CompTIA Security+ certification validates basic skills and equips candidates to have the core knowledge necessary for any cybersecurity role. It is a highly sought-after credential among IT professionals. It is compliant to ISO 17024 standards. The certification has been approved by the US Department of Defense (DoD), in order to meet directive 8140/8570.01 M requirements. CompTIA updates the exam version three times a year. In 2021, the current Security+ SYO-551 exam will be retired. The new Security+ SYO-601 will be released in November 2020.
This section will examine the anticipatory difference between CompTIA Security+ SyO-601 and SYO-501 exams.
Security+ SYO-551 certification
CompTIA Security+ SYO-501 was launched in 2017. This certification allows candidates to identify threats and vulnerabilities, learn security technologies, manage risk, and implement security architecture within their organization. The Security+ SYO-501 certification validates the skills of the holder.
Secure applications, networks, devices, and devices should be installed in the system.
Perform threat analysis and respond to security-related incidents
Participate in risk mitigation
Pay attention to the laws, regulations, and policies.
To be able to operate while adhering to the principles confidentiality, integrity, availability.
PKI and Cryptography
Exam format
Candidates must pass the SYO-501 exam to earn Security+ certification. The certification is more practical and focuses on hands-on knowledge. This knowledge is tested by performance-based questions in an examination.
To pass CompTIA Security+, candidates must attempt 90 multiple-choice or performance-based questions (MCQs), and score 750.
Prerequisite
Although there are no prerequisites, it is highly recommended that you take the Network+ certification prior to obtaining the CompTIA Security+ certification.
What’s new with the Security+ SyO-601 Exam?
CompTIA will release the Security + SYO-601 version of its new Security + SYO-601 edition in November 2020. It covers the latest and most innovative technologies that were not yet adopted by the industry in 2017, when SYO-501 was published. This certification focuses on the core technical skills required to assess and manage risk, incident response, forensics and enterprise networks. It also covers security controls and cloud operations. The Security+ SYO-601 exam certifies a candidate’s skills in the following areas:
It validates the candidate’s ability to analyze security conditions and determine necessary security measures.
It demonstrates the ability of a candidate monitor and protect hybrid environments like cloud, mobile, IoT (internet-of-things).
It confirms that the candidate is familiar with all applicable laws, policies, compliance, governance, and risks.
It also confirms that candidates are able to respond to cybersecurity incidents and events.
What are the Nature of Modifications in Exam Content?
In recent years, there has been a rise in ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDOS), and other social engineering attacks. These attacks have cost organizations millions. Security concerns have increased with the increasing use of modern technologies like IoT (Internet of things), and the adoption of cloud-based service. These sophisticated cyber attacks require cybersecurity professionals who can identify and mitigate them. CompTIA has created the following topics to reflect current circumstances:
Secure network architecture
Practices regarding risk management
Different types of threats, attacks and vulnerabilities
Management of identity and access
Configuring wireless security settings, public key infrastructure (PKI), and wireless security settings
Comparison of domains covered under Security+ SYO-501 & SYO-601 exams
The CompTIA Security+ SYO-551 exam covers six domains.