Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections

Infrastructure – Is the local government’s network architected and scaled in such a manner to accommodate remote workers through Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, Virtual Desktop connectivity or other means?

3) Applications and Solutions – Are the applications and solutions currently in place, adapted to a virtual first business process model? (I’ll spend more time on this topic below.)

4) Security – The security infrastructure for a virtual first plan is critical and cannot be overlooked. With a change in the way users and systems are connected, ensuring that all aspects of the security infrastructure have been evaluated and analyzed is vital to protecting your users and technology assets.

To begin Virtual First strategic planning, I believe that technology leaders must begin meeting and holding workshops with the organization’s departments to understand how those department’s business processes must work as we shift to this new way of working.

More Info: what is comptia a+

employers looking for Security+ certified professionals?

Do certifications matter? The answer is a resounding YES! 
According to CompTIA, 96 percent of managers look for certifications when screening candidates or include certifications as part of the job requirements. The data in the Global Knowledge 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report indicates that 15 percent of respondents reported that adding new certifications to their skill set resulted in receiving a raise, with some respondents reporting raises of as much as 16 percent. The Global Knowledge report also notes that certified IT professionals earn 22 percent more than their non-certified counterparts, which makes a strong statement in favor of earning certifications.

The CompTIA Security+ credential is very popular with job seekers and employers alike. A simple search for “CompTIA Security+” on SimplyHired yielded 2,250 job postings in which employers are seeking candidates who possess the Security+ credential.
What about earning potential?

The CompTIA Security+ credential ranks number 10 on Global Knowledge’s list of the top 20 highest paying certifications. Also included in the top 20 list are the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential from (ISC)2 (which took the number one slot), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) from ISACA, which ranked number 6.

More Info: comptia it fundamentals salary

Cisco Certified Network Associate – Security (CCNA Security) vs. Security+ Certification

The Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) is an entry-level security credential specific to Cisco networks. The CCNA Security targets candidates who develop and secure Cisco security infrastructures, install, monitor and troubleshoot Cisco network devices, and recognize and mitigate cybersecurity risks. Candidates must possess either the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) credential, the CCNA Routing and Switching credential, or any Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) credential and pass a single exam focused on implementing Cisco network security. The certification is valid for three years; to renew it, certification holders must pass an exam from an approved list.

Of all the credentials examined in this article, the CCNA Security is the closest to the Security+ certification in terms of expected skill level. Both credentials target professionals who are early in their careers and typically work in junior-level roles. One major difference between the two credentials is Security+ is vendor neutral while CCNA Security is focused on Cisco systems. If you work with Cisco technology, then you should consider the CCNA Security credential. If your focus is broader, then go with the Security+ cert.
Which study materials assist with preparation?

There are many study materials focused on the latest version of the CompTIA Security+ certification; for example, CompTIA has an official study guide for the exam. Also, many people who passed the sy0-501 exam highly recommend Professor Messer’s online course. Considering the differences in the exam objectives, the materials you used to prepare for the sy0-401 version will be unlikely to help much in preparing for the newer version.

More Info: network plus certification salary

The Value of Certifications

Job experience holds the most sway in when it comes to getting hired or moving up the ladder in IT, but it’s also great to have certifications that prove your skills to current and future employers. Research firm IDC published a white paper noting how valuable certified IT pros are to their employers and how much faster certified IT pros move through the ranks at their companies. In particular, they found that certified IT pros:
Get promoted faster: “Certified IT professionals are promoted almost twice as often as noncertified IT professionals. IT professionals who are certified before their first position are 50% more likely to get a promotion within one year of first being hired than ‘never certified’ IT professionals.”
Perform better on the job: “Certified IT professionals consistently outperform noncertified IT professionals in most security-related activities and network administration activities.”
Hold more influence at work: “Maximizing their value to the entire enterprise, certified IT
professionals have up to 30 percent greater influence overall than noncertified IT professionals with the same tenure.”

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that IT occupations pay 90 percent more than the average national wage in the U.S. By gaining new skills, IT pros can bump up their salaries even more. According to the Global Knowledge 2019 IT Skills and Salary Report, nine percent of IT professionals credit their salary increases to adding new skills to their toolbox, and those same IT pros earned nearly $12,000 more than the previous year.
More Info: comptia certified jobs

Will the Microsoft certification get me a job?

In summary, a certification can certainly make you marketable, but it isn’t the only consideration for any job. You cannot expect any certification to get you a job. You can expect a certification to make you more marketable and help you land an interview. After that, it’s up to you.
Other Security+ Study Resources
Security+ blogs organized by categories
Security+ blogs with free practice test questions
Security+ blogs on new performance-based questions
Mobile Apps: Apps for mobile devices running iOS or Android
Audio Files: Learn by listening with over 6 hours of audio on Security+ topics
Flashcards: 494 Security+ glossary flashcards, 222 Security+ acronyms flashcards and 223 Remember This slides
Quality Practice Test Questions: Over 300 quality Security+ practice test questions with full explanations
Full Security+ Study Packages: Quality practice test questions, audio, and Flashcards
More Info: what kind of jobs can you get with comptia a+ certification

comptia a+ Malicious human threats

A threat is a potential danger. Within the context of risk management, a threat is any circumstance or event that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data or a system.

Comparing Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Common Attacks,” discusses various types of threat actors. They include relatively inexperienced script kiddies, dedicated criminals working within an organized crime group, and sophisticated advanced persistent threats (APTs) sponsored by a government. These are all malicious human threats. Malicious human threats regularly launch different types of attacks, including network attacks, system attacks, and the release of malware.

Accidental human threats. Users can accidentally delete or corrupt data, or accidentally access data that they shouldn’t be able to access. Even administrators can unintentionally cause system outages. The common cause is by a well-meaning administrator making a configuration change to fix one problem but inadvertently causing another one.

• Environmental threats. This includes long-term power failure, which could lead to chemical spills, pollution, or other possible threats to the environment. It also includes natural threats such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, landsides, electrical storms, and other similar events.
More info: comptia a+ jobs near me

What do the test domains for the SY0-501 exam look like

Although a few of the domain titles have changed, and the objectives content sequence is altered, the framework surrounding security content is much the same. Expectations for the knowledge set required of the Security+ candidate are much broader, so a week of classroom training must contain more content and hands-on experience in order to be effective. Expect five long days if you want to gain experience sufficient for exam passage without multiple sources and extensive outside preparation.
There is an increase from 33 to 37 objective sets. This gives a small indication of the increased breadth of the examination (and class delivery) content.
Given a first look at the detailed objectives, we have covered much of the new content extensively in the classroom based on our instructor knowledge and skill sets. For instance, cryptography content has always been present and the new objectives significantly expand PKI expectations. Interface Technical Training has always expanded PKI content for our students. The shift will be more heavily related to newer generation tools and considerations based on major global cyberattacks and their responses.
More Info: comptia a+ technician

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner

I tend to get exam-head – my term for a state of mind where I just can't think and I end up staring at a question for waaaaaayy to long. All my gears are locked up, and I have to try really hard to focus and get back in the game. But there is just something about taking an exam in the same place you studied that removes some of the pressure and allows you to think more clearly.

For me, the ability to take IT certification exams from home is a game changer. The fact that I can study and test in the same place removes most of the barriers I had. I can take my exams as soon as I'm ready and then move onto the next one, keeping up my momentum. Testing centers will always be an option for those who prefer that experience, but given recent events, having the option to test remotely ensures we can keep growing in our careers.

Risk management represents nearly 20% of the questions on the CASP+ certification exam. IT pros who have CASP+ can prepare their organizations for evolving vulnerabilities and threats through risk assessment and management techniques. The risks and vulnerabilities coming out of COVID-19 have demonstrated the importance of these skills.

More Info: comptia project jobs

Benefits of Online Testing

Would you like to know what I did just 2 minutes before I started my CompTIA Linux+ exam? I played Call of Duty. I sat at my desk, headphones on, and played one of my favorite video games to mentally prepare for my CompTIA Linux+ exam. My stress levels were low, my mind was clear. When it was time, I took off my headphones and started my exam. This is my new pre-exam routine.

This was one of my best IT certification exam experiences to date – and I have taken a lot of them. You may have already guessed that I took this exam from home. This is a very welcome change to the IT certification process … but is it for you? Why should you consider online testing versus taking an in-person exam at a testing center? Here’s why I love online testing and some reasons why it might be great for you, too.

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will explore the need to adopt cloud solutions both during a crisis and beyond as well as addressing security vulnerabilities that can be exacerbated by moving to remote work but also mitigated if the correct actions are taken.
More Info: comptia server+ salary

Keeping the Cloud Secure and Available

CompTIA recognizes that in a work-from-home world, it is critical for remote employees to have secure, uninterrupted access to data, applications and the solutions that allow business to succeed. CompTIA Cloud+ validates the skills and abilities that make this possible.

Overall, the CompTIA Cloud+ exam tests candidates in the following areas of cloud computing:
Cloud architecture and design
Securing the cloud
Automation and virtualization
Optimization of cloud environments
Disaster recovery
The first half of 2020 has been filled with unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed our enterprise systems in ways we would not have expected.

While some agencies might say ‘our old technology failed us,’ others found that investment they made in modern systems enabled them to respond more quickly and effectively to meet the needs of their employees and constituents.
More Info: entry level a+ certification jobs

Testing Strategies for CompTIA Exams

CompTIA includes performance-based questions on their exams to make them more practical and keep up with trends in certification testing. Knowing what to expect and how to approach these question types is key to your success in passing the exams. First, let me fill you in on some facts about the exams.

Exam facts:

There are several different types of questions you may see in your CompTIA exam:
Multiple choice – the standard question, choose the right answer
Multiple response – choose all answers that apply with more than one correct answer
Fill in the blank – fill in the answer to the question
Drag-and-drop – image or question where you drag answers to match the image or text
Exhibits – answer questions relating to an attached picture or diagram (variation to multiple choice)
Performance-based – detailed question, open dialog boxes or other configuration windows and configure as needed

CompTIA has added more of the newer drag-and-drop and performance-based questions to their exam pool. You may get as few as 2-3 or as many as 10-12 of these type of questions depending on which exam you are taking. The more of these questions you get, the fewer of the traditional multiple choice, multiple response or exhibit-type questions you will have, depending on the difficulty of the performance-based questions you get.
More Info: jobs for a+ certification

Take CompTIA A+ Practice Tests

Get a Study Guide
Another thing that you should do while studying yourself for the CompTIA A+ exam is to obtain the relevant study guides. The study guides and other e-books can be downloaded from the official website and can be purchased from the book shops.
3. Learn Online

The internet is filled with useful and informative blogs and videos to help you understand how PCs are built. Many organization specialists publish many articles and videos associated with the subject through YouTube and different platforms on CompTIA Certs and PCs in general. You can precisely search and find several videos and articles explaining your doubts online. All you have to do is to explore what is bothering you; the internet is there for you to solve your doubts.
4. Take CompTIA A+ Practice Tests

It’s recommended to take practice tests. However, keep this in mind that practice tests don’t necessarily have the same questions as you will face the actual exam. But these questions are always important and prepare you for the exam. Taking these practice tests also help you learn stress management, time management, and how to answer all the questions within the given time efficiently.
More Info: jobs with a+ certification

THE CURRENT CYBERSECURITY LANDSCAPE

Cybersecurity continues to dominate the headlines as one of the most important IT components in nearly every organization around the globe. And, while securing infrastructure, hardware, applications, and the like has become highly effective over the past 5+ years, the biggest threat to most companies continues to be individual users and a lack of awareness. Companies report that 31% of successful breaches stem from inadequate training of non-technical employees. Every Information Security team needs to be shouting from the proverbial rooftops to get all users trained and familiar with common attacks. Most of these attacks are not sophisticated. Phishing continues to top the list as one of the most effective vectors for breach. The simple act of familiarizing non-technical (and even some technical) staff with the common “red flags” of malicious e-mails can save a company from the next devastating cyberattack.
Study guides, eBooks, and legitimate self-tests

There is no shortage of material aimed at the A+ certification. There are Study guides, eBooks, and Authorized self-tests. Many are available from reputable authors and publishers. You want to stick with the major authors and publishers. Do your homework before you spend your money! Research each vendor, look at the customer comments for common complaints. Remember, no Crams, no Cheats, no Brain Dumps!

CertBlaster offers legitimate free A+ ExamNotes that address every Exam objective and topic for your certification along with a sample of the test content. All the free Learning content on CertBlaster is there primarily to help you certify. You can get thousands of questions in the CertBlaster test for your chosen exam.
More Info: comptia jobs

comptia a+ certification Network Administrator

This job is very similar to Network engineer, this is one where you will be providing services solely for an organization’s internal servers.

This is a wide ended job and can contain multiple responsibilities that include:
Management and maintenance of the network
Fixing connectivity issues in the network by running diagnoses
Devising a mechanism for file access and rights within the network
Building and operating network backup systems
Hardware maintenance, repair and upkeep.
Managing and provide support services for an extensive range of equipment vital for the network’s optimal performance state like proxy servers, WAN accelerators etc.
Providing details related to network equipment required to be procured or purchased and be involved in their installation and management within the network
Managing and implementing timely upgrades
Finding faults and troubleshooting to fix them on an urgent basis
Lowering downtime and ensuring smooth operations of the network related infrastructure
Keeping an eye on firmware release and providing updates to the network

These tasks might look intimidating for a person to manage, but the Network+ certification will enable a professional to not just handle these tasks skillfully but also to become capable at training other entry level network engineers on the same.


More Info: jobs that require comptia a+ certification

CompTIA Mentored Online IT Training

Our instructors are experts in their fields, with several years of real-world IT experience and hold the certifications they teach. And, they follow industry standard IT training best practices to get results.
We know that learning is very individual, which is why engagement with our instructors is a vital part of the program. A centralized platform allows for regular reporting on activity that creates opportunity for our instructors to be proactive in engaging individuals who may be hesitant to take advantage of additional resources.
It’s not just about the technical training. We know that to succeed in the workplace requires more than technical knowledge. So, we provide exam preparation tools and performance-based questions as well as job placement and marketing services.
This mentored learning program is a core element of our mission to empower the workforce and to provide on ramps to build the talent pipeline and help people achieve high paying IT careers.
More Info: a+ certified technician

network administrator certification

Many people begin their IT certification path with CompTIA certifications. CompTIA has been in existence for more than 30 years and has certified hundreds of thousands of people in a range of essential disciplines. CompTIA’s core credentials are A+, Network+ and Security+; this trio of certifications represent a globally recognized foundation of IT knowledge.
Foundation certifications: These CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral and provide a solid knowledge base for any path to becoming a network administrator.
Cisco certifications: These credentials are valuable for administrators that manage Cisco’s widely-used network devices, such as routers and switches.
Microsoft certifications: These certificates are key for administrators that provide network administration services at both the desktop and server level.

People commonly want to know how long it’ll take to complete these certifications so I've given some common study time estimates. These guidelines assume you have a job but you’re still able to study regularly to master the concepts. Someone that is unemployed and spending 12 hours a day studying can complete these certifications much quicker. In contrast, someone with a full time job that regularly requires overtime might need more time.
More Info: a+ certification jobs

WHAT WILL I LEARN ON A COMPTIA A+ COURSE

By completing a CompTIA A+ course, you’ll learn everything you need to begin a career in computer support – from the ins and outs of PC repair and maintenance, to the best ways to provide support to computer users.

To obtain CompTIA A+ certification, you will need to pass two exams. One tests your knowledge of PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware, and network connectivity issues. The other covers computer security, the fundamentals of cloud computing and operational procedures, and the installation and configuration of operating systems.

A CompTIA A+ course is targeted at students who have between six to 12 months of experience working in the IT support industry. However, this is not a requirement. Anyone can sign up for a CompTIA A+ course – and obtain CompTIA A+ certification – provided they have good user-level PC skills and access to equipment for practical exercises.

More Info: comptia certification jobs

Tips To Understand Everything About CND

Need for certifications

Cybersecurity being an imperative domain, is in the utmost need of skilled professionals but, there is a shortage of people fit for the job. The need for skilled professionals and unfilled job roles has always been a matter of concern for the organizations. To bridge the gap between what you know and what skills the job needs, it is necessary to undergo certifications that are globally recognized. Certified professionals will always have the upper hand concerning freshers due to the knowledge and skills they own.
What is CND?

Certified Network Defender (CND) by EC Council is one such valuable certification that will help you stand out in the crowd. This Certification is ANSI accredited, and the framework is defined by the National Initiative of Cybersecurity Education (NICE). Certified network defender provides you with in-depth knowledge of best practices, and techniques used for network protection. This course also includes extensive study of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, VPN security, wireless technologies, storage mechanisms, and cyber laws. CND is all about securing a network and bringing resiliency and continuity to the business during attacks.
Job and Salary expectations

According to surveys, there are more than 5000 job requirements for Certified Network Defender. This certification is suitable for Network Security Administrators, Network Security Engineer, CND analysts, Security analysts, and Security operators. It can also be beneficial for those who are new to this industry because it covers all the basic to intermediary level concepts. A certified CND professional earns around $60,000, and will earn a lot more with experience and specializations. The salary raise given to a Certified Network Defender makes this course worth every penny.
More Info: what job can i get with a comptia a+

Summary of the most significant changes to A+

First, about the exam number, 220-1001 is the exam number replacing 220-901. The new exam also gets a name and that is Core 1.

A+ being an entry-level certification, it is a rather wider than deep credential. It is to some extent stating the obvious to say that the Exam Objectives for A+ 220-1001 will aim at reflecting technologies dominant today that were not included, or at least not prevalent, in the objectives as stated three years ago.

Here is a list of topics we expect to either see an enhanced focus on or to come in as an outright addition to the new A+ 220-1001 exam objectives:

– Various types of hardware that support cloud technologies
– Expansion of Virtualization
– More varied mobile devices
– More on monitoring tools and analysis of metrics obtained from monitoring and tracking tools
– Deepening of the understanding of network access and setup
– Sideloaded applications and management of the process
– As cybersecurity is increasingly of concern, expect security to occupy an even larger part of the A+ objectives
More Info: comptia a certified jobs

How Hard is the CompTIA A+ Exam

The CCIE track is also changing — to earn the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification; you’ll need to pass the relevant CCNP exam listed above and then sit for an eight-hour CCIE lab. In practice, this means that if you want to earn CCIE Security certification, you’ll need first to pass the CCNA exam, then the CCNP Security exam, and finally complete the eight-hour CCIE Security lab.

To become CompTIA A+ certified, there are two exams that you must take and pass. These exams are much like any other written test you may have taken in the past. The exams each contain different types of questions that are used to validate your knowledge in specific areas. It’s difficult to say how hard the exams are, because every test-taker has a different level of IT experience, knowledge, and skills. Further, individuals may have a different way of approaching exams and a different level of anxiety about test-taking.

The important thing to remember when you are wondering about how hard the CompTIA A+ certification exams will be, is that the more prepared you are, the better you will do. Part of that preparation is knowing what to expect on the exams.

More info: comptia a+ description

What are the key areas to prepare A+ core

The A+ Core 1 exam covers following areas you need to prepare to get passed
Hardware
Networking
Mobile Devices
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing

23. What are the Key areas to pass to A+ core 2 exam?

The most important topics that covers A+ Core 2 exam is:
Operating Systems
Computer Security
Software Troubleshooting
Operational Procedures

24. I failed the A+ exam in First Go, How soon can I re-appear for the exam?

If you failed in any CompTIA certification exam in your first go there is no waiting period between 1st and 2nd attempts to pass that exam. However, before your third (3rd) attempt or any subsequent attempt to pass such examination you must wait at least fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of your last attempt.
More Info: what is comptia a+