In this segment, we’ll explore three valuable certifications that can equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the cybersecurity field. We’ll delve into the CompTIA Network+, Security+, and Google Cybersecurity Professional certificate, examining what each covers and how they can benefit your career.
Comptia Network+
Having a good foundation in network communication and devices is critical for comprehending the importance of network security. Understanding how networks are connected establishes a solid foundation for your cybersecurity career. In my studies at TCAT, I’m gaining knowledge about various network devices’ hardware and software aspects, including routers, switches, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Learning about protocols used by devices such as TCP/UDP, DNS, HTTPS, and many more protocols is crucial to understanding how data travels across networks.
I have my CompTIA network+ certification, and I highly recommend it; here are the exam core domains:
- Networking Concepts – Understanding the OSI model, network topologies, IP addressing, and routing protocols.
- Infrastructure – Covers network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. You’ll also need to know about cabling standards and network design principles.
- Network Operations – Includes configuring network devices, managing network performance, and troubleshooting network problems.
- Network security – Covers security threats, solutions, and best practices for securing networks.
- Network troubleshooting and tools – Using common tools and techniques to identify and resolve network problems.
Keep in mind the price for the exam is $369, but you can add a discount code if you have one, and you get a great discount if you are a student.
Comptia network+ resources
I have an instructor who helps me understand network concepts, but I also used Professor Messer on YouTube to help me with some concepts I still needed help understanding. Professor Messer is an excellent resource for going through the whole Network+ Objectives. He structures his YouTube playlist in a way that follows how Comptia structures its Exam objectives, and I recommend watching his videos.
For Exams, I suggest using Jason Dion’s Practice exams on Udemy and Exam Compass, which are worth trying. Dion’s practice exams cost anywhere from $12.99 to $14.99, depending on the Udemy sale, so make sure to buy the exam during a sale that happens often. Exam Compass is a free website that has practice exams. After completing practice exams, I suggest using ChatGPT or Google Gemini to understand concepts you don’t yet comprehend.
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Both of these are great options for starting up your cybersecurity career. The Google Cybersecurity Certificate equips you with the technical skills and knowledge needed to identify threats, manage incidents, and launch a career in cybersecurity, even with no prior experience. It also helps prepare you for the CompTIA Security+ exam. Google Cybersecurity Cert has eight courses:
- Foundations of cybersecurity
- Manage security risks
- Networks and network security
- Linux and SQL
- Assets, Threats, and vulnerabilities
- Detection and response
- Cyber Security tasks Automation using Python
- Preparation for Cybersecurity jobs
This certificate is an excellent start because it is free and will give you cybersecurity fundamentals. It will also teach you things outside the security+ objectives so you can gain more skills. Of course, it is optional and is less searched for by companies than CompTIA security+.
Comptia Security+
CompTIA Security+ is the certification to get a good understanding of cybersecurity. The CompTIA Security+ certification goes beyond foundational skills, teaching you the practical knowledge and best practices to assess security risks, secure different environments, and respond to cyberattacks. CompTIA Security+ exam concept examples:
- Security Concepts examples: CIA triad, Attack types (social engineering, brute-force), Least privilege, Defense mechanisms (firewall, IDS/IPS)
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and mitigations examples: SQL injection vulnerability, Script kiddies vs. state-sponsored attackers, Patching for vulnerabilities, Phishing email
- Security Architecture examples: Network segmentation, Zero trust architecture, Defense in depth, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- Security Operations examples: Vulnerability scanning, Log analysis, Incident response plan, Security monitoring tools
- Security Program Management and Oversight examples: NIST CSF framework, Security policies, Security awareness training, Compliance standards (HIPAA, PCI DSS)
Comptia security+ resources
I used the 30 Bird book my school asked us to get, Professor Messer’s videos, and practice exams to help me grasp concepts I still didn’t understand. I also used Jason Dion’s practice exams from Udemy.
Security+ Job market
I went looking for jobs on Indeed that have “CompTIA Security+” in their job descriptions. I found 18 remote jobs with CompTIA Security+, which are shown below.
I also searched for CompTIA Security+ on the Monster job website, and I was able to find up to 15 remote jobs.
Final Thoughts
This post is meant to guide and help you build a solid cybersecurity foundation. I firmly believe using the exam objectives to study will give you a great start even if you don’t take the exams.