CompTIA has created a good market place by providing one of the most sought-out certification exams validating the baseline skills of the professionals. With this, they came up with various versions out of which Security+ certifications have their own trending market place. CompTIA Security+ follows ISO 17024 standards and is approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. Where, over 2.3 million CompTIA ISO/ANSI-accredited exams have been delivered since January 1, 2011.
Talking about the certification, CompTIA has the policy to update the exam version after every three years. Likewise, they have modifications for Security+ certification that is the SY0-601 exam launched on November 12, 2020. The previous exam, that is SY0-501 exam will expire on July 31, 2021, which will be replaced by the new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) Exam. But, one thing that strikes our mind is what will be the changes or modifications in this new upgrade. So, let’s get clear with these doubts.
What’s in this new version: CompTIA Security+ SY0-601
We all know that Cybersecurity attacks continue to grow. As a result, more job roles are tasked with baseline security readiness and response to address today’s threats. Getting updates to Security+ will reflect skills relevant to these job roles. Thus, preparing candidates to be more proactive in preventing the next attack. In this new update of the Security+ exam, IT Pros must be able to:
- Firstly, help identify attacks and vulnerabilities to mitigate them before they infiltrate IS.
- Secondly, understand secure virtualization, secure application deployment, and automation concepts
- Thirdly, identify and implement the best protocols and encryption
- Lastly, understand the importance of compliance
However, in this article, there is much more to know and to understand about the Security+ (SY0-601) exam. So, let’s begin with the exam overview.
CompTIA Security+ SY0-601: Overview
CompTIA Security+ is a worldwide certification that verifies fundamental skills in executing core security functions and serves as a pathway to pursuing a career in IT security. When it comes to CompTIA Security+, it stands as the initial security certification a candidate should achieve. In essence, it establishes the foundational knowledge essential for any cybersecurity role and acts as a launching pad for intermediate-level cybersecurity positions. Moreover, it equips candidates with practical security problem-solving skills needed to:
- Firstly, assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and implement appropriate security solutions.
- Secondly, monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT.
- Thirdly, operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies. This also includes principles of governance, risk, and compliance.
- Lastly, identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.
Now, coming onto the exam to CompTIA Security+ certification exam. The new CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam verifies candidate knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment as well as in implementing appropriate security solutions. This examination oversees and safeguards hybrid environments, incorporating operations with a consideration of relevant laws and policies.
But, the question that arises here is what makes CompTIA Security+ different? Let’s check this!
- To begin with, Security+ is the preferred choice of more corporations and defense organizations than any other certification currently available.
- Secondly, Security+ validates practical skills, ensuring that security professionals can adeptly address a diverse range of complex issues prevalent in today’s landscape.
- Thirdly, it facilitates the acquisition of skills that are relevant across a broader spectrum of contemporary job roles, encompassing the security of systems, software, and hardware.
- Lastly, Security+ is synchronized with the latest trends and techniques, covering a comprehensive set of core technical skills in risk assessment and management, incident response, forensics, enterprise networks, and more.
CompTIA Security+ SY0-601: Exam details
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) certification exam is the new exam update for the SY0-501 exam. In this exam, there will total of 90 questions that will be of type multiple choice and performance-based. To complete the exam, you will be given 90 minutes. Further, to pass the exam, it is necessary to score 750 (on a scale of 100-900). CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam cost is $370 USD and is available in English and Japanese language.
SY0-601 Exam: Recommended Experience
- For this exam firstly, you must hold CompTIA Network+ with having two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus.
- Secondly, you must have hands-on technical information security experience.
- Lastly, you should have a broad knowledge of security concepts.
You must know that for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam, the testing provider is Pearson VUE that provides exams at testing centers or online testing.
Moving on, in the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) certification exam, you will be able to explore various security areas that will help you in advancing your skills. So, let’s take a look at those areas.
Security+: Skills enhancement
- Firstly, Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities. This covers, focusing on more threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities on the Internet from newer custom devices that must be mitigated.
- Secondly, Architecture and Design. This includes coverage of enterprise environments and reliance on the cloud.
- Next, Implementation. This expands to focus on administering identity, access management, PKI, basic cryptography, wireless, and end-to-end security.
- Lastly, Governance, Risk, and Compliance. This expands to support organizational risk management and compliance with regulations.
However, to get a better understanding about these skills gaining areas check the course outline below.
CompTIA SY0-601 Exam: Course Outline
Exploring the course objectives for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam will help you understand the difference between the exam versions. However, the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam objectives covers the following topics:
1.0 General Security Concepts
- Compare and contrast various types of security controls.
- Summarize fundamental security concepts.
- Explain the importance of change management processes and the impact to security.
- Explain the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions.
2.0 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
- Compare and contrast common threat actors and motivations.
- Explain common threat vectors and attack surfaces.
- Explain various types of vulnerabilities.
- Given a scenario, analyze indicators of malicious activity.
- Explain the purpose of mitigation techniques used to secure the enterprise.
3.0 Security Architecture
- Compare and contrast security implications of different architecture models.
- Given a scenario, apply security principles to secure enterprise infrastructure.
- Compare and contrast concepts and strategies to protect data.
- Explain the importance of resilience and recovery in security architecture.
4.0 Security Operations
- Given a scenario, apply common security techniques to computing resources.
- Explain the security implications of proper hardware, software, and data asset management.
- Explain various activities associated with vulnerability management.
- Explain security alerting and monitoring concepts and tools.
- Given a scenario, modify enterprise capabilities to enhance security.
- Given a scenario, implement and maintain identity and access management.
- Explain the importance of automation and orchestration related to secure operations.
- Explain appropriate incident response activities.
5.0 Security Program Management
- Summarize elements of effective security governance.
- Explain elements of the risk management process.
- Explain the processes associated with third-party risk assessment and management.
- Summarize elements of effective security compliance.
- Explain types and purposes of audits and assessments.
- Given a scenario, implement security awareness practices.
According to Accenture, 68% of business leaders feel their cybersecurity risks are increasing. As a result, the demand for IT pros has increased to identify cyberattacks and vulnerabilities.
Things you must know about CompTIA Security+
Jobs that use CompTIA Security+. There are various job roles that you can apply for after earning the Security+ certification. This include:
- Firstly, Security Administrator
- Secondly, Systems Administrator
- Next, Helpdesk Manager / Analyst
- Fourthly, Network / Cloud Engineer
- Security Engineer / Analyst
- DevOps / Software Developer
- Lastly, IT Auditors and IT Project Manager
Top Organizations that have contributed to the development of Security+
- Firstly, Netflix
- Secondly, Splunk>
- Thirdly, Target
- Lastly, Johns Hopkins University
Now, we have almost covered the major information part for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam. It’s time to move onto the learning part. Below, we will talk about the important resources that will help in your journey to earn Security+ certification.
CompTIA Learning Resources
For better preparation of the exam CompTIA helps by providing various learning methods. These will help in covering the concepts for the Security+ exam. Let’s have a look at them.
- Firstly, eLearning with CertMaster for Security+. CompTIA gives candidates access to the CertMaster eLearning solution. Where CertMaster Learn is interactive and self-paced that includes a customizable learning plan and performance-based questions for Security+.
- Secondly, CompTIA Labs for Security+. These labs help the candidate to acquire the necessary hands-on skills for Security+ certification. Moreover, they will develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the practical aspects of the Security certification exam objectives.
- Thirdly, CertMaster Practice: Security+. Here, CertMaster Practice refers to a tool that assesses your knowledge and exam readiness. This provides question-first design, real-time learning analytics, and content refreshers. Moreover, it helps candidates to prepare well by confirming strong areas and improving weak areas during studying.
- Lastly, Instructor-Led Training. CompTIA provides best-in-class instructor-led training for both individuals and teams. These CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) training sessions will help the candidates to understand the concepts more accurately in a short duration.
Coming on the important part that helps in getting perfection in your preparation, Practice Tests. Why is it so? Let’s find out.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) Exam: Practice Tests
Practice tests play a vital role while preparing for the exam. This is because assessing yourself after completion of a section or topic will help you know about your strength and weakness. Moreover, this will also improve your answering skills. But, what’s important here is to get the best available CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) practice tests. There are many sources out there where you can get the tests related to the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam. In order to get the best outcome, you have to do some research work to get best practice tests. Related to this, practice tests provided by Testprep Training provide a detailed review of your performance, especially your strengths and your weak areas. Further, for CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam, Testprep Training also provides you with:
- Firstly, full-length mock exams with 150 unique questions.
- Secondly, objective-based questions based on the exam course outline.
- Thirdly, a detailed explanation for every question.
- Lastly, lifetime access to the practice tests.
Expert Corner
CompTIA certifications, holding a prominent position in the market sector, have escalated the demand for jobs. In other words, successfully clearing the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam not only certifies you but also opens up numerous high-level opportunities. To achieve success, various training solutions offer the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) syllabus, study guides, online self-study tools, and comprehensive courses that cover all aspects of the CompTIA exam. Therefore, immerse yourself in hands-on knowledge and commence preparation for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam.
