Official CompTIA CySA+ Cyber Security Analyst (CS0-003 Cyber Security Series) Certification

CompTIA CySA+ Modules

1.0 Security Operations

Explore critical security operations concepts, including system and network architecture, identity and access management, and data protection strategies. Learn to analyse indicators of potentially malicious activities using appropriate tools and techniques.

1.1 Explain the importance of system and network architecture concepts in security operations.

Understand the pivotal role of structured and secure architecture in enhancing overall security operations.

• Log ingestion

• Operating system (OS) concepts

• Infrastructure concepts

• Network architecture

• Identity and access management

• Encryption

• Sensitive data protection

1.2 Given a scenario, analyse indicators of potentially malicious activity.

Learn to identify and assess signs of security threats through real-world scenarios, enhancing your threat analysis capabilities.

• Network-related

• Host-related

• Application-related

• Other

1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate tools or techniques to determine malicious activity.

Gain hands-on information security experience with tools and methods crucial for pinpointing and confirming malicious activities in diverse IT environments.

• Tools

• Common techniques

• Programming languages/scripting

1.4 Compare and contrast threat-intelligence and threat-hunting concepts.

Distinguish between proactive threat hunting and the use of threat intelligence to bolster an organisation's security posture against advanced persistent threats.

• Threat actors

• Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP)

• Confidence levels

• Collection methods and sources

• Threat intelligence sharing

• Threat hunting

1.5 Explain the importance of efficiency and process improvement in security operations.

Discover how streamlining processes and implementing efficient practices significantly enhance the operational efficiency of security measures and equivalent knowledge.

• Standardise processes

• Streamline operations

• Technology and tool integration

• Single pane of glass

2.0 Vulnerability Management

Gain skills in implementing and managing vulnerability scans, understanding various scanning methods, and analysing output from vulnerability assessment tools to prioritise and manage vulnerabilities effectively.

2.1 Given a scenario, implement vulnerability scanning methods and concepts.

Learn practical skills in conducting vulnerability scans and understanding different scanning methods and their applications in maintaining network security.

• Asset discover

• Special considerations

• Internal vs. external scanning

• Agent vs. agentless

• Credentialed vs. non-credentialed

• Passive vs. active

• Static vs. dynamic

• Critical infrastructure

• Security baseline scanning

• Industry frameworks

2.2 Given a scenario, analyse output from vulnerability assessment tools.

Master the analysis of vulnerability assessments to prioritise and manage security threats effectively.

• Network scanning and mapping

• Web application scanners

• Vulnerability scanners

• Debuggers

• Multipurpose

• Cloud infrastructure assessment tools

2.3 Given a scenario, analyse data to prioritise vulnerabilities.

Develop the ability to evaluate and rank vulnerabilities based on their potential impact, streamlining the mitigation process.

• Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) interpretation

• Validation

• Context awareness

• Exploitability/weaponisation

• Asset value

• Zero-day

2.4 Given a scenario, recommend controls to mitigate attacks and software vulnerabilities.

Propose effective security controls and strategies to protect against identified vulnerabilities and minimise risk.

• Cross-site scripting

• Overflow vulnerabilities

• Data poisoning

• Broken access control

• Cryptographic failures

• Injection flaws

• Cross-site request forgery

• Directory traversal

• Insecure design

• Security misconfiguration

• End-of-life or outdated component

• Identification and authentication failures

• Server-side request forgery

• Remote code execution

• Privilege escalation

• Local file inclusion (LFI)/remote file inclusion (RFI)

2.5 Explain concepts related to vulnerability response, handling, and management.

Understand the comprehensive approach required for effective vulnerability management, from response strategies to ongoing management practices, aligning with continuous security monitoring.

• Compensating control

• Control types

• Patching and configuration management

• Maintenance windows

• Exceptions

• Risk management principles

• Policies, governance, and service level objectives (SLOs)

• Prioritisation and escalation

• Attack surface management

• Secure coding best practices

• Secure software development life cycle (SDLC)

• Threat modelling

3.0 Incident Response and Management

Develop proficiency in incident response, from understanding attack methodologies to performing specific incident response activities. Learn to manage the incident lifecycle, including preparation, detection, containment, eradication, and post-incident activities.

3.1 Explain concepts related to attack methodology frameworks.

Learn about various attack frameworks and their relevance in formulating effective incident response strategies against advanced persistent threats.

• Cyber kill chains

• Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis

• MITRE ATT&CK

• Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSS TMM)

• OWASP Testing Guide

3.2 Given a scenario, perform incident response activities.

Use practical exercises to efficiently and effectively mitigate security incidents, incorporating continuous security monitoring and event management.

• Detection and analysis

• Containment, eradication, and recovery

3.3 Explain the incident management life cycle's preparation and post-incident activity phases.

Gain insights into the critical phases of incident management, from preparation to recovery and post-incident analysis, ensuring a robust event management strategy.

• Preparation

• Post-incident activity

4.0 Reporting and Communication

Master the skills of reporting and communication essential for security solutions management. This module teaches you to effectively articulate incident response outcomes and vulnerability management to stakeholders, emphasising the role of network access control in securing data.

4.1 Explain the importance of vulnerability management reporting and communication.

Understand the significance of clear and effective communication in vulnerability management, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

• Vulnerability management reporting

• Compliance reports

• Action plans

• Inhibitors to remediation

• Metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Stakeholder identification and communication

4.2 Explain the importance of incident response reporting and communication.

Learn how to effectively report and communicate incident response activities and outcomes to ensure transparency and accountability in security operations.

• Stakeholder identification and communication

• Incident declaration and escalation

• Incident response reporting

• Communications

• Root cause analysis

• Lessons learned

• Metrics and KPIs

CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003 Exam Details

The CySA+ exam verifies the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to apply threat detection techniques, perform data analysis, and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and risks to an organisation with the end goal of securing and protecting applications and systems within an organisation.

Number of questions: Maximum of 85 questions

Types of questions: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions

Length of test: 165 minutes

Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)

*Please note that CompTIA certification exams, policies and procedures are subject to change, so please check the official CompTIA website for the most current information before your exam.

While there are no strict prerequisites, hands-on experience in information security or related fields is recommended. You must also be familiar with security concepts and technologies, including identity and access management, incident response, and vulnerability management.

The CompTIA CySA+ certification serves as a bridge for IT professionals who possess foundational skills and aim to specialise in cybersecurity. It builds upon basic knowledge and prepares professionals for a career explicitly focused on security analysis, helping them develop critical assets within their organisations capable of responding to the ever-changing landscape of security threats.

For those new to the IT field and interested in pursuing the CompTIA CySA+ certification, it is advisable to begin with foundational courses. We recommend starting with the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+ certifications. These courses will provide the IT fundamentals, networking, and essential security background, preparing you for the more advanced topics covered in the CySA+ certification.

When you choose to pursue your CompTIA CySA certification with e-Careers, you're not just signing up for a course; you're investing in a comprehensive learning experience designed to bolster your career in cybersecurity.

Here's how enrolling with us can benefit you:

Expert-Led Training

Industry professionals with years of experience in security operations and cybersecurity training lead each course session. Our instructor-led training provides an interactive learning environment where you can get real-time feedback and answers to your questions, ensuring you grasp complex concepts effectively.

Practical, Hands-On Skills Development

At e-Careers, we emphasise developing hands-on skills directly applicable in the workplace. Through our live labs and simulations, you'll practice the latest threat detection and response techniques, preparing you to handle real-world security challenges efficiently as a CompTIA cybersecurity analyst.

Comprehensive Course Materials

You will receive various resources to enhance learning and ensure readiness for the CompTIA CySA+ exam. From detailed study guides to practice tests, our course materials are tailored to complement the instructor-led sessions and provide an in-depth understanding of all topics covered.

Flexible Learning Options

We understand that our students have different learning preferences and schedules. That's why we offer flexible learning options that allow you to engage with the content at your own pace. Whether you prefer to study in a structured classroom environment or through self-paced online materials, we have solutions that fit your needs.

Enrol with Confidence at e-Careers

Choosing e-Careers means learning from a reliable and trusted provider backed by 14,000 glowing reviews on Trustpilot. Our commitment to quality education ensures you receive top-notch training and support throughout your course.

Is CompTIA cybersecurity analyst worth it?

Yes, the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is worth it for several reasons, especially if you're pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Here's why the CySA+ certification can be a valuable addition to your professional credentials:

1. Industry Recognition: CompTIA is a globally recognised organisation, and its CySA+ certification is highly respected in the IT and cybersecurity fields. This certification demonstrates that you possess relevant and up-to-date cybersecurity skills.

2. Enhanced Job Prospects: Earning a CySA+ certification can open doors to various roles within cybersecurity, including cybersecurity analyst, security operations centre (SOC) analyst, and vulnerability analyst. It serves as a baseline qualification that many employers look for.

3. Skill Development: The CompTIA CySA+ certification covers essential areas such as threat management, vulnerability management, and incident response, providing a solid foundation for any cybersecurity professional.

4. Better Earning Potential: Certified professionals often command higher salaries than their non-certified peers, reflecting the value and expertise that certifications like the CySA+ bring.

5. Compliance with Standards: The CompTIA CySA+ certification aligns with ISO 17024 standards, ensuring its recognition internationally, including in the UK.

6. Preparation for Advanced Roles: It provides foundational knowledge for pursuing advanced cybersecurity certifications and roles.

Is CySA+ better than Security+?

Yes, the CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) certification is considered a step above CompTIA Security+ in complexity and specialisation.

While Security+ is a foundational certification covering general security concepts and best practices, CySA+ is more advanced and focuses specifically on cybersecurity roles. It delves deeper into cybersecurity analytics, intrusion detection, and response management.

Professionals often pursue Security+ to better understand security concepts before moving on to more specialised certifications like CySA+. This preparation prepares them for specific roles like cybersecurity analysts, incident responders, and threat intelligence analysts. This progression reflects an increase in the depth of knowledge and the technical skills required.

If you want to learn more about which course is ideal for your goals and needs, you can contact us at +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 or message us here, and we'll get back to you.

What jobs can I apply for after my CySA training?

After completing your CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) training, you can apply for several key cybersecurity roles requiring a blend of analytical and technical skills. Here are some of the roles that would be suitable:

1. Cybersecurity Analyst: This role protects an organisation's computer systems and networks by monitoring, detecting, investigating, analysing, and responding to security incidents.

2. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: SOC analysts work within a team to continuously monitor and counteract threats to an organisation's IT infrastructure.

3. Vulnerability Analyst: This role focuses on identifying, analysing, and reporting vulnerabilities in systems that cyber attackers could exploit.

4. Incident Response Analyst: Specialists in this role manage the response to cyber breaches and security incidents, ensuring quick restoration and recovery.

5. Threat Intelligence Analyst: These analysts focus on understanding and predicting the capabilities and intentions of cyber criminals to prevent attacks before they occur.

6. Compliance Analyst: This role involves ensuring that an organisation's practices comply with regulatory requirements and standards, helping to manage risks and maintain the integrity of data and systems.

7. Security Engineer: Security engineers design and implement secure network solutions to defend against advanced cyber threats and security breaches.

What is CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)?

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is a globally recognized certification designed for cybersecurity professionals focused on identifying and addressing cybersecurity threats. CySA+ bridges the gap between entry-level security certifications (like CompTIA Security+) and advanced certifications by equipping you with skills to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity incidents.

To become a cyber security analyst, you typically need a combination of skills and relevant certifications. Here's a breakdown of the typical qualifications:

Certifications

• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential security concepts and best practices.

• CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst): Focuses on behavioural analytics to improve IT security by detecting and combating cybersecurity threats.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Provides a solid foundation in ethical hacking techniques and the tools used by malicious hackers.

Check out the cyber security courses that you can take with e-Careers.