CompTIA Security+ Certification: A Must-Have for Security Professionals

What is CompTIA Security+ Certification?
CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. Security+ opens the door to your cybersecurity career! CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification a candidate should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification a candidate should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs 1. There are no formal requirements to take the Security+ exam. However, CompTIA recommends that you have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus and earning the CompTIA Network+ certification before taking the exam 12.

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam will verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions; monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT; operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.

What Skills Will You Learn?
The CompTIA Security+ ranks as the most popular certification for cybersecurity professionals for good reason. It focuses on hands-on, practical security skills in six major domains. Preparing yourself for the exam gives you a broad base of practical knowledge and skills you’ll need to handle real-world security situations. Here’s a list of the domains and topics covered on the exam:

Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities
Focusing on more threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities on the Internet from newer custom devices that must be mitigated, such as IoT and embedded devices, newer DDoS attacks, and social engineering attacks based on current events.

Architecture and Design
Includes coverage of enterprise environments and reliance on the cloud, which is growing quickly as organizations transition to hybrid networks.

Implementation
Expanded to focus on administering identity, access management, PKI, basic cryptography, wireless, and end-to-end security.

Operations and Incident Response
Covering organizational security assessment and incident response procedures, such as basic threat detection, risk mitigation techniques, security controls, and basic digital forensics.

Governance, Risk and Compliance
Expanded to support organizational risk management and compliance to regulations, such as PCI-DSS, SOX, HIPAA, GDPR, FISMA, NIST, and CCPA.

Benefit of Holding A CompTIA Security+ Certification
In the constantly evolving field of cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ certification stands out as a widely respected and globally recognized certification. Many professionals starting their careers in security are pursuing this certification for its numerous benefits. If you are considering getting certified, the following points will help you make an informed decision.

Vendor-Neutral Certification
CompTIA Security+ certification is vendor-neutral, which means that it covers common components of cybersecurity without focusing on a specific vendor’s technology and security. This provides security professionals and network administrators with extensive skills and knowledge that are highly in demand in the IT marketplace. It also opens up a wide range of job opportunities in the field.

No Experience Required
Since it is an entry-level certification, CompTIA Security+ does not require much experience. This is one of the main benefits of the certification, and why many people entering the security industry choose to obtain it. Unlike other cybersecurity certifications, there are no prerequisites. It is suggested that professionals appearing for the certification exam should have at least two years of working experience in security and networking fields to improve their chances of passing the exam and being hired.

Globally Accepted Certification
CompTIA Security+ certification is globally recognized as one of the fundamental security certifications in the field of cybersecurity. Presented by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the certification is also approved by ANSI and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s understanding of the knowledge, skills, and features required to comply with the ISO 17024 standard.

High Career Opportunities
The demand for cybersecurity professionals in both the private and public sectors is increasing. CompTIA Security+ certification provides an advantage in handling security and network administration responsibilities, making it easier to take up a broad range of jobs with various services, such as Compliance and Operational Security, Cryptography, Threats and Vulnerabilities, Data and Host Security, Access Control and Identity Management, and Application.

Higher Pay Scale
Professionals with CompTIA Security+ certification have greater opportunities for higher salaries than their non-certified colleagues. With this certification on your resume, you can expect to receive an average salary of between $42,130 and $95,830 as a network engineer. It is essential to mention that other factors, such as experience and accreditation, also determine how much you earn. Within a few years, professionals with the certification can earn about $66,890 per year.

Government Work Opportunities
If you want to get a cybersecurity or networking job in any government agency, obtaining CompTIA Security+ certification is an ideal starting point for you. The certification satisfies the DoD 8570 standard, which is a compliance standard that outlines the requirements for government employees and contractors at various levels of work in the IT area. The certification meets the DoD 8570 compliance standards required for both Technical Level Two and Management Level One positions.

Opportunity to Learn and Develop
Preparing for the exam objectives and contents before obtaining CompTIA Security+ certification helps you learn many things about cybersecurity. Moreover, you will acquire skills and knowledge that will help you become a better security professional. This is why hiring managers look for professionals with this certification as it is evidence of your expertise and skills in the job field.

Opportunity to Work Anywhere in the World
CompTIA Security+ certification is universally recognized, trusted, and accepted all over the world. Wherever you want to work, this certification can open the door for you. If you aspire to work in the USA, Security+ will make it possible for you. For example, it is recognized by the United States Department of Defence and can work as an icebreaker for any government agency job. If you wish to work as a network cybersecurity professional, this Security+ certification is essential for you.

The Best Way To Prepare for CompTIA Security+ Exam
The best way to prepare for CompTIA Security+ exam depends on your learning style, experience level and personal preference. However, some general tips that can help you succeed are the following:

1. Become familiar with the Security+ exam domains and objectives. The exam covers five domains: Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities; Architecture and Design; Implementation; Operations and Incident Response; and Governance, Risk, and Compliance. You should review each domain and its subtopics and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Create a study plan that suits your schedule, budget and goals. You should allocate enough time to study each domain thoroughly and review the material before the exam. You should also consider your preferred learning method, such as self-study, online courses, books, practice tests or a combination of these. You should look for official, certified study materials and training that cover all the exam objectives and provide you with feedback and guidance.
3. Take practice exams to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement. Practice exams can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, question style and difficulty level. They can also help you test your knowledge, skills and confidence under time pressure. You should take practice exams regularly throughout your study process and review your results carefully. You should focus on the topics that you scored low on and try to understand why you got them wrong.

Test Free CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Practice Exam Questions Online

4. Get plenty of rest before the exam day and arrive early at the testing center. You should avoid cramming the night before the exam and get a good night’s sleep instead. You should also eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and alert. You should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to check in and get settled. You should bring your identification documents, confirmation email and any other required items with you.

Get to know your exam and follow the instructions carefully. You should read the exam policies and procedures before taking the exam and follow them strictly. You should also read each question carefully and understand what it is asking before answering it. You should eliminate any obviously wrong answers and use logic and elimination to narrow down your choices. You should manage your time wisely and avoid spending too much time on any single question. You should also review your answers before submitting them.

I hope these tips help you prepare for your CompTIA Security+ exam. Good luck!