CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the most popular entry-level security certification. It validates baseline security skills and opens doors to cybersecurity careers.
Exam Domains
| 1. General Security Concepts | 12% |
| 2. Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations | 22% |
| 3. Security Architecture | 18% |
| 4. Security Operations | 28% |
| 5. Security Program Management | 20% |
Key Topics
- CIA Triad, authentication methods
- Malware types, attack vectors
- Cryptography basics (symmetric, asymmetric)
- Network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS)
- Risk management and compliance
- Incident response procedures
Study Resources
- Books: CompTIA Security+ Study Guide (Sybex)
- Video: Professor Messer (free on YouTube)
- Practice: Jason Dion Udemy courses
- Labs: TryHackMe, Cybrary
Exam Tips
- 90 minutes, ~90 questions
- Passing score: 750/900
- Read questions carefully (many have "BEST" or "MOST")
- Skip difficult questions, return later
- Performance-based questions first
December 2024