Introduction

The CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognized credential for professionals in the field of cybersecurity. This 5-day intensive training course covers a broad range of topics in network security, compliance, risk management, and threat mitigation, all of which are crucial for securing IT environments. The course is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in cybersecurity, from identifying vulnerabilities and threats to applying security controls and managing risk. By the end of the course, participants will be well-prepared to pass the CompTIA Security+ certification exam and demonstrate their cybersecurity expertise.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

1. Understand fundamental cybersecurity concepts and best practices.
2. Learn how to protect networks, systems, and data from common security threats.
3. Gain proficiency in risk management, compliance, and security architecture.
4. Develop the skills needed to implement security controls and mitigate vulnerabilities.
5. Be fully prepared to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam and advance their career in cybersecurity.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• IT professionals, network administrators, and system administrators who want to specialize in cybersecurity.
• Security analysts and engineers looking to formalize their skills with the CompTIA Security+ certification.
• Individuals seeking to transition into the cybersecurity field.
• Anyone interested in gaining a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.

Day 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity and Network Security

• Session 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

  • The importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world
  • Understanding the CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
  • Security governance, policies, and compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
  • Identifying cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
  • Security+ certification overview: Exam format, objectives, and preparation tips

• Session 2: Network Security Fundamentals

  • Understanding networking basics: IP addressing, protocols, and network layers
  • Firewalls, routers, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
  • VPNs, tunneling protocols, and secure communication protocols (SSL, TLS)
  • Securing network architectures: DMZ, VLANs, and segmentation
  • Wireless network security: WPA2, WPA3, and securing wireless access points

Day 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Risk Management

• Session 3: Identifying and Analyzing Cybersecurity Threats

  • Types of malware: Viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, etc.
  • Social engineering attacks: Phishing, vishing, spear-phishing, and baiting
  • Understanding denial-of-service (DoS) and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
  • Insider threats and advanced persistent threats (APTs)
  • Tools for threat detection and analysis: SIEM, intrusion detection systems, and threat intelligence

• Session 4: Vulnerability Management and Risk Assessment

  • Performing vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
  • Risk management principles: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks
  • Understanding the risk management lifecycle
  • The role of patch management in vulnerability mitigation
  • Risk mitigation strategies: Accepting, avoiding, transferring, or mitigating risk

Day 3: Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Cryptography

• Session 5: Identity and Access Management (IAM)

  • Overview of IAM concepts: Authentication, authorization, and accountability
  • Types of authentication: Passwords, biometrics, multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Implementing and managing access controls: Role-based access control (RBAC), least privilege, and access control lists (ACLs)
  • Managing identities in an enterprise environment: SSO, Active Directory, LDAP
  • Access control systems: Physical security, network-based access, and identity federation

• Session 6: Cryptography Fundamentals

  • Introduction to cryptography: Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption
  • Common encryption algorithms: AES, RSA, and ECC
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Certificates, digital signatures, and certificate authorities
  • Implementing secure communication protocols: SSL/TLS, IPsec, and VPNs
  • Hashing and hashing algorithms: SHA, MD5, and their role in integrity verification

Day 4: Security Architecture, Threat Mitigation, and Security Controls

• Session 7: Securing Network and System Architecture

  • Designing secure network infrastructures: Network security zones, DMZ, and micro-segmentation
  • Configuring network devices and services: Firewalls, routers, and VPN gateways
  • Securing wireless networks and remote access
  • Endpoint security: Antivirus, anti-malware, and mobile device management (MDM)
  • Cloud security considerations and controls for SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS environments

• Session 8: Threat Mitigation Techniques

  • Implementing network security controls: IDS/IPS, firewalls, and load balancers
  • Implementing application security controls: Web application firewalls (WAFs), content filters
  • Security for mobile devices: MDM, encryption, and remote wipe
  • Monitoring and responding to security events: Incident response planning and logging

Day 5: Security Operations, Compliance, and Exam Preparation

• Session 9: Security Operations and Incident Response

  • Incident response lifecycle: Detection, containment, eradication, and recovery
  • Building and managing an effective security operations center (SOC)
  • Best practices for monitoring and logging security events
  • Understanding and responding to security alerts, notifications, and incidents
  • Business continuity planning and disaster recovery

• Session 10: Compliance, Auditing, and Governance

  • Compliance frameworks and regulations: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, NIST, etc.
  • Conducting security audits and assessments
  • Implementing controls for regulatory compliance and auditing
  • Best practices for creating and enforcing security policies and procedures

• Session 11: CompTIA Security+ Exam Preparation

  • Review of key concepts, terminology, and best practices
  • Practice exam questions and mock tests for Security+ certification
  • Exam-taking strategies: Time management, question formats, and tips for success
  • Final Q&A session to address participant queries and ensure exam readiness