CompTIA CySA

CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) Course Outline

Duration: 40-50 Hours (Global Standards)
Level: Intermediate
Delivery Mode: Online/Offline
Certification: CompTIA CySA+
Global Exam Code: CS0-003 (Latest Version)

Module 1: Introduction to Threat Management

Duration: 3-5 Hours

• Overview of CompTIA CySA+ Certification and Exam Structure
• Introduction to Threat Management in Cybersecurity
• Key Concepts of Cyber Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
• The Role of a Cybersecurity Analyst in an Organization
• Types of Cybersecurity Threats:
  • Malware, Phishing, DDoS, Insider Threats, Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
• Understanding the Threat Landscape: National and Global Perspectives

Module 2: Security Operations and Monitoring

Duration: 6-8 Hours

• Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and Their Role in Cybersecurity
• Monitoring Tools and Techniques for Security Analysts
  • SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) Systems
  • IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems)
  • Log Management and Event Correlation
• Real-Time Security Monitoring Techniques
• Analyzing Network Traffic for Malicious Activities
• Threat Hunting and Indicator of Compromise (IOC) Analysis
• Hands-on Lab: Configuring and Using SIEM Tools for Monitoring

Module 3: Vulnerability Management

Duration: 6-8 Hours

• Introduction to Vulnerability Management and Scanning
  • Identifying Vulnerabilities in Networks, Systems, and Applications
  • Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure (CVE) Database
• Conducting Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing
• Tools and Techniques for Vulnerability Scanning
  • Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys
• Prioritizing Vulnerabilities and Risk Mitigation Strategies
• Patch Management and Security Updates

Module 4: Incident Response and Recovery

Duration: 6-8 Hours

• Incident Response Process: Detection, Containment, Eradication, Recovery
• Understanding and Classifying Security Incidents
• Incident Response Plan Development and Execution
• Managing Security Incidents and Breaches
• Hands-on Lab: Responding to Simulated Security Incidents
• Post-Incident Activities: Root Cause Analysis and Reporting
• Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery

Module 5: Compliance and Security Frameworks

Duration: 4-6 Hours

• Understanding Security Frameworks and Standards
  • NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, COBIT, CIS Controls
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements
  • GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOX, FISMA
• Data Privacy and Protection Regulations
  • Data Retention, Encryption, and Handling Sensitive Data
• How Compliance Affects Security Practices and Cybersecurity Analysts’ Roles

Module 6: Threat Intelligence and Analysis

Duration: 6-8 Hours

• The Importance of Threat Intelligence in Cybersecurity
  • Collecting, Analyzing, and Applying Threat Intelligence
  • Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Threat Sharing Platforms
• Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) and Their Role in Security Operations
• Types of Threat Intelligence: Tactical, Operational, Strategic
• Understanding and Analyzing Cyber Threat Indicators
  • IOCs (Indicators of Compromise), TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures)
• Hands-on Lab: Analyzing and Sharing Threat Intelligence

Module 7: Network and System Security

Duration: 5-7 Hours

• Network Security Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Analysts
  • Network Architecture and Segmentation
  • Firewall, VPN, and Proxy Configuration
• System Security: Hardening and Securing Operating Systems
  • OS Security for Windows, Linux, and MacOS
  • Security Configurations and Patch Management
• Endpoint Security and Protection Strategies
  • Anti-virus, EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention Systems)
• Application Security and Secure Software Development

Module 8: Risk Management and Assessment

Duration: 5-7 Hours

• Introduction to Risk Management and Assessment
  • Risk Analysis: Likelihood vs. Impact
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies and Treatment
• Conducting Risk Assessments for Systems, Networks, and Applications
• Risk Management Frameworks (RMF) and Security Control Assessments
• Asset Management and Threat Modeling Techniques
• Calculating Risk Metrics: Risk Score, Impact, and Likelihood
• Security Control Auditing

Module 9: Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies

Duration: 5-7 Hours

• Overview of Common Cybersecurity Tools for Analysts
  • Network Scanners, Vulnerability Scanners, and SIEM
  • Packet Sniffers: Wireshark, tcpdump
  • Network Traffic Analyzers
• Security Automation and Orchestration Tools
  • SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response)
• Introduction to Cybersecurity Automation Tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
• Hands-on Lab: Using Cybersecurity Tools for Threat Hunting and Incident Response

Module 10: CySA+ Exam Review and Preparation

Duration: 3-4 Hours

• Review of Key CySA+ Exam Domains
  • Threat Management, Vulnerability Management, Incident Response
  • Security Operations and Monitoring, Compliance, and Risk Management
• Practice Exam Questions and Case Studies
• Exam Preparation Strategies and Tips
• How to Register for the CompTIA CySA+ Exam

Module 11: CompTIA CySA+ Certification Exam

• Final Exam: CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003
• Post-Exam: Understanding Results and Career Opportunities