What Is the CompTIA SY0-601 Exam?

If you're new to cybersecurity or are considering pursuing a career in the field, there is no shortcut, despite how rapidly this sector moves. You will have to start in an entry-level IT role, such as a help desk technician, junior network administrator, or junior software developer. Many cybersecurity professionals enter the field as junior information security analysts after gaining some experience in IT. These roles might not be the most challenging or the most rewarding, but they do help you form the base of knowledge you need to get started.

Before you specialise and move up the ranks or look to acquire additional skills and qualifications needed in a mid to senior cybersecurity role, you will need to lay the groundwork for developing core IT skills, including programming, networks and systems administration, and cloud computing. While you don't necessarily need a degree to get a job in cybersecurity, having some form of structured training or recognised certifications might accelerate your path toward a dream job.

Popular cyber security certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
• CompTIA Security+

What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ certification is a cybersecurity course that requires you to pass a set of two exams – created by IT industry professionals – that validate skills needed for entry-level IT jobs.

The CompTIA A+ covers various topics, from PC repair to troubleshooting various issues, ranging from networking and operating systems to mobile devices and security.

Unlike other certifications, many of which only require covering one domain, CompTIA A+ covers a broader diversity of knowledge required of technicians today, making it relevant to many more job roles and for generalists getting started.

The CompTIA Security+ certification is the leading entry-level IT certification for those looking to break into the exciting field of cybersecurity. This learning path maps the six domains that make up the SY0-601 exam objectives.

By preparing for this course and earning the accreditation, you will learn the skills necessary needed in several IT roles, from identifying and mitigating risk and providing infrastructure security to troubleshooting security incidents.

Is CompTIA A+ Right for Me?

If your goal is to start a new career in the IT industry – CompTIA A+ may be for you. While there are many other qualifications with pros and cons, not many do as well to prepare entry-level workers. If you're looking for one of the roles below, then CompTIA A+ is where you should start.

• IT support specialist
• Help desk technician
• Field service technician
• Tier I support specialist
• Desktop support specialist
• Associate network engineer
• Systems support technician
• Junior systems administrator

If your future job is on this list, getting a CompTIA A+ is the right move for your career prospects.

What Is the CompTIA SY0-601 Exam?

Cybersecurity attacks continue to grow, and more of our lives, business and sensitive information are stored online; they require adequate protection. Today IT professional's job roles are tasked with baseline security readiness and response to address today's threats. Updates to Security+ reflect skills relevant to these job roles and prepare candidates to be more proactive in preventing the next attack.

To combat these emerging threats, IT Pros must be able to:

• Help identify attacks and vulnerabilities to mitigate them before they infiltrate IS
• Understand secure virtualisation, secure application deployment, and automation concepts
• Identify and implement the best protocols and encryption
• Understand the importance of compliance

How does the CompTIA Security+ 501 compare to the 601

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam now covers five major domains instead of six, guided by a maturing industry job role.

CompTIA Security+ 501 Exam Domains

1. Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities (21%)
2. Technologies and Tools (22%)
3. Architecture and Design (15%)
4. Identity and Access Management (16%)
5. Risk Management (14%)
6. Cryptography and PKI (12%)

CompTIA Security+ 601 Exam Domains

1. Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities (24%)
2. Architecture and Design (21%)
3. Implementation (25%)
4. Operations and Incident Response (16%)
5. Governance, Risk and Compliance (14%)

CompTIA Security+ 601 focuses on the most up-to-date and current skills needed for the following tasks:

• Assess the cybersecurity posture of an enterprise environment
• Recommend and implement appropriate cybersecurity solutions
• Monitor and secure hybrid environments
• Operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies
• Identify, analyse and respond to cybersecurity events and incidents

How much can you make? Cybersecurity salaries by role

Cybersecurity professionals get paid well for their skills because they are so crucial to modern business. A hack or security breach can cost far more than a security employee's salary for years, even at the advanced level. Having a cyber security background and entry-level qualifications might not seem as attractive in the beginning but as you gain experience and move into more advanced roles, salaries often increase.

To give you an idea of what's possible, here's a look at the average salary of cybersecurity jobs in the US in October 2022, according to Glassdoor.

• Intrusion detection specialist: $59,450
• Junior cybersecurity analyst: $81,170
• Digital forensic examiner: $91,212
• IT security administrator: $89,708
• Incident response analyst: $70,149
• Cybersecurity consultant: $90,200
• Information security analyst: $89,654
• Ethical hacker: $105,611
• Penetration tester: $97,474
• Security engineer: $129,311
• Cybersecurity manager: $105,050
• Security architect: $172,543
• Chief information security officer: $254,510

Launch your career in cybersecurity

If you've always wanted to pursue a career in cyber security or you feel this is a career path where you can not only hone your skills but earn a respectable income, then your actions should be twofold. Continue to learn about different systems either through practical work or on-the-job training while also brushing up on the latest technical requirements and certifications.

This will ensure that you have the practical skill to execute security upgrades and network protection but also have the qualifications for an impressive resume which will open up more doors for you.

Take the next step toward an in-demand career in information security by enrolling in your preferred cybersecurity accreditation that matches the systems you work on or are familiar with and then later taking on courses and certifications for other popular IT cybersecurity certifications.

Are you looking to promote your business?

Business owners can create your free business listing on nichemarket. The more information you provide about your business, the easier it will be for your customers to find you online. Registering with nichemarket is easy; all you will need to do is head over to our sign up form and follow the instructions.

If you require a more detailed guide on how to create your profile or your listing, then we highly recommend you check out the following articles. 

• How to create a nichemarketer profile 
• How to create a nichemarket business listing 

Recommended reading

If you enjoyed this post and have a little extra time to dive deeper down the rabbit hole, why not check out the following posts on web security.

• Will Hetzner's Security Breach cost them the SA Business Awards?
• How Site Maintenance Improves Website Health?
• WordPress Blogs Defaced By Hackers
• Why You Should Upgrade Your Site To TLS 1.3
• 9 Simple WordPress Security Tricks to Keep Your Website Safe
• The Do & Do Nots When Enjoying Online Freedom

Tags: Cybersecurity , Web Security, IT Security