The CompTIA Security+ certification.
When it comes to cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ certification is frequently the first credential that many IT professionals earn. To earn this vendor-neutral, entry-level certification, candidates must demonstrate basic cybersecurity knowledge and perform basic security tasks, including configuring, managing and troubleshooting networks. In addition to this, they need to be well-versed in risk management and mitigation strategies, as well as possess the skills necessary to identify threats, detect intrusions, and conduct penetration testing. The Network+ certification and two years of experience working in IT administration with a focus on security are both highly recommended by CompTIA for candidates.
Compare and contrast the Cisco Certified Network Associate – Security (CCNA Security) Certification and the Security+ Certification.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate Security credential, more commonly referred to as CCNA Security, is an entry-level security certification that is unique to Cisco networks. Candidates for the CCNA Security certification are expected to be able to design and protect Cisco security infrastructures, install, monitor, and troubleshoot Cisco network devices, as well as identify and eliminate cybersecurity risks.
Candidates are required to pass a single exam that focuses on the implementation of Cisco network security and possess either the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) credential, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching credential, or any Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) credential. The certification must be renewed every three years, and in order to do so, the holder must demonstrate competence on a test selected from a predetermined pool of questions.
The CCNA Security certification comes the closest to matching up with the requirements of the Security+ certification out of all the credentials that were investigated for this article. Both credentials are geared toward professionals who are just starting out in their careers and who typically take on roles that are considered to be entry-level. The CCNA Security certification is geared toward Cisco-based systems, whereas the Security+ certification is vendor agnostic. This is one of the most significant differences between the two credentials. If you work with Cisco technology in any capacity, you should give serious consideration to earning the CCNA Security credential. Choose the Security+ certification if you want to cover a wider range of topics.
Anyone who is just beginning their career as a cybersecurity professional would benefit immensely from earning their Security+ certification.
It must be renewed every three years and requires a total of fifty credits earned through continuing education (CE).
When I came across Network Chuck, I was overjoyed because there isn’t a lot of content on YouTube pertaining to networking that doesn’t mirror the framework that Professor Messer uses, so I was thrilled to find him. He got his start working at the Help Desk, is extremely knowledgeable about the topics he covers, and is very passionate about his work. I have been paying attention to him for the better part of a year, and the majority of the time, I concur with his assessments regarding the directions in which people working in networking ought to head next. On the other hand, I disagree with some of his points of view expressed in this particular video.
Network Chuck examines the differences and similarities between the CCNA Security and CCNA CyberOps certifications, as the article’s title makes abundantly clear. I’m not going to get into the specifics because, in all honesty, this is the best video you’re going to find that breaks down the differences between the two options. The gist of the differences between the certifications is that the CCNA Security certification focuses on building a secure network, whereas the CCNA CyberOps certification focuses on analysing and responding to network security related issues. However, the CCNA Security certification is the more common of the two. The continuing education opportunities available after obtaining either of these certifications is the aspect that most starkly differentiates them from one another. The CyberOps route leads only to the CCNA certification, in contrast to the Security route, which can take you all the way to a CCIE.
Network In his comparison and analysis of the two certifications, Chuck disagrees with this particular point. He claims, and I believe him to be correct in this assertion, that the CyberOps certification locks a taker into a SOC position, whereas the security track provides more room for advancement in one’s career. I agree with him up to this point in his analysis, but then he goes on to say that he thinks it would be better to skip the CyberOps cert all together, and I can’t say that I agree with him on that point. I get it; when deciding which professional certification to go for, it’s a good idea to choose the one that allows for the most professional development and advancement possible. The thing is, I think there’s a lot more nuance to it than that.
If you are already working as a network engineer, obtaining the CyberOps certification is not required, other than for your own personal knowledge and interest. Let’s get this out of the way right away. There are a number of other certifications that have been vetted more thoroughly, but they cover the same ground. For the same reasons, I would venture to say that this certification isn’t even for those who have a four-year college degree with a concentration in either networking or cyber security. I am of the opinion that those who are interested in switching careers but either do not have the time or the financial means to devote to earning a four-year degree would benefit tremendously from obtaining this certification.
It is possible to make the case that the hyper-localization of certifications to a particular position will have the effect of stifling a candidate’s overall growth. Having said that, landing that first job in the field of information technology is equally as important as making progress in your career in the long run. As I alluded to earlier, the CyberOps cert appears to give the requisite knowledge to land a SOC position monitoring network resources for any attacks or malicious activity. Employers are simply trying to find candidates they are confident can do the job wherever there is a shortage of information technology (IT) workers in virtually any field. As a result, many employers prefer to require the CompTIA A+ certification for Help Desk positions and the Network+/CCENT certification for NOC positions for entry-level positions rather than full-fledged college degrees. It is my understanding that the CCNA CyberOps is attempting to fulfil that function for entry-level SOC positions.
The real question, in my opinion, is whether or not the CyberOps exam is really the certification that candidates ought to take in order to get their footing in the field of cyber security. Now, Network Chuck recommends and is adamant that the CCNA Routing and Switching exam be the first step taken by anyone interested in networking, regardless of the direction they intend to take their career. It is the most important exam that Cisco offers and, to tell you the truth, it is also its bread and butter. Historically, Cisco has used this exam as the foundation for proceeding down other Cisco paths. However, as information technology jobs become more specialized according to the areas they cover, the CCENT certification has begun to assume the role of the gatekeeper, so to speak. Keeping all of this in mind, I’m not convinced that taking the Routing and Switching exam is the best path for newcomers to take, but that’s a debate for another time.
The CCNA CyberOps exam is also not likely to provide the solution because it is vendor-specific and most likely will not translate well to other types of computer systems. CompTIA Security+ is considered by many to be an essential first step in the field of cyber security, and the vast majority of those who dabble in the field will eventually make their way there. This certification does not provide sufficient actionable knowledge that can be put to use in a SOC position, which is where it falls short. It seems more comparable to the mandatory annual security training that employers make their employees go through. However, CompTIA has just recently introduced a Cyber Security test called the CySA+. This test seems to be fairly comparable to the CCNA CyberOps exam that Cisco offers. CompTIA’s exams are vendor neutral, which means that they have a broader scope of information that will apply to more systems than Cisco’s CCNA. This can help a candidate who is applying at a company that doesn’t run Cisco heavy if they choose to take those exams.
To answer the question of which certification is better, the answer is that it depends. The level of experience that a candidate currently possesses is an extremely important factor. You are exempt from taking the CyberOps exam if you are an engineer, already have the CCNA Routing and Switching certification, or already have a degree. If this is your first time doing something, you will have a more difficult time. That decision is going to be driven by what the employers want, and given that both the CyberOps and the CySA+ are relatively new, it may take some time for the market to settle on which option is the superior one. It is highly recommended that you inquire with a recruiter and make a note of any certification requirements that you find in job postings.
Conclusion
There is a security certification that is ideal for you, regardless of where you are in the course of your professional development. Take a close look at the CompTIA Security+ certification if you are searching for a credential that will assist you in establishing yourself as a professional in the field of cybersecurity. The Security+ credential, which is independent of specific vendors, offers a comprehensive body of knowledge that is applicable in a variety of settings. The Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) is also considered an entry-level certification; however, because it focuses on Cisco systems, it is best suited for security professionals who work for Cisco.