Cybersecurity is now evolving as a domain that is highly in-demand in the job market. If you are thinking about building a career in this field, you must look for a certification that holds global acceptance. CompTIA CySA+ is a certification that perfectly solves this purpose. Now that the industry is moving at a rapid pace, you must look for factors that can make you more employable. Earning this certification will help you in pitching yourself better as a job-seeker. However, before you take a step forward in this direction, you must be thinking – Is the CompTIA CySA+ worth it? To help you find a correct answer to this question, here is a detailed blog on this exam.
Benefits of CompTIA CYSA+
There are various known benefits of the CompTIA CYSA+ certification, but some of them include the following;
- Threat management: When you go for this certification, you will get hands-on experience of using various cybersecurity tools and systems. Also, you will become familiar with the strategies that can be utilized for security checks and threat management.
- Vulnerability management: While you cover the topics mentioned in the course outline of this certification, you will acquire the knowledge and ability to screen out potential areas of vulnerabilities. Once you know the areas of weakness, you can use the security measures to cover up the flaws and make the system free from common vulnerabilities
- Security architecture development: With the CySA+ certification, you will learn about the Security architecture development. This is an important aspect of cybersecurity as it will allow you to take the unauthorized access from hackers. This includes implementation of firewalls to provide a strong check on the accessibility of the system. With these skills combined, you can keep the cybercriminals at bay.
About the CySA+ Exam
CompTIA CySA+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills necessary to design a basic information security program. The exam tests candidates on their knowledge of the framework and concepts needed for managing the lifecycle of an information security program. It tests the ability to recognize risks faced by an organization, develop and implement strategies to mitigate those risks and manage the residual risk components created as a result of these activities.
CompTIA CYSA+ Exam Details
| Name – CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst | Exam Code – CySA+ (CS0-002) |
| Duration – 165 mins | Exam Format – Multiple Choice and Multi-Response Questions |
| Exam Type – Professional | Number of Questions – 90 Questions |
| Eligibility/Pre-Requisite – Minimum of ten years of experience in IT administration, including at least five years of hands-on technical security experience. | Total Exam Fee – $370 USD |
| Exam Language – English | Certifying Body – CompTiA |
CompTIA CYSA+ Exam Outline
The exam objectives for NEW CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) include:
Security Operations (33%)
- Explain the importance of system and network architecture concepts in security operations.
- Given a scenario, analyze indicators of potentially malicious activity.
- Given a scenario, use appropriate tools or techniques to determine malicious activity.
- Compare and contrast threat-intelligence and threat-hunting concepts.
- Explain the importance of efficiency and process improvement in security operations.
Vulnerability Management (30%)
- Given a scenario, implement vulnerability scanning methods and concepts.
- Given a scenario, analyze output from vulnerability assessment tools.
- Given a scenario, analyze data to prioritize vulnerabilities.
- Given a scenario, recommend controls to mitigate attacks and software vulnerabilities.
- Explain concepts related to vulnerability response, handling, and management.
Incident Response and Management (20%)
- Explain concepts related to attack methodology frameworks.
- Given a scenario, perform incident response activities.
- Explain the preparation and post-incident activity phases of the incident management life cycle.
Reporting and Communication (17%)
- Explain the importance of vulnerability management reporting and communication.
- Explain the importance of incident response reporting and communication.
Is the CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-002) exam worth it?
After evaluating all of the criteria, such as the test style, curriculum, and cost of this certification, we can conclude that passing the exam will necessitate hard effort and honesty. However, you may be asking if the CompTIA CySA+ certification is worthwhile. Here are a few things that can help you answer this issue in-depth:
1. Department of Defense Approves CySA+
The fact that this certification has been recognized by the Department of Defense speaks volumes about its worth and quality. The Department of Defense has issued an 8570 Directive that directs the DoD Workforce’s preparation, affirmation, and management. In five different professional classes, the DoD has approved the CompTIA CySA+ as a DoD 8570 pattern credential.
2. CompTIA is growing in popularity
CompTIA CySA + is a cybersecurity certification for IT workers that is vendor-neutral. CompTIA published this certification in mid-2017, and it quickly gained traction, with over 1,000 applicants taking it between January and May 2018. The statistics are sufficient to demonstrate the level of respect that this qualification has gained in the previous 2-3 years. As a result, it is an excellent choice for job seekers in the field of cyber security.
CompTIA CySA+ Learning Resources
There are several tools accessible on the internet to assist you in studying for the exam. There are books and eBooks available on the subject, but not everyone has the time to sit down and read 1000 pages over the course of a few weeks. Keep in mind that the exam is difficult, so you can’t expect to study for only a couple of hours each day — you’ll need something with more organisation. To guarantee that you are well prepared for the exam, you should study extensively from a range of sources. Here are some sites for learning and preparing for the exam:
1. Official CompTIA website
The CompTIA website is the most comprehensive source of material that you need to study. It’ll provide you with an overview of what is covered in the exam, the latest blogs and news, a glossary of terms, resources for in-depth information on various topics, and sample questions to help you refine your knowledge. Moreover, it will give you a solid foundation for your learning experience, then leaves it up to you to determine how much time and effort to invest based on your learning style. The official site is the most comprehensive source of material that you need to study. It will provide you with an overview of what is covered in the exam, the latest blogs and news, a glossary of terms, resources for in-depth information on various topics, and sample questions to help you refine your knowledge.
2. CompTIA Online Instructor-Led Training
Instructor-led training is a popular learning methodology in where an instructor would conduct a training program for learners. Such CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) CS0-002 exam training are conducted face to face, in a virtual classroom, or online depending on the convenience of learners and instructors. In this type of training, the instructor is the real person who shares his knowledge with the learner. The benefit of such kinds of programs is that the learner gets interaction with an instructor by asking their doubts and queries directly without hesitation which will help them in easy understanding of concepts. In addition, we recommend you refer to CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) Tutorials to help grasp the concepts better.
3. Virtual Labs
CompTIA Virtual Labs are an important part of the certification preparation strategy. They provide online simulation experience thereby helping candidates better understand the practical aspects of each topic. The labs are available to candidates free of charge. Candidates who plan to sit for exams are advised to evaluate their study strategy using CompTIA Virtual Labs tools and creating practical environment that simulate actual exam conditions. Candidates should evaluate their study strategy and complete CompTIA lab exercises, at least a week before examination date.
4. Evaluate yourself with Practice Tests
Sitting for an exam you’re not familiar with can be nerve-racking. You want to do well, but you may feel unprepared or inadequate. This is a common feeling and one that often leads to anxiety. In some cases, the stress of the exam can lead to physical problems as well. The best thing you can do at this time is to try and remain calm and focused. If you prepare yourself adequately, there is no need for you to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
However, by taking CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) CS0-002 exam practice tests on a regular basis, you can not only reduce your anxiety about the exam but also measure your progress in terms of improvement over the weeks leading up to the actual test date. All these efforts combined will help you in facing the exam with confidence and passing it easily. Try a CompTIA CySA+ free practice test today!
