How to Become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Corporate America and the United States government have been ringing the alarm clock for cybersecurity for years: there is a significant shortage of qualified information security professionals in this country. Although the number varies from source to source, it can be said with certainty that almost 500,000 security experts are missing in North America (as of 2018) and the global deficit for such jobs is expected to reach 4 million or more by 2021.

There are nearly 10,000 jobs available in the U.S. each day that require a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This clearly shows the need for qualified Infosec personnel, especially for CISSPs, which is excellent news for potential CISSP candidates.

A CISSP is an experienced employee or consultant, usually with the title of a security officer, security analyst, or information security officer, to name a few. This person has worked for five or more years and has a thorough understanding of the IT threat landscape, including emerging and advanced persistent threats, as well as controls and technologies to minimize attack surfaces.

A CISSP also establishes guidelines that provide a framework for adequate controls and can perform or monitor risk management and software development security.

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CompTIA Certification Programs Overview

The CompTIA provider's neutral certification program is one of the best known in the IT field. Since CompTIA developed its A + certificates in 1993, the company has issued over two million certificates.

At the beginning of 2018, CompTIA introduced its professional path into the CompTIA infrastructure. As you continue to see the same family certifications that form the foundation of the CompTIA certification portfolio, this new career path program aligns the CompTIA certifications closer to the real skills IT professionals need to ensure management success. and support of the IT infrastructure.

CompTIA certifications are grouped by skills. CompTIA certificates currently fall into four areas: core, infrastructure, cybersecurity and additional professional certifications.

Basic Certifications: CompTIA is designed to develop basic skills. It offers four basic certifications: IT Fundamentals + (a pre-career certification focusing on the IT Foundation Framework), CompTIA A + (focusing on user support and device connectivity), CompTIA Network + (which fixes the most important system connections with end devices) and CompTIA Security + (with a focus on IT security skills for beginners).

Infrastructure Certifications: There are three infrastructure certifications for integrating Network + credentials: CompTIA Server + (with a focus on server support and management), CompTIA Cloud + (for hybrid cloud, virtual system management and implementation of network storage resources) and CompTIA Linux + (concentration on the administration and administration of the Linux operating system).

Cyber ​​security certifications: CompTIA offers three cybersecurity credentials: CompTIA CySA + (CySA stands for Cyber ​​Security Analyst and is aimed at IT security behavior analysts), CASP + (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner; focuses on professionals who design them and implement security solutions) and CompTIA PenTest + (penetration tests for professionals who perform penetration and vulnerability tests).

Additional Professional Certifications: This category contains multiple credentials that cannot be easily integrated into any of the previous CompTIA careers, including: CompTIA Project +, CompTIA CTT +, and CompTIA Cloud Essentials.

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MCTS Certifications - Popular MCTS certifications

MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certifications distinguish IT experts who are familiar with a specific Microsoft technology such as Exchange Server, Windows or Visual Studio. Typical skills of technology specialists are the configuration, implementation, troubleshooting and debugging of a technology.

IT professionals can use MCTS certification to demonstrate detailed knowledge of a Microsoft product, receive multiple MCTS certificates to demonstrate knowledge of multiple technologies, or rely on MCTS to provide Microsoft-level expert certifications such as MCITP or Get MCPD. When MCTS certifications focus on a single technology, the MCITP and MCPD credentials confirm the ability to implement complete solutions for a professional role on multiple technologies, e.g. B. Desktop support technician or database administrator.

MCTS-certified specialists differ from competing applicants in that they demonstrate in-depth and extensive knowledge of a specific Microsoft technology.

Popular MCTS certifications:

MCTS: Exchange Server 2010 configuration

This certification shows the practical knowledge of Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 and the ability to use the most important features and functions. Applicants have the skills to deploy, configure, optimize, and manage an Exchange 2010 messaging environment in an enterprise environment.

MCTS: Development of SharePoint 2010 applications

Check app development skills in Microsoft SharePoint 2010. SharePoint 2010 is distributed by thousands of organizations around the world to simplify operations and improve business intelligence. Candidates for this certification can create web portals in SharePoint and integrate business applications into the SharePoint platform.

MCTS: SQL Server 2008 - database development

This MCTS certificate is for database developers who create programs that run on SQL Server 2008 databases. Certification candidates can develop solutions and write SQL Server 2008 application code in an enterprise environment.

MCTS: Windows 7 configuration

Candidates for this certification know how to install, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, and update the Windows 7 operating system. These professionals can also configure security, networking, and mobile computing capabilities - a skill that is required as mobile devices multiply in the workplace.

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory configuration

This MCTS certificate contains knowledge of useful Microsoft Windows Server domains such as Active Directory and directory services, Active Directory server roles, group policies and certificate management.

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Skills measured by CompTIA A + certification

CompTIA A + certification validates entry-level functions in today's key IT areas, including repair of computers, software and operating systems, network administration, information security, cloud computing and desktop and mobile device troubleshooting. A + certified technicians also learn customer service and communication skills to interact effectively with technical and non-technical staff.

CompTIA A + certification is an ideal starting point for a new IT expert learning plan because:

No prerequisites are required for the A + certification exam.

The A + certification introduces candidates to essential IT areas.

The A + certification is recognized worldwide as a sign of a qualified entry-level technician.

An A + certification is a mandatory hiring requirement for a large number of entry-level IT jobs.

An A + certification is a prerequisite or optional for the extended certification paths of major technology vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, HP and IBM.

There are numerous accredited diplomas, professional certificates and online self-study programs that include preparation for the A + certification exam and related courses.

Skills measured by CompTIA A + certification

Here are the most important skills and areas of knowledge measured by the A + certification exam. A + certified specialists:

• Understand the basics of hardware, software, networking and security for computers and mobile devices.
• can identify PC hardware, peripherals and network components in a corporate environment.
• can categorize and explain different types of data storage devices and backup media.
• can describe in detail the types and properties of the components of the motherboard.
• know how to follow the right practices and best cybersecurity practices.
• have interpersonal communication skills to better interact with colleagues and customers.
• can set up and manage common operating systems inc. Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux.
• can install and configure input devices, e.g. B. keyboards, mice, biometric scanners and touchscreens.
• can implement a variety of troubleshooting techniques to troubleshoot system errors and connection problems.

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Linux+ Certification & Skills Required

Linux continues to make enormous strides in traditional IT infrastructures and is proving to be a practical and cost-effective solution for everyday business operations. As more and more companies use Linux, the demand for competent and qualified Linux administrators is increasing. The CompTIA Linux + certification is the main proof that confirms the neutral skills of the provider as a Linux administrator.

CompTIA Linux + certification includes the skills required to install and support the Linux operating system, including user management, file permissions, software configurations, and basic management of Linux systems. Linux + certified professionals can work from the Linux command line, perform Linux maintenance on a daily basis, effectively support Linux users, and install and configure Linux workstations.

CompTIA Linux + certification is often used as a springboard for manufacturer-specific advanced Linux certificates such as those from Oracle and Novell.

Skills measured with Linux + certification

Here are some of the key competencies that are included in the Linux + certification curriculum. Linux + certified technicians can:

Install and configure the Linux operating system.

Perform general operations on the Linux command line.

Create, configure, and manage Linux users and groups.

Manage, maintain and search the Linux file system.

Create, edit, search, backup and restore files on Linux.

Configure printers and remote printing features on Linux.

Use basic SQL commands and scripts to manipulate data.

Understand basic network protocols and configurations.

Carry out security activities, e.g. Change passwords and encrypt data.

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What is a network engineer?

 

CompTIA Network + is the industry standard for building a career in IT infrastructure for troubleshooting, configuration and management of networks. Network technician and junior network administrator jobs take advantage of the skills confirmed by CompTIA Network + certification. Companies like Apple, Best Buy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ricoh, the U.S. Department of Defense and Verizon are all trying to get CompTIA Network + certification.

The certification makes an excellent first impression. According to an IDC report, 96 percent of HR managers use IT certifications as selection or hiring criteria when hiring *. Learn all about places where your career can start with CompTIA certifications.

Below are just a few of the jobs you could get with CompTIA Network +.

What is a network engineer?

Network engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and managing a company's local and geographic networks to ensure maximum user availability. The role can include the following activities:

System configuration design
Document and manage the installation of a new network

Maintenance and updating of existing systems, if necessary

Other top job titles for CompTIA Network +

IT consultant
Computer technician
Help desk technician
Systems engineer
Network support specialist
Network analyst

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