Security has always been an important component in being a Network Engineer.  Today’s Internet of Things (IoT) and the growing number of cyber attacks has made it even more crucial.  Because of this, I’ve decided to go back into the Security realm of certification coursework and exams. 

It has been over a decade since I first completed my Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) certification and almost 7 years since that certification was retired.  Back then, it was about learning the hardware of network security like Firewalls (PIX/ASA), VPN Concentrators, IDS/IPS and the newest tools like CS-MARS(a first generation SIEM tool). 

Now I need to focus more on understanding how cyber attacks are accomplished and how to mitigate their damage and effectiveness.  It’s an ongoing arms race between the good guys and the bad guys.  This summer I completed the CCNA Security certification and learned how much I don’t know. 

My intention is to use the CySA+ learning path as a vendor neutral basic training before pursuing the CCNA CyberOps.  In the posts that will follow, I will go through the CompTIA CySA+ objectives and any topics that I think I need to expound on for my studies. My hope is that by synthesizing these articles while I learn, I will retain and understand better the material needed to pass the exam.  I also hope that these notes will be of use to other lifelong learners.