How to Prep for and Pass the CompTIA CySA+ Certification Exam

The CompTIA CySA+ certification (Cybersecurity Analyst) is the ultimate credential for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the flourishing field of cybersecurity. Learn what it takes to crush the CySA+ exam so you can take the first steps toward becoming a certified cybersecurity analyst.

The digital world is no stranger to data breaches. With over half (52%) of data breaches resulting from malicious attacks, organizations across industries are eager to adopt a proactive approach to safeguard their assets by hiring skilled cybersecurity professionals. So it's no surprise that information security is projected to grow 35% by 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing fields in the country.

With these stats in mind, there's never been a better time to become a cybersecurity analyst and obtain your CySA certification—here's what you need to know to get started.

What Is A Cybersecurity Analyst?

A cybersecurity analyst (CSA) is an information security specialist who combines technical expertise with analytical skills to protect IT systems from malware threats and other cyber threats. With the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, cybersecurity analysts are vital for protecting corporate networks and systems.

Security analysts use their knowledge of technology and IT operations to monitor networks for malicious activity, investigate security incidents, test system configurations for vulnerabilities, and suggest improvements in overall security posture.

What Is the CompTIA CySA+ Certification?

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+) is a vendor-neutral, intermediate-level credential designed specifically for cybersecurity analysts. Candidates must pass the exam to qualify for the certification.

The CompTIA CySA certification validates that individuals possess the necessary knowledge and abilities to:

• identify and analyze signs of malicious behavior

• interpret threat intelligence and threat management

• mitigate attacks and vulnerabilities

• carry out incident response

• report and convey relevant activity

Benefits of CySA Certification

Show off what you know.

By earning the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst certification, you can demonstrate your ability to effectively apply behavioral analytics to networks, improving the overall state of IT security. It validates proficiency in utilizing a range of tools, including packet sniffers, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

Impress future and current employers.

Through this certification, individuals can showcase their knowledge and expertise in implementing these advanced techniques to detect and prevent cyber threats, making them highly valuable to organizations seeking skilled cybersecurity professionals. It also provides recognition from potential employers, opening up opportunities for higher-level positions and higher salaries.

Prepare for higher certifications.

Finally, earning the CySA certification is a critical step in the career pathway to achieve higher-level certifications, such as CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+).

CySA+ Certification Prerequisites

There are technically no strict requirements for taking the exam. However, it's recommended that candidates have four years of hands-on experience in a technical cybersecurity job role and knowledge equivalent to CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+.

CompTIA CySA+ Exam (2023) Overview

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst certification exam consists of a maximum of 85 multiple-choice and CySA+ performance based questions that must be completed within 165 minutes. The passing score for the exam is 750 on a scale of 100-900.

The exam has four domains, each of which includes up to five exam objectives.

Security Operations (33%)

• Explain the importance of system and network security architecture concepts in security operations.

• Given a scenario, analyze indicators of potentially malicious activity.

• Given a scenario, use appropriate tools or techniques to determine malicious activity.

• Compare and contrast threat-intelligence and threat-hunting concepts.

• Explain the importance of efficiency and process improvement in security operations.

Vulnerability Management (30%)

• Given a scenario, implement vulnerability scanning methods and concepts.

• Given a scenario, analyze output from vulnerability assessment tools.

• Given a scenario, analyze data to prioritize vulnerabilities.

• Given a scenario, recommend controls to mitigate attacks and software vulnerabilities.

• Explain concepts related to vulnerability response, handling, and management.

Incident Response Management (20%)

• Explain concepts related to attack methodology frameworks.

• Given a scenario, perform incident response activities.

• Explain the preparation and post-incident activity phases of the incident management life cycle.

Reporting and Communication (17%)

• Explain the importance of vulnerability management reporting and communication.

• Explain the importance of incident response reporting and communication.

What Is the CompTIA CySA+ Exam Cost?

The cost of the CompTIA CySA+ exam is $392. Note that MedCerts students do not have to pay the CySA+ certification cost fee, as it's included in the tuition price.

How to Register & Where to Take the CySA+ Exam

You can register to take CompTIA certification exams on their website. Once you've registered, you'll receive a voucher code, which is required to take the exam. If you prefer to sit for the exam in person, you can register to take it at a Pearson VUE or Certiport test center.

How to Pass the CompTIA CySA+ Exam: CySA+ Online Preparation Course

If you're seeking a comprehensive online CySA+ training course, MedCerts is here to help. MedCerts courses are designed to make you job-ready in just 3-6 months, and exam fees, books, and course materials are all included.

Learn all the skills you need to succeed.

The MedCerts online preparation course for CompTIA CySA+ Certification teaches students how to perform data analysis, interpret results to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and risks to an organization, configure and use threat-detection tools, and secure and protect applications and systems within an organization.

Convenient online courses, supportive environment.

With access to course content on-demand 24/7, you can study and make progress on your own schedule. Everything is 100% online, making it convenient for students to learn from anywhere.

Plus, MedCerts students can access personal advisors anytime who can offer support and guidance throughout the course. With these advantages, MedCerts provides a comprehensive and flexible approach to education that is ideal for students looking to advance their careers.

What Technology Jobs Can I Get with a CompTIA CySA+ Certification?

The CompTIA CySA+ certification is highly valued in the IT and security industry. As a result, a wide range of job opportunities awaits certified professionals, including:

Cybersecurity Analyst ($66K - $97K)

These threat intelligence analysts help protect organizations from digital cybersecurity threats by designing and implementing security policies, monitoring networks, and performing vulnerability assessments.

Security/Defense Intelligence Analyst ($62 - $95)

The role of a Security or Defense Intelligence Analyst involves gathering and analyzing crucial information required to anticipate and prevent organized criminal activities that pose a threat to national security.

Systems Analyst ($68K - $98K)

A Systems Security Analyst is responsible for assisting businesses and organizations in the planning and development of computer systems. Their duties include assessing the information processing requirements of an organization, designing and configuring computer networks and software, and testing systems' security to ensure their accuracy, efficiency, and user-friendliness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the updated CompTIA CySA+ exam (2023) cover?

The updated CySA+ exam aims to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to prioritize alerts for better incident response and automate intelligence gathering. It takes a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity by incorporating behavioral analytics into network and device monitoring, enabling professionals to proactively identify and respond to network-based threats in real time.

In addition to covering the foundational skills of cyber security analysis, the updated exam puts a greater emphasis on software and application security, as well as automation, threat hunting, and regulatory compliance, to ensure that certified professionals are well-equipped to tackle the modern-day cybersecurity challenges facing organizations of all sizes.

How long does CySA+ certification last?

CompTIA offers a Continuing Education (CE) program to help professionals keep their certifications current and expand their skill set. The program enables individuals to extend their CompTIA CySA+ certification in three-year intervals by participating in various activities and training programs related to the content of their certification and collecting at least 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years.

Is the CySA+ certification worth it?

This certification is industry-recognized and will give you the skills and knowledge needed to help you advance in your cyber security career. Not only that, but it also serves as proof of your technical skills to employers, demonstrating your commitment to personal growth and professional development.

With such an in-demand certification, you can expect a competitive salary and increased job opportunities. Whether you're just starting out in cyber security or looking to take your career to the next level, the CompTIA CySA+ certification can help open doors and provide the skills necessary for success.

Is CySA+ better than Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ is an introductory-level certification, so it can be a great place to start if you have little to no experience in the cyber security industry. On the other hand, the CompTIA CySA+ certification is more advanced and is targeted toward professionals who already have at least three years of experience in IT or security administration roles.

Start Investing In Yourself Today: Earn You CompTIA CySA+ Certification

Make a serious impact in the competitive job market and stay on top of the latest cybersecurity practices and techniques. With MedCerts' top-of-the-line CySA+ online training program, you can earn your certification quickly and effectively without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. So why wait? Take the next step in an exciting and lucrative cybersecurity career today—get started with your CySA+ certification.