The digital boom has brought itself a whole host of security threats that are increasing in severity and quantity by the passing day. The security of mobile devices, computer systems and networks, and other intricate technologies has become a grave concern for enterprises, leading them to spend billions of dollars on ensuring that their data is secured from cyber threats. This has resulted in creating a high demand for network security professionals who can set up and maintain stringent security measures in enterprises to keep crucial data safe and customer confidence in providing their personal information intact.
If you are an individual looking to build a career in network security and work in positions like systems administration, network and computer security, or as a server administrator, there are several certifications available for you to jumpstart your career. One of the most popular and acclaimed certifications is Security+ from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which provides entry-level security knowledge and training to IT professionals.
What is CompTIA Security+ Certification?
CompTIA, a non-profit association offering vendor-neutral certifications, provides the Security+ certification to equip individuals with the entry-level knowledge and training of different aspects of network and computer security. The association comprises of more than 7,500 resellers, training companies, manufacturers, distributors, VARs, and partners across the US and Canada. Some of the renowned members include Microsoft, Intel, IBM, ATT, Compaq, Apple, etc.
With this certification, you can have a thorough understanding of security, concepts, procedures, and tools to manage and respond to security incidents. It also enables you to make accurate assessments of security risks and take measures to ward them off. This certification is renowned for providing individuals with the basic knowledge of network security and infrastructure.
CompTIA has been offering this information security training since 2002 and has drastically improved its content to meet with today’s security challenges. You can roll into courses that can help you prepare for the SY0-501 exam. This examination is designed to test the knowledge of candidates in areas related to monitoring and implementing security on applications, networks, and operating systems, as well as promptly handle any and all security breaches.
Why Should You Consider the CompTIA Security+ Certification?
Since the Security+ Certification is offered by the IT industry’s renowned CompTIA organization, it can provide you with accreditation related to information security training that is recognized by some of the top companies in the world. Both private and government organizations consider network security professionals holding this certification. Even the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requires military contractors and personnel to have this certification for handling information security and assurance activities. According to CompTIA, the Security+ certification has been obtained by more than 45,000 individuals.
Skills You Can Develop with the Security+ Certification
The CompTIA Security+ certification enables IT professionals to learn about the basic principles of setting up, configuring, and implementing network and computer security system in an enterprise infrastructure. It also allows you to monitor and make improvements to the security of applications, operating systems, and networks. Some of the skills that you can develop after completing this certification include:
- Implement public key infrastructure
- Install and configure the settings for wireless security
- Implement best practices for risk management and the business impact
- Define management controls, and set up and configure access and identity services
- Deploy network architecture systems design
- Identify different types of security breaches and their possibility
- Develop an understanding of vulnerability scanning and penetration testing concepts
- Plan for disaster recovery and business continuity
- Manage and troubleshoot security incidents
- Implement operational security and compliance measures
- Manage security certificates
- Manage application, data, and host security
- Identify the basic concepts of computational security
Prerequisites of the Security+ Certification
Since this information security training is for entry-level professionals, enrolling for the SY0-501 exam doesn’t require you to have prerequisite network security experience or certifications. However, this doesn’t mean that clearing this exam is easy and anyone with little to no knowledge about this field can clear the exam with flying colors.
If you want to ace this exam, you must have 1-2 years of experience in job roles related to IT administration with a focus on network security and must possess technical information about network infrastructure. In addition, some prior knowledge about the implementation and problems related to network security would be of great help. Having this type of knowledge will allow you to get the upper hand when studying for the exam. If it helps, you can enroll in an online course or training for the CompTIA Security+ certification, which has been proved to be extremely useful for many IT professionals.
Benefits of Getting Security+ Certified
CompTIA certifications are great for boosting career opportunities. Here are some benefits of getting Security+ certified:
Globally Acknowledged Certification
Since CompTIA is a nonprofit, global organization, its certifications reflect positively on your CV regardless of where you are in the world. This is because the Security+ certification has been approved by ANSI and ISO 17024 standard. With this certification on your CV, recruiters will know that you have the skills and knowledge to meet the fundamental network security requirements.
Vendor-Neutral Certification
Most certifications are offered by leading technology giants, like Cisco, Microsoft, etc. and generally are focused on providing skills and training in their respective products. But CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral and provide you with the ability to handling the network security activities in any business infrastructure, regardless of the products being used. This opens more opportunities for you, making you eligible for a lot of companies.
High Pay Scale
IT professionals with the CompTIA Security+ certification are known to have been offered higher salaries as compared to individuals with vendor-based certifications or no certifications at all. The average salary of a Security+ certified professional is between $42,000 and $95,000, which depends on your previous experience and the competence in network security.
Enterprises now rely on powerful computing systems and cloud technology to store and process confidential data. With the data breaches and cyber-attacks on the rise, enterprises are hiring more and more individuals with relevant experience and skills to fortify their network security. And if you have network security certifications, like CompTIA Security+, your chances of landing a job in a reputable company in the network administration department can increase significantly.