CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501)

CompTIA Security+ certification validates the necessary baseline skills to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. Moreover, CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. This certification exam establishes the core knowledge required for cybersecurity roles and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. This also provides best practices in hands-on trouble-shooting to ensure security professionals have practical security problem-solving skills. However, Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) English language exam is retiring on July 31, 2021. A new exam Security+ (SY0-601) is now available.

Knowledge Required for the Exam

The CompTIA Security+ certification is good for IT security professional who has:

At least two years of experience in IT administration with knowledge in security
Day-to-day technical information security experience
Broad knowledge of security concerns and implementation

Target Areas

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) certification exam is apt for professionals involved in:

Information security
Network security
System administration
Security analysis
Penetration testing
IT auditing

Why is the CompTIA Security+ exam different?

This certification exam assesses baseline cybersecurity skills and has performance-based questions on the exam. Moreover, Security+ emphasizes hands-on practical skills, ensuring the security professional is better prepared to problem solve a wider variety of issues. This focuses on the latest trends and techniques in risk management, risk mitigation, threat management, and intrusion detection.

Skills Enhancement

Candidates for this certification exam will be able to:

Identify various types of compromise with an understanding of penetration testing and vulnerability scanning concepts.

Perform operations like Installing, configuring, and deploying network components while assessing and troubleshooting issues to support organizational security.

Implementing secure network architecture concepts and systems design.

Installing and configuring identity and access services, as well as management controls.

Summarize risk management best practices and business impact.

Configure and install wireless security settings and implement the public key infrastructure.

Exam Format

CompTIA provides all the accessible information to the candidates for the SY0-501 exam. The CompTIA Security+ exam will have a maximum of 90 questions. In which the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) exam questions will include types like multiple choice and performance-based questions with a time duration of 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates have to score a minimum of 750 (on a scale of 100-900). However, the exam is available in English, Japanese, Portuguese and Simplified Chinese. SY0-501 exam will cost $370 USD and this exam retires usually after three years of launch.

Applying for the Exam

CompTIA provides two ways to take the SY0-501 exam that are either online or in-person. In which online testing provides convenience to test for your certification from any quiet, distraction-free, and secure location at any time. And, it also provides flexibility to schedule your exam at any hour convenient with technical support if something goes wrong during the exam. On the other hand, In-person testing provides testing options at any of the thousands of Pearson VUE test centers located around the world. The exam can be scheduled at,

Course Structure

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) exam objectives include:

Topic 1: Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities

1.1 Given a scenario for analyzing indicators of compromise and determining the type of malware.

Viruses
Crypto-malware
Ransomware
Worm
Trojan
Rootkit
Keylogger
Adware

1.2 Comparing and contrasting types of attacks.

Social engineering
Application/service attacks
Wireless attacks
Cryptographic attacks

1.3 Explaining the threat actor types and attributes.

Types of actors
Attributes of actors
Use of open-source intelligence

1.4 Describing penetration testing concepts.

Active reconnaissance
Passive reconnaissance
Pivot
Initial exploitation
Persistence
Escalation of privilege
Black box
White box
Gray box

1.5 Explaining vulnerability scanning concepts.

Passively test security controls
Identify vulnerability
Identifying lack of security controls and common misconfigurations
Intrusive vs. non-intrusive
Credentialed vs. non-credentialed
False positive

1.6 Defining the impact associated with types of vulnerabilities.

Race conditions
Improper input handling and error handling
Misconfiguration/weak configuration
Default configuration
Resource exhaustion
Untrained users
Improperly configured accounts
Vulnerable business processes
Weak cipher suites and implementations
Memory/buffer vulnerability
System sprawl/undocumented assets
Architecture/design weaknesses
New threats/zero day
Improper certificate and key management

Topic 2: Technologies and Tools

2.1 Installing and configuring network components with both hardware and software-based to support organizational security.

Firewall
VPN concentrator
NIPS/NIDS
Router
Switch
Proxy
Load balancer
Access point
SIEM
DLP
NAC
Mail gateway
Bridge
SSL/TLS accelerators
SSL decryptors
Media gateway
Hardware security module

2.2 A scenario for using appropriate software tools to assess the security posture of an organization.

Protocol analyzer
Network scanners
Wireless scanners/cracker
Password cracker
Vulnerability scanner
Configuration compliance scanner
Exploitation frameworks
Data sanitization tools
Steganography tools
Honeypot
Backup utilities
Banner grabbing
Passive vs. active
Command line tools

2.3 Given a scenario for troubleshooting common security issues.

Unencrypted credentials/clear text
Logs and events anomalies
Permission issues
Access violations
Certificate issues
Data exfiltration
Misconfigured devices
Weak security configurations
Personnel issues
Unauthorized software
Baseline deviation
License compliance violation
Asset management
Authentication issues

2.4 With a scenario to analyze and interpret the output from security technologies

HIDS/HIPS
Antivirus
File integrity check
Host-based firewall
Application whitelisting
Removable media control
Advanced malware tools
Patch management tools
UTM
DLP
Data execution prevention
Web application firewall

2.5 Scenario for deploying mobile devices securely.

Connection methods
Mobile device management concepts
Enforcement and monitoring for:
Deployment models

2.6 Given a scenario for implementing secure protocols.

Protocols
Use cases

Topic 3: Architecture and Design

3.1 Explaining use cases and purpose for frameworks including best practices and secure configuration guides.

Industry-standard frameworks and reference architectures
Benchmarks/secure configuration guides
Defense-in-depth/layered security

3.2 Given a scenario for implementing secure network architecture concepts.

Zones/topologies
Segregation/segmentation/isolation
Tunneling/VPN
Security device/technology placement
SDN

3.3 A scenario to implement secure systems design.

Hardware/firmware security
Operating systems
Peripherals

3.4 Explaining the importance of secure staging deployment concepts.

Sandboxing
Environment
Secure baseline
Integrity measurement

3.5 Describing the security implications of embedded systems.

SCADA/ICS
Smart devices/IoT
HVAC
SoC
RTOS
Printers/MFDs
Camera systems
Special purpose

3.6 Summarizing secure application development and deployment concepts.

Development life-cycle models
Secure DevOps
Version control and change management
Provisioning and deprovisioning
Secure coding techniques
Code quality and testing
Compiled vs. runtime code

3.7 Outlining cloud and virtualization concepts.

Hypervisor
VM sprawl avoidance
VM escape protection
Cloud storage
Deployment models for cloud
On-premise vs. hosted vs. cloud
VDI/VDE
Cloud access security broker
Security as a Service

3.8 Explaining use of resiliency and automation strategies reduce risk.

Automation/scripting
Templates
Master image
Non-persistence
Elasticity
Scalability
Distributive allocation
Redundancy
Fault tolerance
High availability
RAID

3.9 Describing the importance of physical security controls.

Lighting
Signs
Fencing/gate/cage
Security guards
Alarms
Safe
Secure cabinets/enclosures
Protected distribution/Protected cabling
Air Gap
Mantrap
Faraday cage
Lock types
Biometrics
Barricades/bollards
Tokens/cards
Environmental controls
Cable locks
Screen filters
Cameras
Motion detection
Logs
Infrared detection
Key management

Topic 4: Identity and Access Management

4.1 Contrasting and comparing identity and access management concepts

Identification, authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA)
Multi Factor authentication
Federation
Single sign-on
Transitive trust

4.2 Given a scenario for installing and configuring identity and access services.

LDAP
Kerberos
TACACS+
CHAP
PAP
MSCHAP
RADIUS
SAML
OpenID Connect
OAUTH
Shibboleth
Secure token
NTLM

4.3 A scenario to implement identity and access management controls.

Access control models
Physical access control
Biometric factors
Tokens
Certificate-based authentication
File system security
Database security

4.4 Scenario for differentiating common account management practices.

Account types
General Concepts
Account policy enforcement

Topic 5: Risk Management

5.1 Explaining the importance of policies, plans and procedures related to organizational security.

Standard operating procedure
Agreement types
Personnel management
General security policies

5.2 Summarizing business impact analysis concepts.

RTO/RPO
MTBF
MTTR
Mission-essential functions
Identification of critical systems
Single point of failure
Impact
Privacy impact assessment
Privacy threshold assessment

5.3 Explaining risk management processes and concepts.

Threat assessment
Risk assessment
Change management

5.4 Given a scenario to follow incident response procedures

Incident response plan
Incident response process

5.5 Outlining the basic concepts of forensics.

Order of volatility
Chain of custody
Legal hold
Data acquisition
Preservation
Recovery
Strategic intelligence/counterintelligence gathering
Track man-hours

5.6 Explaining disaster recovery and continuity of operation concepts.

Recovery sites
Order of restoration
Backup concepts
Geographic considerations
Continuity of operation planning

5.7 Comparing and contrasting various types of controls.

Deterrent
Preventive
Detective
Corrective
Compensating
Technical
Administrative

5.8 A scenario to carry out data security and privacy practices.

Data destruction and media sanitization
Sensitivity labeling and handling of Data
Data roles
Retention of Data
Legal and compliance

Topic 6: Cryptography and PKI

6.1 Comparing and contrasting basic concepts of cryptography

Symmetric algorithms
Modes of operation
Asymmetric algorithms
Hashing
Salt, IV, nonce
Elliptic curve
Weak/deprecated algorithms
Key exchange
Digital signatures
Diffusion
Confusion
Collision
Steganography
Obfuscation
Stream vs. block
Key strength
Session keys
Ephemeral key
Secret algorithm
Data in transit, rest and use
Random/pseudo-random number generation
Key stretching
Implementation vs. algorithm selection
Perfect forward secrecy
Security through obscurity
Common use cases

6.2 Describing cryptography algorithms and their basic characteristics.

Symmetric algorithms
Cipher modes
Asymmetric algorithms
Hashing algorithms
Key stretching algorithms
Obfuscation

6.3 Given a scenario for installing and configuring wireless security settings

Cryptographic protocols
Authentication protocols
Methods

6.4 A scenario to implement public key infrastructure.

Components
Concepts
Types of certificates
Certificate formats

Testing Policies

CompTIA provides various exam testing policies for candidates that need to be taken care of. Moreover, these policies will help candidates to understand the certification exam procedure. Some of the policies are:

Exam Rescheduling:

Candidates who want to reschedule the exam must contact Pearson VUE at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. That is to say, rescheduling an exam less than 24 hours prior to your appointment or failure to appear for your appointment will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee.

Exam Language:

CompTIA exam can be given in English language. However, for those who are in non-English speaking countries, a 30-minute time extension will be given during exams delivery. As all of CompTIA’s exams are available in English, ESL is not available in English-speaking countries. During registration for the exams at Pearson VUE, ESL will be granted to candidates if the country is eligible.

EXAM SCORING

CompTIA monitors the performance of all exams to ensure the validity of exam results. However, during monitoring of exams, CompTIA may classify scores as indeterminate when there are discrepancies for which there is no reasonable explanation. Scores that are unclear will not be considered valid and will not be eligible for certification. And, the exam passing scores are set using statistical analysis and are subject to change. After the exam completion, candidates will receive a score report that contains important information regarding the outcome of the exam. Moreover, CompTIA does not publish exam passing rates because exam questions and passing rates are subject to change without notice. Further, to understand more about the CompTIA agreements and policies, you can take a look at the CompTIA exam test policies.

For more Queries Visit: CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) Exam FAQs

Preparing for CompTIA SY0-501 Exam

For the CompTIA Security+ exam, there are various methods provided below to prepare and pass the exam with good scores. Moreover, using this will help you in creating CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) study notes as well.

eLearning with CertMaster for Security+

CompTIA gives candidates to have access to the eLearning solution that is CertMaster Learn. CertMaster Learn is interactive and self-paced that includes a customizable learning plan and performance-based questions for Security+. However, this will help in taking you on a path of consistent learning toward your certification exam.

CompTIA Labs for Security+

CompTIA Labs for Security+ helps 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. CompTIA Labs also helps candidates to address the practical aspects of Security exam objectives and complement prior training through access to real equipment and software environments.

Exam Preparation with CertMaster Practice: Security+

CertMaster Practice is a tool that assesses your knowledge and exam readiness. This is filled with CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) study material, question-first design, real-time learning analytics, and content refreshers. Moreover, This will help candidates to prepare well by confirming strong areas and filling knowledge gaps in weak areas during studying.

Study Guides for Security+

While studying for the exam, it is good to prefer traditional textbook style learning, which is packed with informative and accessible content covering all Security exam objectives. However, for the SY0-501 exam, CompTIA provides a study guide that is, CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 Certification Study Guide.

This CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) study guide will teach candidates the fundamental principles of installing and configuring cybersecurity controls and participating in incident response and risk mitigation.

Instructor-Led Training

For those looking for in-classroom or live online training, CompTIA provides best-in-class instructor-led training for both individuals and teams. These CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) training sessions will help the candidates to understand the concepts more accurately in a short duration.

Practice Tests

Practice tests are important during exam preparation time. That is to say, by assessing yourself with the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) practice tests you will know about your weak and strong areas. We all know time plays an essential role during the exam. So, by practicing you will be able to improve your answering skills that will result in saving a lot of time. Moreover, the best way to start doing practice tests is after completing one full topic as this will work as a revision part for you.

Joining Study Groups

During the exam preparation time, it is good to join study groups. These groups will help you to stay connected with the other people who are on the same pathway as yours. Moreover, here you can start any discussion about the issue related to the exam or any query. By doing so, you will get the best possible answer to your query.

Start Prepare for CompTIA SY0-501 Exam Now!