The Top 6: What You’ll Bring to the Table with the New CompTIA Security+

We’ve all heard the old adage that practice makes perfect. To some extent, it’s true. The more you practice anything, the better you’ll be at it. But, let’s face it – if you’re reading or studying about security threats, attacks and vulnerabilities, will it really help you when you’re faced with an actual attack? That’s one reason why CompTIA is launching the latest version of the Security+ (SY0-501) certification this month.

The new CompTIA Security+ emphasizes hands-on skills, as well as risk management. And it continues to cover the foundational skills for all IT jobs that require cybersecurity skills, including systems administrator, network administrator, security administrator and junior IT auditor/penetration tester. CompTIA Security+ is the foundational security certification on the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway.

Read on to learn about the six skills you will gain when you earn your CompTIA Security+ certification, and go get the job you want!

Skill #1: Hands-On Network Security

While nearly three-quarters of organizations report experiencing at least one security incident, about 6 in 10 had one or more serious breaches. Learning how to protect your company’s data and network is cybersecurity 101. With CompTIA Security+ you’ll learn how to configure a secure network to protect against breaches, malware and insider threats.

Skill #2: Risk Management

More than half (58 percent) of organizations report human error as a major contributor to security risk. Most employees aren’t trying to do intentional harm, but simply don’t know the error of their ways. CompTIA Security+ helps you to identify network vulnerabilities and risks before they become problems.

Skill #3: Threats

What’s in the news today is old news tomorrow. We work in a fast-paced industry, and keeping up with the latest security threats could be a full-time job itself. CompTIA Security+ teaches you about threat intelligence and various malware and attacks, such as SQL injections, ransomware, zero-day attacks and cross-site scripting.

Skill #4: Data and Host Security

Of course, everyone works on multiple devices these days. With company-issued and personal mobile and smart devices, security extends way beyond your network. CompTIA Security+ covers how to implement proper security controls to deploy mobile devices, implement secure protocols and establish end-to-end host security.

Skill #5: Identity Management

Who is accessing your network – and should they be? With CompTIA Security+ you’ll learn how to implement identity and access management controls, such as biometrics, and authenticate and authorize users based on best practices – helping to keep your company data in the right hands at all times.

Skill #6: Cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

Even though you’ve authenticated your users – it’s smart to have a backup plan. With CompTIA Security+, you’ll be able to use encryption, install and configure wireless security, and implement end-to-end tunnels to keep information safe and ensure it’s coming from a valid source.

You can do IT with CompTIA Security+! Download the exam objectives to get started.