You have probably heard of CompTIA if you have bothered to read up on certifications in the realm of cyber security, and we are confident that you have heard of them. In the certifications and training industry, CompTIA is one of the world’s largest and most well-respected organizations. If you’re looking for the most widely accepted CompTIA cyber security certifications, Security+ and CySA+ are the most popular choices.
Unless you already have several years of cybersecurity expertise under your belt but want to confirm your hands-on abilities, the CySA+ may be a better option for you. It is recommended that you take the Security+ exam if you have no prior cybersecurity expertise.
Although the concept of Security+ appears to be basic, diving further to grasp what it truly entails is not that basic. Due to the confusion created by the names, this blog will clarify the distinctions between Security+ and CySA+ to provide you with a better knowledge of Cyber Security.
Is CySA+ a better alternative than Security+?
CySA+ is a certification that focuses on the most critical abilities in the field of information security. Security+, on the other hand, is designed to give entry-level instruction in cybersecurity subjects and technologies.
If you want to gain a complete grasp of how to protect your company’s data and infrastructure against cyberattacks, CySA+ would be a better choice for you than Security+ because it is more comprehensive.
It is possible to get the Security+ certification, demonstrating a person’s understanding of cybersecurity rules and procedures.
Cyber Security Analyst Plus (CySA+) is a more recent CompTIA certification that focuses on technical capabilities and cyber legislation. Some parallels exist between the two certificates, but there are also numerous notable discrepancies between them.
Taking a Cybersecurity Awareness course can lead to any certification; however, Security+ does not require any requirements other than being 18 years old or older to be eligible for certification. CySA+ covers a greater amount of material than Security+ regarding what you will learn from each test.
What is CompTIA Security+ Certification?
The CompTIA Security+ course provides the fundamentals of cybersecurity for entry-level information technology professionals. It aids in developing a fundamental understanding of the most prevalent cybersecurity practices, with a particular emphasis on the development of hands-on skills and talents that can be utilized in real-world settings.
This course is a good choice for people new to cybersecurity and is just beginning their professional careers in this sector.
For IT professionals in the early stages of their employment, the CompTIA Security+ certification is an important element of their core skills training, which the CompTIA recommends.
As a tech expert, this is regarded as a foundation upon which they may later acquire specialized degrees targeted to other professional routes. The cybersecurity sector, for example, may benefit from a more in-depth grasp of the concepts and procedures involved in the area.
To sit for the CompTIA Security+ certification test, applicants must first complete the CompTIA Security+ training course, which offers them insights into cybersecurity and develops all the necessary skills to guarantee they are equipped to deal with all kinds of security concerns as they emerge.
The CompTIA Security+ course includes instruction in the following topics:
- Risk Assessment and Management.
- Cryptography
- Environmental security and controls
- Security for the host, the local area network, and the application.
- Wireless, cloud, and mobile security
- Authentication and authorization
After completing the course, the IT professional will be eligible to sit for the CompTIA Security+ certification test and obtain the certification. It demonstrates to employers and prospective employers that the bearer possesses fundamental cybersecurity knowledge and is competent in detecting risks and issues and troubleshooting and resolving such risks and difficulties.
Once they have earned their Security+ certification from CompTIA, tech specialists can legitimately be referred to as cybersecurity professionals and pursue security analysts, security experts, system admin, junior IT auditors, and other related positions.
What is CompTIA CySA+ Certification?
After earning the CompTIA Security+ certification, the CompTIA CySA+ certification is the next step in this journey, providing intermediate-level instruction in cybersecurity. Data analysis and evaluation are made possible, allowing the specialist to discover potential weaknesses, dangers, and hazards based on the data collected.
The essential abilities acquired via this certification include analyzing the data obtained throughout the examinations and applying threat-detection methods to real-world situations.
The CompTIA CySA+ course explains how to use an analytics-based approach to problem-solving. This implies that cybersecurity experts will be taught through real-world examples and numerous scenarios of circumstances that may arise in their careers.
Even though several patterns may be pursued in cybersecurity that are more or less frequent, experts in this sector must be well-versed in the tools accessible to them. They can respond quickly to troubleshoot, even in extreme scenarios.
The following are the most important components of the CompTIA CySA+ course:
- Threat and vulnerability management
- Cyber Incident Response
- Information Assurance.
- Cyber Incident Response
IT specialists pursuing CompTIA CySA+ certification may learn how to conduct environmental reconnaissance techniques utilizing suitable tools and processes and assess the findings of their investigations.
They will also understand how to put in place a methodology for information security vulnerability management. Recipients of the CompTIA CySA+ certification will discern between threat data and behavior to evaluate the possible incident impact and create a toolbox to help them choose the most suitable course of action to take.
IT security analysts, vulnerability analysts, threat intelligence analysts, cybersecurity analysts, and other positions can be obtained by getting the CySA+ certification and demonstrating their expertise.
Is the CompTIA Security+ Certification Suitable for Beginners?
Although the CompTIA Security+ certification covers a wide variety of topics, it is an excellent introduction to the area of cyber-security. Obtaining a CompTIA Security+ certification is the industry standard for beginning a career in information security, and it is the ideal qualifying certification for early-career cybersecurity practitioners.
Is Security+ sufficient to land a job?
The CompTIA Security+ certification will assist you in breaking into the business, but for most people, it will just be the first step on the path to success. This certification can help you get your foot in the door at organizations. Still, higher-paying positions will only become available when you add more advanced abilities and work experience to your CV and expand your network.
Does the Security+ Course Assist You in Passing the CySA+ Exam?
You will be better prepared to pass the CySA+ if you take the Security+ course. The CySA+ applies the subjects and ideas that the Security+ has presented to real-world issues that have been assigned. You will have a solid foundation before taking the harder CySA+ if you take the Security+ before it.
The Security+ certification scratches the surface of a wide range of topics, but it will prepare you well for other certifications. We recommend that those new to the area first obtain the CompTIA Security+ certification, making the CompTIA CySA+ certification a lot simpler!
Is Security+ a Difficult Exam to Pass?
For beginners, the Security+ certification is a challenging undertaking. When it comes to the test’s difficulty, it is connected to the large amount of material that is covered by this exam. Although the particular topics are not challenging, the test as a whole might be perceived as difficult owing to the broad breadth of the exam.
Is the CySA+ a Good Investment?
The CySA+ is a worthwhile investment of both time and money. The CySA+ certification confirms that you have the requisite knowledge and hands-on abilities to fulfill the duties of a cyber security analyst in a professional setting. The CySA+ carries a great deal of weight in the profession and is an excellent resume builder.
When it comes to professional credentials, you want to know if the certification is well-known and recognized in the sector you are considering. The CompTIA CySA+ certification, first offered in early 2017, has garnered widespread recognition in the industry.
The CompTIA CySA+ is a vendor-neutral certification, which means it has greater value across a wider range of job areas than other certifications.
This certification is also included in the DoD 8570 baseline certification program, which further enhances its credibility and validity in the field. The CompTIA CySA+ certification has grown in popularity among those working in the cybersecurity field.
How long does it take to prepare for CySA+?
The answer to this question is dependent on several factors, including how long you have worked in the Cybersecurity sector, if at all, how familiar you are with the subject content, and how much free time you have available to devote to effectively preparing for the exam.
A searchable database of hands-on training sessions is available through the CompTIA-approved partner program. These courses are significantly more expensive than the test itself, but the course topics are condensed, the entire course time is reduced to five 8-hour days of instructor-led classroom study.
Test cram books and study manuals covering the CompTIA CySA+ exam in great detail are also available as supplementary resources for preparation. You can solve problems online to solidify your understanding of the subject matter before booking your exam. It comes down to this: the more study resources you go through, the greater your chances of clearing this exam are.
Allocating a few hours a day for about two months should be sufficient to learn and review material. Once again, this is dependent on your ability to retain information and your prior understanding of the subject area in question.
Is SyCA+ a Difficult Exam?
When preparing for an exam, it is important to examine the content of the examination and the general difficulty level. In addition to the traditional various choice question, the CompTIA CySA+ exam includes several simulation-style questions.
This increases the difficulty of the examination. In terms of logging files and assault recognition procedures, a significant amount of the exam is concerned with these. After all of this is said and done, the exam is not simple, but it is also not challenging.
Again, reading study materials, taking practice examinations, and being familiar with the tools of the trade are all essential for acing any technical exam with flying colors.
What Should You Do to Prepare For These Exams?
Everybody is distinct when it comes to learning methods, but here are three effective strategies to consider.
- Reading Exam related books.
- Watching exam-related videos.
- Taking Practice Questions.
Exam Structure of CompTIA Security+ and CySA+:
After completing the appropriate examinations, candidates can receive the CompTIA Security+ certification and the CompTIA CySA+ certification, respectively. The Security+ test comprises 90 questions and takes around 90 minutes to complete.
The CySA+ test contains a total of 85 questions and lasts around 165 minutes. It is administered online. Multiple-choice and skill questions are included in both examinations.
What is the Average Salary of Security+ and CySA+?
The average technical worker with a current CompTIA Security+ certification can expect to earn between $70,000 and $85,000 per year in compensation, depending on experience.
Technical professionals with a valid CompTIA CySA+ certification may make an annual income ranging from around $80,000 to $90,000, depending on their experience.
Final Words
You can’t go wrong with either of these tests, so choose wisely. Both of these will put you in a position to succeed in the cybersecurity industry. Choosing between the two options ultimately boils down to where you are in your professional journey and where you want to go.
If you are a new customer, the Security+ package is the best choice. If you’ve been working in the area for a year or longer, you might consider taking the CySA+ certification exam.
