Data Security Practice Exam

Data Security Practice Exam

About Data Security Exam

The Data Security certification exam is designed to evaluate a professional's ability to protect and secure data across various environments, including on-premises systems, cloud platforms, and hybrid architectures. With the increasing volume and sophistication of cyber threats, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data has become one of the most critical aspects of IT management. This exam covers a comprehensive range of topics, including encryption techniques, secure communication protocols, access controls, and data loss prevention strategies, to ensure that sensitive data remains protected throughout its lifecycle.

Knowledge Evaluated

The exam will test an individual’s understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of data security. Participants are expected to demonstrate knowledge of key concepts such as data encryption, secure storage and transmission of data, threat detection, risk management, and the implementation of effective security policies. Additionally, candidates will need to understand how to maintain compliance with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, as well as how to mitigate vulnerabilities across diverse IT infrastructures.

Skills Required

• Knowledge of encryption algorithms, key management, and protocols like AES, RSA, and SSL/TLS.
• Understanding of authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) principles, identity management systems, and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Familiarity with hashing algorithms, digital signatures, and integrity-checking techniques to ensure data consistency and trustworthiness.
• Expertise in securing communication channels through VPNs, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and secure protocols.
• The ability to develop, implement, and monitor security policies and practices, such as data classification, user access management, and data retention.
• Proficiency in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks related to data breaches and leaks, including understanding regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Understanding security challenges in cloud environments, including data storage, virtualization, and multi-tenant systems.

Who should take the Exam?

• This exam is suitable for IT professionals, data security specialists, system administrators, and anyone involved in protecting data within an organization. 
• It is highly recommended for those pursuing careers in cybersecurity, compliance officers, and professionals managing data protection strategies across enterprise-level systems. 
• The exam is designed for individuals who want to prove their competency in securing sensitive data against emerging cyber threats and ensuring compliance with regulatory data security standards. 
• Additionally, professionals working with cloud services, networking, or database management who are looking to specialize in data protection will also benefit from taking this exam.

Course Outline

The Data Security Exam covers the following topics - 

Domain 1 - Security Literacy

• Overview of Security Fundamentals
• Understanding Internet Traffic Flow
• Managing Metadata
• Developing a Threat Model
• Assessing Risk in Context
• Recognizing Spear Phishing Threats
• The Dangers of Passwords: Part 1
• The Dangers of Passwords: Part 2
• Securing Your Devices
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
• The Importance of Encryption
• Re-evaluating Internet Traffic
• Final Security Recommendations

Domain 2 - Introduction to Data Security

• Prioritizing User Security
• Risk Assessment and Management Principles
• Fundamentals of Hashing
• Understanding Encryption
• Secure Password Storage Methods
• Protecting Sensitive Data
• Data Security Services and Communications
• Managing Access Control

Domain 3 - Introduction to Application Security

• The Importance of Web Security
• Risks of Neglecting Web App Protection
• Developing a Security-First Approach
• The Role of TLS in Security
• Implementing TLS for Web Applications
• Authentication Strategies and Implementation
• Authorizing and Monitoring User Activities
• Addressing Vulnerabilities with Patches
• Managing Trust in Third-Party Libraries
• Using Automated Security Tools for Websites
• Web Developer Compliance Overview

Domain 4 - Practice Hashing Passwords in JavaScript

• Overview of the Practice
• Solution Implementation

Domain 5 - Practice Hashing Passwords in PHP

• Overview of the Practice
• Solution Implementation

Domain 6 - OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities

• Why Web Security is Critical
• Overview of OWASP
• Understanding the OWASP Top 10 and Its Importance
• Injection Attacks
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Mechanism and Prevention
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
• Issues with Broken Authentication and Session Management
• Challenges with Broken Access Controls
• Protecting Against Sensitive Data Exposure
• Risks of Misconfiguration
• Insecure Components and Libraries
• The Need for Effective Logging and Monitoring