CompTIA Security+ Certification

Introduction:

The CompTIA Security+ Certification is a globally recognized credential that validates foundational cybersecurity skills required to safeguard systems and data. It is designed for IT professionals looking to pursue a career in information security or to enhance their knowledge of security fundamentals. This course covers the core aspects of network security, risk management, threats and vulnerabilities, identity management, and cryptography. Earning the Security+ certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to address today's dynamic security challenges and maintain an organization's IT environment's integrity.

Course Objective:

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the key concepts of information security and cybersecurity best practices.

• Gain a strong foundation in network security, cryptography, and access control.

• Learn how to identify and mitigate security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks.

• Master techniques for implementing security solutions across various technologies and systems.

• Understand compliance, data protection laws, and risk management practices.

• Be fully prepared to pass the CompTIA Security+ certification exam (SY0-601).

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Security+ Certification

• Overview of the CompTIA Security+ certification and its importance in cybersecurity.

• Security+ exam format and domains: What to expect.

• Introduction to cybersecurity concepts: Confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA Triad).

• The role of a security professional in modern IT environments.

• Hands-On: Setting up a secure virtual environment for practice.

Module 2: Network Security Basics

• Understanding network security fundamentals: TCP/IP, firewalls, and VPNs.

• Configuring and securing common network devices (routers, switches, firewalls).

• Implementing secure network architecture and technologies: DMZs, NAT, and subnetting.

• Securing wireless networks and understanding encryption methods.

• Hands-On: Configuring a firewall and implementing basic network security protocols.

Module 3: Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities

• Overview of the most common cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

• Types of attacks: Malware, phishing, social engineering, denial-of-service (DoS), and more.

• Understanding and mitigating network attacks, man-in-the-middle (MITM), and DDoS attacks.

• Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing tools: Nmap, Wireshark, and OpenVAS.

• Hands-On: Simulating and mitigating attacks using real-world tools.

Module 4: Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• Overview of identity and access management: Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA).

• Implementing secure authentication methods: Passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), and biometrics.

• Access control models: Role-based access control (RBAC), discretionary access control (DAC), and mandatory access control (MAC).

• Managing and securing user accounts and privileges.

• Hands-On: Setting up and configuring multifactor authentication (MFA) for a network.

Module 5: Cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

• Introduction to cryptography: Encryption and decryption concepts.

• Types of encryption: Symmetric, asymmetric, and hashing.

• Understanding public key infrastructure (PKI) and digital certificates.

• How to implement encryption for secure communication: SSL/TLS, IPsec, and VPNs.

• Hands-On: Implementing SSL/TLS encryption and managing certificates.

Module 6: Risk Management and Security Policies

• Understanding risk management and the importance of risk assessments.

• Types of risks: External, internal, and third-party risks.

• Developing security policies and procedures for organizations.

• Business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR).

• Hands-On: Conducting a basic risk assessment and drafting a security policy for a hypothetical organization.

Module 7: Implementing Security for Host, Application, and Data

• Securing operating systems and applications: Patch management, hardening, and baselining.

• Host security: Protecting endpoints, anti-malware software, and secure system configurations.

• Data security: Protecting sensitive data through encryption, backups, and data loss prevention (DLP).

• Securing web applications and databases against common threats.

• Hands-On: Implementing a host-based security system and encrypting sensitive data.

Module 8: Secure Network Architecture and Systems Design

• Building secure networks and systems: Segmentation, virtual LANs (VLANs), and VPNs.

• Implementing secure systems architecture: Cloud computing security, virtualization security, and mobile device security.

• Overview of the Internet of Things (IoT) and securing IoT devices.

• Implementing security in cloud environments: Public, private, and hybrid clouds.

• Hands-On: Configuring secure VPN access for a cloud-based network.

Module 9: Incident Response and Forensics

• Introduction to incident response: Planning, identifying, and managing security incidents.

• Incident response steps: Preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.

• Digital forensics: Collecting and analyzing evidence for post-incident investigation.

• Understanding the importance of creating incident response plans.

• Hands-On: Simulating a security breach and performing basic forensics analysis.

Module 10: Compliance and Operational Security

• Understanding legal and regulatory requirements: GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and other compliance standards.

• Importance of security governance: Aligning security practices with business objectives.

• Creating and managing operational security: Monitoring and auditing.

• Overview of security frameworks: COBIT, NIST, ISO 27001.

• Hands-On: Conducting a security audit and creating a compliance checklist.

Final Module: Preparing for the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam

• Review of all CompTIA Security+ exam domains: Threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, architecture and design, implementation, operations and incident response, governance, risk, and compliance.

• Study tips, exam strategies, and practice questions.

• Hands-On: Practice exams and simulated test environment to ensure readiness for the Security+ exam.

Final Project:

• Final project: Conduct a full security audit of a network, including identifying vulnerabilities, implementing countermeasures, and creating a risk management plan.

Course Duration: 40-50 hours of instructor-led or self-paced learning.
Delivery Mode: Instructor-led online/live sessions or self-paced learning modules.
Target Audience: IT professionals, network administrators, and anyone preparing to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam.