CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003)
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is designed for cybersecurity professionals responsible for monitoring and responding to security incidents. Their role involves detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber threats through ongoing security monitoring. Achieving success in the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst CySA+ (CS0-003) certification exam indicates that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to:
- Identify and examine signs of harmful activity
- Grasp the concepts of threat hunting and threat intelligence
- Employ suitable tools and approaches to handle, prioritize, and counteract attacks and vulnerabilities
- Execute incident response procedures
- Comprehend reporting and communication principles related to vulnerability management and incident response activities.
Knowledge Area:
- A knowledge in Network+, Security+, or equivalent knowledge is required.
- Additionally, a minimum of four years of practical experience as an incident response analyst or security operations center (SOC) analyst, or an equivalent level of experience, is necessary.
What you will learn?
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) exam will help you in:
- Becoming a valuable team member by showcasing your understanding of current trends impacting the daily tasks of security analysts, including cloud and hybrid environments.
- Illustrating your expertise in recognizing and analyzing signs of malicious activity using the latest methods and tools like threat intelligence, security information and event management (SIEM), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and extended detection and response (XDR).
- Demonstrating your understanding of incident response and vulnerability management processes, emphasizing the essential communication skills needed for security analysis and compliance.
Exam Details
- The exam consists of a maximum of 85 questions, featuring both multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
- The test duration is 165 minutes, and to pass, a minimum score of 750 out of 900 is required.
- Currently available in English, with plans to include Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish in the future.
- The testing for this certification is conducted by Pearson VUE and can be undertaken at physical testing centers or through online testing.
Course Outline
The exam objectives for CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) include:
1.0 Security Operations
1.1 Explain the importance of system and network architecture concepts in security operations
1.2 Given a scenario, analyze indicators of potentially malicious activity.
1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate tools or techniques to determine malicious activity.
1.4 Compare and contrast threat-intelligence and threat-hunting concepts.
1.5 Explain the importance of efficiency and process improvement in security operations.
2.0 Vulnerability Management
2.1 Given a scenario, implement vulnerability scanning methods and concepts.
2.2 Given a scenario, analyze output from vulnerability assessment tools.
2.3 Given a scenario, analyze data to prioritize vulnerabilities.
2.4 Given a scenario, recommend controls to mitigate attacks and software vulnerabilities.
2.5 Explain concepts related to vulnerability response, handling, and management.
3.0 Incident Response and Management
3.1 Explain concepts related to attack methodology frameworks.
3.2 Given a scenario, perform incident response activities.
3.3 Explain the preparation and post-incident activity phases of the incident management life cycle.
4.0 Reporting and Communication
4.1 Explain the importance of vulnerability management reporting and communication.
4.2 Explain the importance of incident response reporting and communication.
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) Exam FAQs
Exam Policies
CompTIA has established certain policies to assist candidates in navigating the certification exam process. Here are some key points:
Rescheduling Exam:
If you need to change your exam date, make sure to reach out to Pearson VUE at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Failing to do so or rescheduling within 24 hours will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee.
Exam Scoring:
CompTIA closely monitors exam performance to ensure accurate results. However, if there are unexplained discrepancies during monitoring, scores may be marked as indeterminate and won’t be considered valid for certification. Passing scores are determined through statistical analysis and may change. After completing the exam, candidates receive a score report containing vital information. It’s important to note that CompTIA doesn’t disclose passing rates, as both questions and passing rates can change without prior notice.
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) Study Guide
1. Get Familiar with Exam Objectives
To prepare for the CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) Exam, candidates should acquaint themselves with the exam objectives for successful readiness. The exam encompasses various sections, and crucial topics include:
- Security Operations:
- Enhance security operations processes and distinguish between threat intelligence and threat hunting concepts. Identify and analyze malicious activity using the right tools and techniques.
- Vulnerability Management:
- Execute and assess vulnerability assessments, prioritize vulnerabilities, and provide recommendations for mitigating attacks and responding to vulnerabilities.
- Incident Response and Management:
- Apply current concepts of attack methodology frameworks, engage in incident response activities, and comprehend the incident management lifecycle.
- Reporting and Communication:
- Utilize best communication practices in vulnerability management and incident response concerning stakeholders, action plans, escalation, and metrics.
2. CompTIA Instructor-Led Training
Enroll in instructor-led training to benefit from expert guidance and insights from someone well-versed in the exam. Whether you prefer in-class or live online sessions, CompTIA provides top-notch, instructor-led training for individuals and teams alike. If you’re new to the tech industry and seeking training, explore the following options:
- Individual Training: Opt for CompTIA’s online instructor-led training to learn from highly qualified instructors. Receive hands-on instruction live from a certified CompTIA instructor, all in the comfort and flexibility of an online setting.
- CompTIA Custom Training: Bring best-in-class, instructor-led training to your group or organization with CompTIA Custom Training. Equip your team with the IT certification training they need, delivered by highly qualified trainers with a proven success record.
3. CertMaster Learn for CySA+ Training
Ensure you’re fully prepared for your CySA+ exam day with comprehensive online training exclusively from CompTIA. CertMaster Learn is an interactive and self-paced program that blends instructional lessons with videos, practice questions, and performance-based questions to equip you for both your certification exam and a successful IT career.
What’s included in CertMaster Learn for CompTIA CySA+:
- Full coverage of exam objectives
- Over 25 hours of engaging content and videos
- 12 lessons featuring scenario-based performance-based questions
- 120 practice questions with instant feedback
- A final assessment with 90 questions
Exclusive CertMaster Learn features to help you master the material and excel in your exam:
- Instructional lessons, images, and videos for effective learning
- Practice questions and performance-based questions for assessment and application of knowledge
- Achievement badges, flashcards, and a game center for an interactive learning experience
- A personalized dashboard to track your progress
- Daily study tasks and a countdown calendar to keep you on track.
4. CertMaster Labs for CySA+ Training
CompTIA Labs for CySA+ offers learners a vital platform to acquire essential hands-on skills and build a more profound understanding of the subject, ensuring readiness for the CompTIA CySA+ Certification. This resource enables you to tackle the practical aspects of CySA+ exam objectives and enhance previous training by providing access to real equipment and software environments.
5. CertMaster Practice for CySA+ Training
CompTIA CertMaster Practice serves as an online tool for assessing knowledge and training, aiding in your preparation for the CompTIA certification exam. With its adaptive question-first design, CertMaster Practice promptly evaluates your existing knowledge and identifies areas for further learning. For topics requiring extra assistance, CertMaster Practice offers personalized remediation and feedback. When you feel prepared, you can showcase your knowledge through a timed practice test that includes performance-based questions.
6. Take Practice Tests
Engaging in practice tests is essential for preparing for the exam. Utilizing the CompTIA CySA+ exam practice tests allows you to pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement. This evaluation aids in refining your answering skills, ultimately saving time on the real exam. For effective preparation, it’s advisable to take the practice tests after covering a complete topic, reinforcing your revision process. Choose the most fitting practice exam tests to ensure thorough readiness for the CompTIA CySA+ exam.
