Top CompTIA Security+ Benefits You Should Know

You are reading this article thanks to the now almost ubiquitous presence of internet-enabled devices. With the exponential growth of technology in many aspects of life, there has been an equivalent growth in the demand for IT security certified professionals. With a CompTIA Security+ certification, benefits including expanded job opportunities and potential pay increases can be yours.

What is Cybersecurity?

A company's information technology (IT) is an asset, a resource, and part of the infrastructure. In addition, IT has its own budget for maintenance and support, including the costs of dedicated internal staff or ongoing outsourced support. For all those reasons, the various components of IT should be protected in both the physical space (where the IT equipment is housed) and the virtual space (who can access the systems electronically). Cybersecurity protects the digital side of IT, including software, data, networks, and systems, from the possibility of electronic threats or full-on attacks.

What is CompTIA?

Since 1982, Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has set global standards through certification for PC maintenance, networking and cloud technology, and cybersecurity. CompTIA certifications test IT knowledge ranging from entry-level to expert in a variety of IT disciplines. CompTIA certifications are earned by passing standardized exams. Prep courses are available to help professionals prepare for each type and level of certification exam.

What is CompTIA Security+ Certification?

As a globally recognized certification, most public, private, government, and defense organizations use CompTIA Security+ certification as validation that professionals have the baseline security skills necessary for IT cybersecurity positions. Additionally, CompTIA Security+ meets directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements of the Department of Defense (DOD). CompTIA summarizes their Security+ certification exam as a means to:

"... verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions; monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT; operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents."

Due to the dynamic nature of cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ exam is updated every three years to ensure alignment with new trends in the world of cybersecurity. As of April 2023, the active exam version SYO-601 includes assessing practical skills running the gamut of proactive and reactive cybersecurity measures and problem-solving. Professionals do not need to complete specific courses to take the exam, however taking a quality certification prep course can help you better prepare for the exam and receive a passing score on the first attempt.

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What IT network and security knowledge is needed to earn a certification?

Security+ It is considered an entry-level cybersecurity certification, but do not interpret that as something that will be easy to pass. Though there is no requirement to take a formal training course, it is highly recommended, especially for those new to cybersecurity. The purpose of the course is to prepare candidates to demonstrate knowledge in core cybersecurity skills on the certification exam:

• monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT,
• assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions, and
• operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including governance, risk, and compliance principles.

It is important to be sure that your certification prep course aligns with the most current version of the certification exam.

Who gains the benefits of CompTIA security+ certification?

IT professionals focusing on networking and cybersecurity benefit from completing CompTIA Security+ certification. IT professionals prepare for and earn a CompTIA Security+ certification to enjoy benefits such as:

• seeking advancement in role responsibilities,
• justification for a salary increase,
• qualifying for government roles, and
• preparing for future management positions.

As a complement to professional experience, certification is a means to verify one’s depth of knowledge and skills in IT security. The benefits of CompTIA Security+ certification also carry forward to the organization through consistent and verified practices being used.

What are the benefits of CompTIA security+ certification?

Malware, hacking, social engineering, and ransomware were once known only to IT professionals. However, due to the prevalence of technology in our lives, these are terms that most people have heard of and/or experienced in some way. Because cybersecurity terms and threats have become commonplace speaks to the immense role of technology in our lives and thus the increased need for professionals with cybersecurity experience and certification.

There are many benefits to passing the CompTIA certification exam. Above all, consider the job possibilities for cybersecurity experts worldwide due to the high demand for technology security, network management, and cyber security skills.

Potential for salary increase with CompTIA Security+ certification

The roles most commonly associated with the CompTIA Security+ certification include what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as network and computer system administrators, with median pay of $81,100 in 2017 and expected growth of 6% by 2026. Additionally, many businesses offer incentives and salary increases for professional certifications earned, especially IT security certifications.

No prerequisites to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam

CompTIA Security+ does not have any prerequisites that must be met to sit the exam. However, CompTIA recommends at least two years of IT administration with a focus on security and networking experience to better ensure understanding of the exam questions. Many professionals find the investment in exam prep a reliable way to prepare for the exam, but formal training is optional to access the certification exam.

Globally recognized IT certification

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam meets ISO 17024 standards and has U.S. DoD approval for meeting directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. In addition, it is an internationally recognized certification. Therefore, no matter where you work, the certificate is valid.

Excellent job prospects for those with CompTIA Security+ certification

Because the certification is globally recognized and verifies skills in one of the most in-demand technology skill areas, CompTIA Security+ is highly sought after by employers. Example jobs that frequently requires certification include Security Administrators, Helpdesk Manager, Security Engineer, DevOps/Software Developer, Network/Cloud Engineer, Systems Administrators, IT Auditors, and IT Project Managers.

Work anywhere with an IT certification

As with all IT skills, the CompTIA Security+ certification applies to any environment, whether in the corporate office or the cloud. Cybersecurity needs, and therefore security certifications, are not limited to specific geographies or locations.

Vendor agnostic certification

Whereas some IT certifications are specific to a vendor’s software application or technology (such as Microsoft or Apple certifications), the Comp TIA Security+ certification is vendor agnostic. It is about verifying your skills in general cybersecurity, not a specific application or technology.

Digital badge of certification for online profiles

How can you enhance your LinkedIn or job candidate profile? With a digital badge verifying your status as a certified CompTIA Security+ professional. Digital badges are a way to help your job application stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your passion for having in-demand IT skills.

Job opportunities in both private and government sectors with certification requirements

The skills and knowledge needed to earn CompTIA Security+ certification are in demand across the private and government sectors. These skills include:

 

• recognizing attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities,
• architecture and design,
• operations and incident response,
• governance, risk and compliance, and
•  

To be Security+ certified is to demonstrate your knowledge of the latest trends and techniques for roles responsible for all facets of cybersecurity.

How do you earn the CompTIA Security+ certification?

The 90-minute exam with 90 questions costs $392 US dollars and is available in English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Portuguese. As of April 2023, the exam is at version SYO-601, requiring a passing score of 750 on a scale of (100 – 900). There are no prerequisites or other requirements for this entry-level IT security certification. Still, it is recommended that you have at least two years of on-the-job IT administration experience with a focus on security, as well as networking knowledge, to enhance your knowledge of core testing topics.

CompTIA Security+ certification exam prep courses

For the value of the knowledge that comes from the training and the assistance it can provide for your certification prep, many professionals complete CompTIA Security+ prep courses. United Training’s Security+ course helps students identify and address security incidents. Upon course completion, participants are able to:

• Scan and assess networks for vulnerabilities
• Monitor network traffic for unusual activity
• Investigate a network breach
• Compare and contrast attacks
• Compare and contrast security controls
• Use security assessment tools
• Explain basic cryptography concepts
• Implement a public critical infrastructure
• Implement identity and access management controls
• Manage access services and accounts
• Implement a secure network architecture
• Install and configure security appliances
• Install and configure wireless and physical access security
• Deploy secure host, mobile, and embedded systems
• Implement secure network access protocols
• Implement secure network applications
• Explain risk management and disaster recovery concepts
• Describe secure application development concepts
• Explain organizational security concepts

Although the training may cost more than the exam, it provides valuable knowledge to any individual seeking to become Security+ certified and garner the many professional benefits certification provides.

Summary

The most important benefits of CompTIA Security certification are the professional potential it can bring, from potential salary increases to job opportunities in both private and government sectors, and the needed experience to gain other respected IT certifications. To become CompTIA Security+ certified is to take an important step in your IT security career.