Introduction to CompTIA Security+ SY0-701

• Security is a critical concern in IT
• Focus: network security, vulnerabilities, threats, etc.
• Exam: 90 minutes, mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions

Exam Structure Breakdown

• 1.0 General Security Concepts: 12%
• 2.0 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations: 22%
• 3.0 Security Architecture: 18%
• 4.0 Security Operations: 28%
• 5.0 Security Program Management and Oversight: 20%

1.1 Security Controls

• Security Risks: Vary based on asset type (data, physical property, systems)
• Control Categories:
• Technical Controls: Firewalls, anti-virus
• Managerial Controls: Policies, procedures
• Operational Controls: Physical security measures
• Physical Controls: Barriers, locks, guards
• Control Types:
• Preventive: Block access
• Deterrent: Discourage intrusions
• Detective: Identify breaches
• Corrective: Recovery measures
• Compensating: Additional means to mitigate risks
• Directive: Guidance towards compliance

1.2 The CIA Triad

• Confidentiality: Prevent unauthorized access
• Integrity: Ensure data remains unaltered
• Availability: Ensure data access when needed
• Non-repudiation: Assurance that someone cannot deny the validity of their signature on a document
• Managing Security Controls: Continuous assessment and adjustment needed as systems evolve

1.3 Change Management

• Change Management Importance: Enhances security but often challenging
• Process Steps:
• Define the change
• Assess risk
• Approvals
• Notify affected users
• Documentation: Keeping precise records of changes is crucial

1.4 Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

• Critical for managing digital certificates
• Key Types:
• Symmetric: Single shared key (fast but harder to manage)
• Asymmetric: Public and private keys (more secure)
• Key Escrow: Legal access to decryption keys via third parties

2.0 Threats and Vulnerabilities

• Threat Actors: Internal vs. external, sophisticated vs. unsophisticated attackers
• Common Threats: Phishing, malware, etc.

2.1 Threat Vectors

• Various methods attackers utilize to gain access
• Understanding vectors helps build effective defenses

2.3 Malware Types

• Categories include: Ransomware, Worms, Trojans, etc.
• Preventive Strategies: Backup data, keep systems updated

4.1 Secure Baselines

• Establish baselines for security: firewalls, application usage, etc.
• Testing and Auditing Procedures: Regular audits of changes necessary

5.1 Security Policies

• Ensure comprehensive policies are documented: usage policies, change management, incident response, etc.
• Compliance with Regulations: HIPAA, PCI-DSS impacts on security policies

5.4 Compliance and Privacy

• Identify and adhere to varying compliance standards to protect sensitive data
• Document privacy policies for user data protection.

Security Awareness and User Training

• Regular training for users on security risks like phishing, social engineering
• Create a culture of security awareness within an organization.

Incident Response

• Prepare for incidents with detailed plans
• Follow NIST incident response guidelines to manage and minimize the impacts of security breaches.