CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
CompTIA Security+ is a well-known certification that proves you have essential skills for important security tasks, setting the stage for a successful career in IT security. The newest version, CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701), deals with the latest cybersecurity challenges, covering key skills in defending against threats, using automation, implementing zero trust, managing risks, and more. This certification not only gives you the necessary abilities for success but also grabs the attention of employers.
The Security+ exam ensures you have the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate the security status of a company’s environment and suggest/implement suitable security solutions.
- Safeguard hybrid environments, which include cloud, mobile, IoT, and operational technology.
- Operate according to regulations and policies, incorporating principles of governance, risk, and compliance.
- Recognize, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.
By earning CompTIA Security+, exciting career opportunities open up, such as Cloud Penetration Tester, Network Security Operations, Penetration Tester, Network Security Analyst, Web App Penetration Tester, and Security Architect.
Knowledge Requirements:
- To qualify for this, you need to have a CompTIA Network+ certification and have worked in a security/systems administrator role for at least two years.
- Additionally, a minimum of two years of experience in IT administration, specifically focusing on security, is required.
- You should have practical exposure to technical information security and a wide-ranging understanding of security concepts.
Exam Details
- The SY0-701 exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions, featuring both multiple-choice and performance-based formats.
- The test duration is 90 minutes, and to pass, you need to score at least 750 out of 900.
- The exam is currently available in English, with Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish language options coming soon.
Course Outline
The exam objectives for CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) include:
1. Understanding the Basic Security Concepts
- Comparing and contrasting various types of security controls.
- Summarizing the basic security concepts.
- Explaining the importance of change management processes and the impact to security.
- Explaining the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions.
2. Learn about Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
- Comparing and contrasting common threat actors and motivations.
- Understanding common threat vectors and attack surfaces.
- Explaining various types of vulnerabilities.
- Analyzing indicators of malicious activity.
- Explaining the purpose of mitigation techniques used to secure the enterprise.
3. Understand Security Architecture
- Comparing and contrasting security implications of different architecture models.
- Applying security principles to secure enterprise infrastructure.
- Comparing and contrasting concepts and strategies to protect data.
- Explaining the importance of resilience and recovery in security architecture.
4. Gain Familiarity with Security Operations
- Applying common security techniques to computing resources.
- Explaining the security implications of proper hardware, software, and data asset management.
- Understanding various activities associated with vulnerability management.
- Explaining security alerting and monitoring concepts and tools.
- Modifying enterprise capabilities to enhance security.
- Implementing and maintaining identity and access management.
- Explaining the importance of automation and orchestration related to secure operations.
- Explaining appropriate incident response activities.
- Using data sources to support an investigation.
5. Explore various Security Program Management and Oversight
- Summarizing elements of effective security governance.
- Understanding elements of the risk management process.
- Explaining the processes associated with third-party risk assessment and management.
- Summarizing elements of effective security compliance.
- Explaining types and purposes of audits and assessments.
- Implementing security awareness practices.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam FAQs
Exam Policies
CompTIA has set up certain policies to help candidates navigate the certification exam process. Here are some important points:
Changing Exam Date:
If you need to reschedule your exam, make sure to contact Pearson VUE at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Failing to do so or rescheduling within 24 hours will mean losing your exam fee.
Exam Results:
CompTIA keeps a close eye on exam performance to ensure accurate results. However, if there are unexplained issues during monitoring, scores may be marked as indeterminate and won’t be considered valid for certification. Passing scores are determined through statistical analysis and may change. After finishing the exam, candidates get a score report with crucial information. It’s worth noting that CompTIA doesn’t reveal passing rates, as both questions and passing rates can change without prior notice.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Study Guide
1. Get Familiar with Exam Objectives
To prepare for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam, candidates should get familiar with the exam objectives for successful readiness. CompTIA Security+ confirms that certified professionals have the necessary skills to suggest and implement security solutions. The exam covers various sections and crucial topics such as:
- General Security Concepts:
- Covers important cybersecurity terms and concepts upfront, creating a foundation for the security controls discussed in the exam.
- Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations:
- Focuses on responding to common threats, cyberattacks, vulnerabilities, and security incidents. It also includes appropriate mitigation techniques to monitor and secure hybrid environments.
- Security Architecture:
- Discusses the security implications of various architecture models, principles of securing enterprise infrastructure, and strategies for protecting data.
- Security Operations:
- Involves the application and enhancement of security and vulnerability management techniques. It also addresses the security implications of proper hardware, software, and data management.
- Security Program Management & Oversight:
2. CompTIA Security+ Study Resources
To study effectively, it’s crucial to create a conducive learning environment. This means minimizing distractions, scheduling dedicated study times, and focusing on the material. To reinforce your learning, try different study techniques such as note-taking, summarizing information, and discussing topics with classmates. When preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam, make sure to utilize the official study guide and resources provided by the authorities. These methods are essential for a successful exam preparation.
– CertMaster Learn for Security+ Training:
Ensure thorough preparation for your Security+ exam with the comprehensive online training exclusively offered by CompTIA. CertMaster Learn provides interactive and self-paced lessons, integrating instructional content, assessments, videos, and performance-based questions. It is designed not only to help you pass your certification exam but also to excel in your IT career.
It includes:
- Complete coverage of exam objectives focusing on job roles.
- Over 40 hours of engaging content.
- 16 lessons with interactive performance-based questions (PBQs).
- 160 practice questions with immediate feedback.
- A final assessment with 90 questions to simulate the test experience.
- Calendar to keep you on track.
- Narrative instruction, images, videos, and games to keep you engaged.
- Achievement badges, flashcards, and a personalized dashboard for progress tracking.
- PBQs and practice questions to highlight what you’ve mastered and areas to revisit.
– CertMaster Labs for Security+ Training:
CertMaster Labs for Security+ provides learners with a crucial platform to gain practical skills and deepen their understanding of the subject, preparing them for CertMaster Security+ Certification. Through CertMaster Labs, you can focus on the hands-on aspects of Security+ exam objectives, reinforcing your prior training by accessing real equipment and software environments.
– CertMaster Practice for Security+:
CertMaster Practice is a tool designed to evaluate your knowledge and support your certification training for the CompTIA exam. It helps you acquire knowledge and get ready for your exam with a question-first approach, real-time learning analytics, and content refreshers. CertMaster Practice reinforces and tests your understanding, addressing any knowledge gaps you might have.
– CompTIA Instructor-Led Training:
Enroll in instructor-led training to benefit from expert guidance and insights from someone with in-depth knowledge of the exam. Whether you prefer classroom or live online training, CompTIA offers high-quality, instructor-led training for both individuals and teams. If you’re new to the tech industry and seeking training, explore the following options.
- Training for Individuals:
- Opt for CompTIA’s online instructor-led training to learn from highly qualified instructors. Receive hands-on instruction in a live online environment, guided by a certified CompTIA instructor.
- CompTIA Custom Training:
- Bring top-notch, instructor-led training to your group or organization with CompTIA Custom Training. Ensure your team receives the IT certification training they need, led by highly qualified trainers with a proven success record.
3. Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is a crucial part of getting ready for the exam. Using the CompTIA Security+ exam practice tests helps you identify what you’re good at and where you need to improve. This assessment helps you get better at answering questions, which can save you time during the actual exam. For effective preparation, it’s a good idea to take these practice tests after you’ve covered a whole topic, reinforcing what you’ve studied. Make sure to choose practice exam tests that suit you best to ensure you’re fully ready for the CompTIA Security+ exam.
