the U.S. who were hiring for IT positions indicated that security skills are a “must have” to be considered for a position.
Jobs Most in Demand
Individuals considering a career in cybersecurity would be wise to consider the following in-demand roles:
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer or Architect
- Security/IT Director or Manager
- CISO/CSO, Systems Administrator
- Network Architect or Engineer
- Forensics Investigator
- Auditor
- Systems Engineer or Integrator
Individuals seeking these positions should have a demonstrable record for:
- Incident handling and response
- Audit and compliance
- Firewall/IDS/IPS skills
- Intrusion detection
- Analytics and intelligence
- SIEM management
- Access/identity management
- Application security development
- Advanced malware prevention
- Cloud computing/virtualization
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