Are you interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity? Learn about the top security+ occupations that require Security Plus certification and how this globally recognized certification may help you improve your abilities, expand your career possibilities, and increase your compensation. Learn about the requirements for network administrators, systems administrators, security consultants, and other positions, as well as how to prepare for the Security Plus test. IT Exams has compiled all of the information you need about jobs that require Security Plus certification into one comprehensive resource.
What Is Security Plus Certification?
CompTIA Security+ certification is a worldwide certification test that certifies the fundamental skills required to execute essential security responsibilities and further your career in IT security.
CompTIA Security+ focuses on hands-on practical skills, ensuring that security professionals are better prepared to tackle a wider range of problems. It is the first security certification that IT workers should obtain since it defines the foundational knowledge necessary for any cybersecurity function and serves as a stepping stone to intermediate-level cybersecurity roles. CompTIA Security Plus certified cybersecurity experts understand how to resolve security problems rather than simply identifying them.
Skills Covered
CompTIA Security+ skills have become the foundation for all cybersecurity positions, and the new edition has been modified to reflect how cybersecurity occupations are becoming more specialized, such as security analytics. As a result, the value and demand for CompTIA Security+ certification has grown across a larger range of work areas.
- Successful applicants will possess the following abilities:
- Identify cyber attackers’ techniques for attacking networks and hosts, as well as the countermeasures used to defend them.
- Understand organizational security concepts and the components of successful security policies.
- Understand the technology and applications of cryptography standards and products.
- Install and configure network and host-based security solutions.
- Describe how security for wireless and remote access is enforced.
- Describe the standards and products used to ensure online and communications technology security.
- Determine business continuity, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery plans.
- Summarize application and coding flaws and identify development and deployment techniques for mitigating them.
The CompTIA Security+ exam covers the following domains and topics:
- Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities: Analyze indicators of compromise and determine types of malware or compare and contrast types of attacks
- Identity and Access Management: Implement identity and access management controls or differentiate common account management practices
- Technologies and Tools: Troubleshoot common security issues or deploy mobile devices securely
- Risk Management: Explain the importance of policies, plans, and procedures related to organizational security
- Architecture and design: Summarize secure application development, deployment, cloud, and virtualization concepts
- Cryptography and PKI: Compare and contrast basic concepts of cryptography or implement public key infrastructure
Target Audiences
CompTIA is the world’s leading source of vendor-neutral IT certifications. CompTIA, which has granted over 2 million IT certifications globally, is devoted to assisting IT professionals in leading the charge in our digitally linked world.
CompTIA has been developing training and certification examinations for computer support, networking, security, open-source (Linux) development, cloud, and mobility for over 20 years. Our frequent examination reviews and modifications ensure that CompTIA certifications continue to meet the demands of today’s technological concerns.
Check out CompTIA Security+ Practice Test to test your abilities now!
Benefits Of Having Security Plus Certification
Having Security Plus certification offers several benefits, including:
- Vendor Neutral Certification
CompTIA Security+ is a certification program that is vendor-independent. What you can accomplish with CompTIA certification is limitless. Because CompTIA Security+ isn’t concerned with vendor-specific gear and software, you may concentrate on broadening your technical expertise. CompTIA Security+ gives you the professional jargon you need to understand network security. CompTIA gives access to high-demand disciplines such as computer networking and cybersecurity in any vendor environment. A vendor-neutral CompTIA certification is a viable alternative for an IT newcomer.
- Knowledge and skills
CompTIA Security+ certification allows you to develop a solid foundation of practical knowledge and abilities that will help you grow in your profession. Getting a CompTIA certification will provide you access to new technologies. Preparing for any of the CompTIA tests might help you learn new things. This material will assist you in broadening your knowledge base. There are several courses available in the market to assist you in preparing for the certification exam. You’ll learn how technology works and how to utilize it effectively to give services to people.
- No prerequisites required
CompTIA Security+ is a beginner’s certification. This is one of the primary reasons why many people entering the security field seek CompTIA Security+ certification in order to greatly improve their job chances. Unlike other cybersecurity credentials, this one has no requirements. Professionals taking the certification test should have at least two years of working experience in the security and networking industries to maximize their chances of passing the exam and being hired on time.
- Job prospects
There is a lot of rivalry for jobs in the IT business. Employers want individuals with relevant experience and knowledge. It is challenging to select one applicant from a pool of qualified individuals. The CompTIA Security+ certification can help you get a job. Obtaining an IT certification will set you apart from other uncertified applicants. Earning an IT certification will increase your chances of being employed by the organization. Not only that but obtaining a certificate demonstrates your dedication and may result in a pay raise.
- Higher pay scale
Every person wants to be adequately compensated for their efforts, and IT certification is a fantastic approach to increasing one’s compensation at a company. Obtaining a CompTIA certification would raise the value of your experience and talents, allowing you to earn greater pay. Employees who are CompTIA certified earn more than those who are not. Even if a certified employee and a non-certified employee perform identical tasks, the certified employee will be paid more. You can explore Top 5 Job Roles That Offer Highest Sec+ Salary here!
- CompTIA community
Joining a solid community is one of the most important components of establishing a successful career. Many CompTIA-certified professionals live in some communities. The reciprocal networking of CompTIA certification holders creates these groups. This group includes qualified specialists who can teach you. You will participate in constructive debates with experts on a range of themes. You may ask questions about any topic and get assistance in solving it. You can not only ask questions but also offer advice and develop a positive connection with these credential holders.
- Globally recognized
The CompTIA Security+ certification is widely regarded as one of the world’s most essential security certifications. The Security+ certification, given by CompTIA and certified by ANSI, is intended to show an individual’s mastery of the information, skills, and features required to comply with the ISO 17024 standard.
- Personal satisfaction
Obtaining an IT certification provides a sense of accomplishment. Passing the CompTIA certification exam is a huge achievement, and studying about it necessitates your whole focus and excitement. This will boost your self-esteem and motivate you to work harder. Your accomplishments will make you ecstatic. You’ll be able to perform even better and have a track record of problem-solving success. Earning a CompTIA Security+ certification will provide you with the confidence you need to develop a successful career.
- Digital Badge
If you pass your IT certification test, vendors will give you a Digital Badge. Your virtual identity card is your digital badge. Passing the CompTIA Security+ certification earns you a digital badge that validates your proficiency in that field and may serve as your identification. A digital badge can be displayed on numerous social networking platforms. It boosts your reputation in the IT business and enables you to advance in your career as an IT expert. If your IT certification is still valid according to the suppliers, you can show your digital badge. Therefore, the Digital Badge indicates that you are presently interested and attracts the attention of your company and clients.
- Accepted by government
If you want to work as a cybersecurity or networking professional for any government agency, getting the CompTIA Security+ certification is a great place to start. The certification satisfies the standards of DoD 8570. It is recognized as a compliance standard that lists a variety of standards for government employees and contractors operating at various levels in the IT industry. The qualification satisfies the standards of DoD 8570 for Technical Level Two and Management Level One jobs.
- Work Remotely
Employees who work from home are encouraged to work outside of the workplace. Working remotely implies that work does not have to be completed in a certain location in order to be effective. CompTIA certification allows you to work from a remotely allocated desk rather than traveling to an office each day, allowing you to perform tasks and meet goals from anywhere you want. You’ll be able to plan your days in such a manner that both your work and personal life thrive while coexisting happily.
With the benefits listed above, it is clear that the Security Plus certification is essential in the employment market. It distinguishes professionals from the competition, proves their knowledge of information security, and opens up several job prospects. Employers are increasingly seeking qualified individuals to assist them in mitigating cybersecurity dangers, and the Security Plus certification is a great method to demonstrate one’s abilities and understanding of this crucial subject.
What Are The Jobs That Require Security Plus Certification?
The Security Plus certification is a valuable credential in the cybersecurity industry, and it is required for various job roles across different levels. Below are some of the jobs that require Security Plus certification coupled with their average annual salaries in the United States on July 3, 2023:
- Systems Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Security Administrator
- Security Consultant
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Penetration Tester
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Information Security Manager
1. Systems Administrator
A systems administrator, often known as a sysadmin, is one of the most important IT manager jobs in today’s business. System administrators ensure the availability and uptime of critical systems within the organization.
Sysadmins generally handle servers, which were physical computer systems that held information that the organization would need to access for many years. However, as cloud computing has become a more cost-effective and easy-to-implement alternative to physical storage, the role of a systems administrator has shifted to administering cloud computing networks and accompanying applications. This means that SysAdmins are more likely than ever before to face security challenges.
Average Salary: $76,729 per year
2. Network Administrator
The network administrator is in charge of ensuring that all data flowing into and out of a network moves smoothly and effectively. They collaborate closely with network engineers to build and deploy new network infrastructure, and they are constantly available to solve any problems that may emerge.
They collaborate closely with network engineers to build and deploy new network infrastructure, and they are constantly available to solve any problems that may emerge. A network administrator’s function is critical in today’s environment, and they play an important role in keeping our internet-connected lives operating smoothly.
Average Salary: $75,270 per year
3. Security Administrator
A security administrator is responsible for installing, administering, and troubleshooting an organization’s security systems. The security administrator is responsible for ensuring the network’s security, preventing unwanted access, modification, or destruction, and troubleshooting any access issues.
You must be diligent and detail-oriented, with good technical and information security abilities, to be a successful Security Administrator. You should be capable of developing security rules and teaching less technically savvy personnel to be security sensitive.
Average Salary: $88,910 per year
4. Security Consultant
A security consultant, often known as a security analyst, identifies weaknesses in computer systems, networks, and software programs and works to improve their resistance to hackers. This consultant position is an excellent illustration of a highly specialized IT job. While many IT professions are department-specific, a security consultant’s work generally transcends numerous departments due to the massive volume of data they are responsible for protecting.
Average Salary: $68,989 per year
5. Security Engineer
A security engineer focuses on the design, implementation, and maintenance of security mechanisms inside an organization’s IT infrastructure. They are concerned with preventing unwanted access, assaults, and vulnerabilities to systems, networks, and data.
Security engineers collaborate closely with other IT teams to ensure that security measures are built into the design and deployment of various technological solutions. They examine the security needs of the enterprise, create security architectures, and suggest security technology and best practices. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and encryption techniques are all configured and managed by security engineers.
Average Salary: $79,972 per year
6. Security Architect
A security architect is in charge of creating and managing a company’s security architecture. They are in charge of finding possible security flaws and developing ways to avoid or mitigate those flaws. They collaborate with other IT experts, such as network engineers and software developers, to guarantee that an organization’s systems and applications are safe and meet applicable security requirements.
Average Salary: $108,870 per year
7. Penetration Tester
A penetration test, also known as a pen test, simulates a cyber assault on your computer system in order to identify exploitable flaws. Penetration testing is widely used to supplement a web application firewall (WAF) in the context of web application security.
Pen testing might entail attempting to penetrate any number of application systems (for example, application protocol interfaces (APIs), frontend/backend servers) in order to discover vulnerabilities such as unsanitized inputs that are vulnerable to code injection attacks.
Average Salary: $119,084 per year
8. Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts are in charge of safeguarding computer networks and systems, as well as the data they contain. They seek to prevent attacks on their networks and systems, monitor for possible assaults, and respond to active threats.
In the area of cybersecurity, the question is not if a network will be attacked, but rather when an assault may occur. Analysts in cyber security must be adequately equipped to detect and respond to an assault. In the case of an attack, they must also develop and implement a disaster recovery plan, which includes procedures such as backing up and storing sensitive data away from the main network.
Average Salary: $97,939 per year
9. Information Security Manager
An information security manager is in charge of overseeing and administering an organization’s information security program. Their major responsibility is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s information assets, which include digital data, systems, networks, and other sensitive data. Managers of information security strive to secure the organization’s data against illegal access, cyber threats, and data breaches.
Average Salary: $80,524 per year
How To Increase Your Pay
Consider obtaining extra certifications to increase your earning potential in an IT position. This will reassure potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience to deal with security concerns successfully. If you want to keep your Security Plus certification, you must take a recertification test every three years.
Other techniques to raise your compensation in an IT profession, Security+ salary in particular, include:
Be Adaptable
Being flexible with your hours, such as being available to work on weekends or evenings as needed, may indicate your dedication to the job and typically results in a salary raise.
Collaboration with Colleagues
Networking with other IT professionals may help you learn about job vacancies, wage trends, and other pertinent information.
Negotiate With Employers
Demonstrate your willingness to contribute and be an asset to the organization while negotiating your wage. In order to boost your negotiation position, present real evidence of your competence.
Continue Your Education
Keeping up with the newest IT technologies, trends, and advances will help you remain ahead of the competition and demonstrate your dedication to your profession.
How To Prepare For Security Plus Certification
Prerequisites for the Security Plus certification
There are no official prerequisites for the Security Plus certification. CompTIA, on the other hand, suggests that applicants have at least two years of expertise in IT administration with an emphasis on security. This experience will help you comprehend the test goals and ideas and will prepare you for the exam.
Exam Format
The Security Plus certification test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and lasts 90 minutes. The test requires a passing score of 750 on a scale of 100-900. The exam is intended to assess your knowledge and abilities in a variety of security topics, including network security, risk management, encryption, and access control. Understanding the exam structure can help you manage your time successfully throughout the exam.
Available study resources
There are numerous study resources available for the Security Plus certification exam. Some of the most popular study resources include:
- Official CompTIA Study Materials: Official study resources from CompTIA include study guides, practice examinations, and online courses. These resources are intended to cover all test objectives and are routinely updated to reflect changes in exam content. Study materials, practice examinations, and online courses are available on the CompTIA website.
- Third-Party Study Materials: For the Security Plus certification test, third-party study resources such as books, videos, and online courses are available. These documents, prepared by cybersecurity specialists, can give further information and explanations. Sec+ practice exams from IT Exams, books from publishers like Sybex, videos from sources like Udemy, and online courses from companies like Pluralsight are all popular third-party study tools.
- Practice Exams: Practice examinations are a wonderful method to evaluate your knowledge and find areas for development. Official CompTIA practice examinations are available, as well as a variety of third-party CompTIA Security+ practice test. Official CompTIA practice examinations are available on the CompTIA website, while third-party practice exams are available on sites such as IT Exam and MeasureUp.
- Study Groups: Joining a study group can give you crucial support and inspiration as you prepare for your exams. You may communicate with other candidates, swap study resources, and talk about exam themes. Study groups may be found on social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as forums such as Reddit.
- Hands-on Experience: Understanding the practical applications of the Security Plus certification requires practical experience. Setting up a lab environment or participating in cybersecurity-related initiatives might help you obtain practical experience. Setting up a virtual lab environment with technologies like VirtualBox or engaging in cybersecurity-related initiatives on platforms like GitHub might help you obtain practical experience.
- Online Forums: Online forums and discussion boards may be used to ask questions and debate exam topics with other candidates and cybersecurity professionals. Popular online forums include r/CompTIA on Reddit.
- Webinars: CompTIA provides free webinars on a variety of test objectives and exam-taking strategies. These webinars are given by cybersecurity specialists and provide useful information and explanations. CompTIA’s free webinars may be obtained on their website or on their YouTube channel.
Read more >> What Should Be The Next Cert After Security+?
FAQs
What is Security Plus certification good for?
CompTIA Security+ is an international certification that validates the level of expertise required to execute critical cybersecurity responsibilities and advance in your information technology profession. It is the essential security certification that any IT professional must have in order to advance in their career.
Can I take Security+ without experience?
Although there are no prerequisites for CompTIA Security+, we suggest that you have at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus and that you have earned the CompTIA Network+ certification before taking the test.
Does Security Plus help you get a job?
Many IT and cybersecurity professionals get credentials, such as the Security+ certificate, in order to enhance their careers and expand their abilities. With a Security+ certification, you can pursue a variety of technical occupations, such as network administration or penetration testing.
Is Security Plus for beginners?
Obtaining a Security+ certification can allow you to pursue a career in a variety of fields, including security administration, network administration, system administration, and cybersecurity. Beginners can obtain certification, but it is not for the faint of heart.
Can I take the Security Plus exam online?
The CompTIA Security+ exam is taken online or in person, and applicants should weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding.
Final Words
In conclusion, Security+ is a significant certification for people who are pursuing a career in cybersecurity. This certification allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and talents in a wide range of cybersecurity issues, which employers highly value. You may increase your chances of obtaining a successful and rewarding career in cybersecurity by investigating the jobs that require Security Plus certification and being familiar with the exam requirements and preparation strategies. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, Security Plus certification can help you enhance your career.
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