Going to take a crack at Security+

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by friendorfoe, Nov 14, 2011.

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  1. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    So I'm at a fork in the road. I can either pick an emphasis in Security or Project Management for my MIS degree. I am being moved from application development (as a project analyst) to information security (no choice in the matter) so no matter what I'm going to have to learn it. I figured a good, fast introduction to the field would be the Security+ exam, after which I'll probably start looking seriously at the CISSP should I find the Security+ content somewhat interesting.

    At this point after the PMP exam I can do project management stuff in my sleep (also because of my job) so I'm not really super keen on picking an emphasis in that area at the moment. I do eventually plan on earning at least 18 grad hours in the subject so that I can teach it as an adjunct should the opportunity present itself but for the moment I need a break from it.

    Any thoughts to those secuity gurus on this board?
     
  2. UnixGuy

    UnixGuy New Member

    Hi, I passed Security+ 3 years ago.

    What's your current job role ? do you deal with any InfoSec at your current job? How many years of experience do you have?

    You probably already know this, but for CISSP you need 5 years in at least 2 CBK (common body of knowledge). If you pass Security+ OR Have a MSc in InfoSec, this will waive one year only, so you will still need 4 yrs of experience to become a CISSP. Passing the CISSP exam alone will make you an associate of CISSP.

    In my opinion, Security+ is an entry level cert with interesting concepts to know. Check the cert objectives, if you think you are already familiar with the contents and you have the 5 yrs of experience, then go straight with the CISSP, because Security+ will be redundant.

    CISSP is all about InfoSec management, it's a mile wide and an Inch deep they say, and the exam is very tricky, so you really need a thorough preparation and understand of all the CBK domains. If your previous experience isn't in InfoSec, then Security+ is a great start. I used the Sybex book and it was enough

    Good luck :)
     
  3. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I took the Security+ exam and passed after reading half the ExamCram Security+ Book. It is not an overly difficult test if you have some experience and exposure to the field.
     
  4. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    I'll start with the Security+ since it's relatively low hanging fruit and will get my feet wet. Because of the specialized security oriented nature of some of my previous work experience I technically qualify for the CISSP, however I'd like to warm up to that undertaking after jumping into the PMP thing with both feet. I'd rather not repeat that experience if possible. I'll put the CISSP on my "between list"....in other words somewhere "between" a “morbid curiosity” and “must have” though in all likelihood I’ll be studying for the CISSP within a year or so. In the meantime there are some other things I need to focus on such as learning Sharepoint development and earning my 60 PDUs for my PMP soon, probably through a certificate program in Lean or Six Sigma or something similar.
     
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I don't know about your area, but in the D.C. region CISSP holders do extremely well. Security+, not the same, but then you know that already.
     
  6. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Yes and if I do well on the Security+ I'll move right into the CISSP. The Security+ is more or less an "introduction".
     
  7. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Not a bad plan but prepare for a LONG road with the CISSP if you're using Sec+ as your beach head. I strongly recommend targeted training.
     
  8. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    Check, bootcamp will likely be in order before the exam after I've spent a few months reading some study guides. I'm not in a huge hurry.
     

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