Reddit reviews CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide
We found 34 Reddit comments about CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Professor Messer's content is not enough IMO, it very lightly touches upon a large number of subjects, and completely ignores others. I purchased Darril Gibson's Security + Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide and used it alongside Professor Messer's videos.
The study guide provides a great pool of test questions (per chapter) and the summaries are extremely helpful.
Hey OP, I love the enthusiasm, it's what people in this career need! I'd like to provide some advice before the class begins.
I'm in cyber security, participate in pentesting for clients, and visit local security meetups between Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.
Take my advice with a grain of salt as I'm just a person on the internet:
I have the CEH, took it v9. It did nothing for my career. The CEH is basically a memorization exam that doesn't teach practical skills. Some topics include, what tool would you use for this? Or for that?
The CEH's only merit is it complies with the DoD's requirements 8570.01-M requirements. That being said, paying for the bootcamp and the exam will cost a lot of money for little gain. Reason? Many companies hiring for pentesters/red teams overlook the CEH.
CompTIA's Security+ is $339 (you can get it cheaper with a student email/voucher) and once completed, you fulfill the same DoD requirements and you're able to jump into the Cyber Security field. There are free resources on YouTube and a great book on Amazon costs $30.
>But what if I want to get into PenTesting and Exploit Hunting?
Take the OSCP. That certification hold a lot more value as it's a 24 hour exam based on your performance hacking boxes.
The EJPT is also one that hold more weight than the CEH.
And if you can afford it or, preferably, your employer will pay for it, a SANS is highly regarded.
Swing by r/SecurityCareerAdvice - It's a great community willing to help you get that career you want.
Here is messer's sec+ video list. Here is ExamCompass, it's a link to the first test, notice below are 23 more free tests and 9 drill down topic tests. Here is, Darril Gibson's certification book, the best book on the subject.
I scored a 795 just last week on Sec+. I recommend Darril Gibson's book totally and completely. It currently costs 23 bucks on amazon prime but comes with a 10% discount for your test voucher so it literally pays for itself.
ExamCompass is great to figure out what sections you are week on, the topic tests will give you the best idea of where you need help or you can refer to your post-test printout.
Messer's videos are great to watch at 1.25 - 1.5 speed to better understand areas of weakness.
I used Mike's practice tests on udemy but didn't use any of his videos or his book for Sec+. He tends to spend too much time outside the test materials for me. I totally get why he does that and it's great to understand how these technologies came about and some of the depth as to why they are and do what they do but.... fuck man I'm just trying to get a cert, ya' know? I'm currently using his book for Net+ and I can't for the life of me get through it.
Just get the Darril Gibson book.
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059
Check out this stickied post
Its a lot of good stuff posted there. If you're looking for just the basics and general information, not so much the what is happening now, check these things out:
Darill Gibson's books are usually always cream of the crop for a primary Sec+ resource - https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059
Supplemental videos are also a good thing to have for both review + the fact that when you learn similar material through a different presentation -- you'll usually find that you understand it better. https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-501/sy0-501-training-course/
Definitely recommend also signing up for his monthly study group. https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus-study-group-registration/
From there, go absolutely nuts on the practice tests. Here's one resource I found. - https://www.examcompass.com/comptia/security-plus-certification/free-security-plus-practice-tests
Something I did when I was studying for the Sec+ a while ago, was print out the objectives and check off the concepts I felt that I could explain to someone -- who is completely unfamiliar with the topic.
As an aside, it also helps to have good note taking practices. I personally use Joplin (First iteration of note taking) + Anki (For transferring my more detailed notes to flash cards), while following this advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqYmmZKY4sA
Alternative note taking software includes: Evernote, CherryTree, OneNote, etc. It's more of a matter of preference, but regardless I'd still recommend Anki no matter what.
Hope this helped you out.
Are you referring to this book?
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/
Check out Professor Messer on YouTube, he has some great study guides and also videos on the CompTIA SYO-501 Security+ exam. Professor Messer also has course notes of his videos that you can purchase, a digital .pdf version for $20, or you can purchase a high quality book of the notes for $40, and that also includes the .pdf.
Darril Gibson has probably THE study guide book on SYO-501, Get Certified, Get ahead, that costs around $35. There's also a Darril Gibson app for $8, on iPhone which includes flash cards and practice questions and practice tests. I'm not sure if it's on Android.
You can check out Mike Meyer on UDEMY. He has some great videos, though a lot of the stuff is what is required for the 501 exam, but he'll also go a little more in depth so you have a better chance at understanding the subject matter. His course is on sale now for $9.99.
If you're going to take the Security+ I was told this book was the holy grail of Security +, and it was: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059
I passed my Security+ today and that book was a large reason why! I purchased the Kindle version for 10 dollars and just read it wherever I could. Professor's videos were extremely helpful too. I also used the examcompass.com Security+ exams! Hope this helps and good luck!
Start here: Create a homelab. This will help with testing out multiple paths.
System Admin: Create a domain controller and VMs using Docker or virtualbox and start looking at Active Directory and Powershell.(Windows Server 2016 Trial)
Azure Cloud: Here you can test out learning Azure Cloud(for free). You can use your Homelab to test free alternatives like Proxmox or KVM(Linux Bare Metal Hypervisor)
Security+: Secure your cloud or local homelab. Also, look into getting a Security+. Even if you don't go into security, I believe a SEC+ is required for government IT jobs(This is what I've been told).
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Most of those are free to try and only cost your time. Start there and see what calls out to you.
Security+CE. It will be the easiest of the exams listed. Here's my recommendation on a study guide:
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=security%2B&qid=1573946942&sr=8-3
My first attempt btw was 597
Links:
http://www.gtslearning-courses.net/
https://www.cbtnuggets.com/learn
Book I read by Dariil Gibson
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3OQ0RW0P5085E&keywords=security+plus+sy0-501&qid=1551138675&s=gateway&sprefix=security+plus+%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-3
I don't have course suggestions, but all you really need is Darrell Gibson's textbook on Security+. You can run all the labs on your own hardware (you need the experience setting that stuff up anyway). His textbook is comprehensive, and his well-maintained blog fills in any gaps.
I went in with very little security knowledge and was able to blast the Security+ exam out of the water. It's not an easy exam, but his material hits all the necessary check-marks.
Edit: He also has an Android app with test questions, flash cards, and other crap. Worth it.
I have CCNA and Sec+ at this time. Just passed Sec+ a few weeks ago.
My work forced me to take the Sec+ 501 last minute without studying. I bombed it with a 538. I took it just a little over a month later and passed with a 810. So I agree that it would probably be possible if you bust your ass and study.
I had no IT experience (other than a 6 month military school) prior to Sec+ and used the book below after hearing everyone on here talk about it. In addition to the book I went through a week and half course my job provided so I think that helped also.
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542473247&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=get+certified+get+ahead+sy0-501&dpPl=1&dpID=51MZNH9iP7L&ref=plSrch
For a book: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540341090&sr=8-3&keywords=sy0-501
Online resource: https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-501/sy0-501-training-course/
I'd say that Darril Gibson's GCGA (Get Certified Get Ahead) book is a common favorite around here. I'll leave a link here for you if you'd like to check it out.
If you'd like some online study resources that will put you ahead of the game as well (by a long shot), I'll also link you to my Evernote list of everything I used for the Sec+. Study right and you'll pass with flying colors 😊
SY0-501 / SY0-401 ?
http://resources.infosecinstitute.com/differences-security-plus-exam/#gref
SY0-501 Resources:
Free: Professor Messer: Security+ SY0-501: https://www.professormesser.com
Free: Security+ Practice Quiz SY0-501: http://www.gocertify.com/table/comptia/security-quizzes/
Free: CertBlaster: http://www.certblaster.com/comptia-security-plus-sy0-501-free-practice-test-exam-questions/
Paid:
ITPro: https://itpro.tv
Darril Gibson CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1939136059/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510913844&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=darril+gibson+security+sy0-501&dpPl=1&dpID=517oTVMV6GL&ref=plSrch
David Prowse Security+ SY0-501 CertGuide Premium Edition and Practice Tests: http://www.pearsonitcertification.com/store/comptia-security-plus-sy0-501-cert-guide-9780789758996
GTSLearning: CompTIA Security+ SY0-501: https://www.gtslearning.com/comptia-security-sy0-401-sy0-501-courseware-online-learning-and-practice-labs/
This is the academic store that you can buy discounted exam vouchers from at the cheapest price. Requires a .edu email and you can only buy one voucher per test. You cannot buy retake vouchers at the discounted price.
https://academic-store.comptia.org/certification-vouchers/c/11332
The academic store will give you a coupon code that you will use to redeem your exam when registering for the day you will take it.
https://home.pearsonvue.com/comptia
It is suggested to schedule your exam date few weeks out and to arrive a half hour early before your scheduled exam time. Make sure to bring all forms of ID required for the test.
https://www.weber.edu/TestingCenter/lindquist.html
Students should prepare for the exam by going over the course objectives and making sure they adequately understand each subject on these sheets.
Official Sec+
https://certification.comptia.org/docs/default-source/exam-objectives/comptia-security-sy0-501-exam-objectives.pdf
Unofficial Sec+
https://www.certblaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CompTIA-Security-SY0-501-Exam-Objectives.pdf
Official Network+
https://certification.comptia.org/docs/default-source/exam-objectives/comptia-network-n10-007-v-3-0-exam-objectives.pdf
I would suggest you do not purchase the official study guides and labs offered by the CompTIA store because many people have had mixed opinions on their cost and effectiveness and find them to be useless.
I would suggest using free sources such as Professor Messer and other books with practice exams such as the "CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide" . Professor Messer has monthly online study groups to personally ask questions from for free, he also has free videos that take you through every aspect of the test.
Security+
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1939136059/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BADzCbXJR8TGC
https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-501/sy0-501-training-course/
Networking+
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1260122387/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HCDzCbXY08434
https://www.professormesser.com/network-plus/n10-007/n10-007-training-course/
Each certification test is comprised of a maximum of 90 questions on a 90 minute test that requires a passing score of 720 out of 900. The test will include common networking or security tools, Linux and Windows command line commands and theoretical and implementation questions. The test may also include common port numbers used by everyday services so knowing a large amount of them will help during the test.
The test will also include performance based questions such as dragging and dropping, matching, etc.
https://www.examcompass.com/comptia/network-plus-certification/free-network-plus-practice-tests#
https://www.examcompass.com/comptia/security-plus-certification/free-security-plus-practice-tests#
https://crucialexams.com/exams/comptia/security+/sy0-501/
The CompTIA tests are designed to be rigorous and intense, during the exam, you may feel like you are performing terrible and are about to fail, but you may be doing just fine. The test is designed to make you doubt yourself and sweat.
You only need the minimum to pass. A 721 score is the same as a 870 score.
If you study hard and know everything on the CompTIA lists and their intracacies, you will pass
Honestly you can buy a few books for ~$50-$75 and use some of the hudreds of free online resources there are for these tests. Professor Messer's videos are amazing. He offers them for Net+ and Sec+.
A good Sec+ book is: CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide
The CEH book is also available, but I know EC Council also has their own training for it, I'm not sure how much that costs, but i just check how much the exam voucher is and it seems like its $1,000+. If the course you are asking about includes exam vouchers then yeah, it is probably worth it. You need something to show for after taking the class. If you try to get a job telling your "future employers" you took the class, they will want to see you actually got something from it, so certifications are almost a necessity. (Unless you can otherwise prove to them that you did learn from the class, and why they should give you a chance to prove your knowledge and skills)
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I'm not trying to discourage you from taking the class, it just seems a bit expensive to me if there are no certification attempt vouchers included. You can do the majority of the studying for these certs for pretty much free. I just responded to a similar post, you might benefit from my response as well: Here
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I hope what I said helps you to make an informed decision.
This book really helped me:
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059
Also mainly just take practice exams and beef up the areas that are lacking. No need to over study things you already know. Stay calm during the exam, sleep well the night before, eat something before you go.
You will get it, you definitely seem dedicated and willing to work for it.
GCGA or "Get Certified, Get Ahead" is the title of a series of books by Darrel Gibson you want the Security+ one.
99.9% will tell you to get Darril Gibson's Get Certified Get Ahead book. It is definitely worth the buy. linky
Get Certified Get Ahead. Pretty much known as the gold standard in terms of reading material for the Security+ test.
Watch the videos here:
https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-501/sy0-501-training-course/
Buy and read this book:
CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/1939136059/
With sufficient study you should be able to pass the exam within a month.
Good luck!
I'm taking the test in a month and using this book: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5H0WSYWQ700X3F7F19FM
Flashcards
The Certmaster
And Professor Messer's videos
I’ve been in the industry for a while and don’t have any cert’s. I’m currently studying for my Security+. I’m 90% sure I could pass the test even without studying but I don’t want to have a chance of wasting the money. I’ve got this book and I think it gives a good overview of the industry.
CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/1939136059/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wkayDbJYN4DMW
Get the Darril Gibson book:
https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527111564&sr=8-3&keywords=security%2B
I bought 3 books when I got my sec+. Gibson, the official CompTIA book, and a study guide book. The Gibson book was the only one I needed, I barely even looked at the other two. When I got my CISSP I used CBTNuggets videos and they were great as well. They have a Security+ course there, and I think they still offer a 30-day free trial. I just used the 30 day trial and it was long enough to get my cert.
None of the extras CompTIA sells are worth it, unless you really have money to burn.
Well I bought this book first: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=security+%2B&qid=1573832314&sr=8-4
I recommend it. He does an awesome job explaining everything. I read this from front to back.
Then switched to Professor Messor videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG49S3nxzAnnVhoAaL4B6aMFDQ8_gdxAy
Watched all of them beginning to end. Good way to solidify your foundation of what you learned from the book.
Then do some practice tests to find out what you need to work on. I found some practice tests from Cisco on youtube. It was like 600 questions but worth it.
Anyways, I hope this helps. Good luck I'm sure you will do great!
Security+ book is pretty legit.
Great question and this was on the exam. You will need to know the difference between the different SSO and which one is used with which. If you have Darril Gibson book he break it down for you clearly. https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059
Darril Gibson is your friend. You can either buy his book and/or visit his website and you should pass.
This is the book you're talking about right? https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059
A solid foundation would be CCNA (or at least CCENT or Net+) and Security+. The CCNA will give you an excellent understanding of networking, as well as some good hands-on using Packet Tracer. Security+ will introduce you to every domain of Infosec (Malware, Cryptography, Tools for Blue/Red Team, etc). The information is a mile-long, and an inch deep.
CCNA Study Materials:
Security+ Study Materials:
Cybrary has solid training - I definitely would recommend them. I don't know that it alone will be enough to pass the exam but it certainly is a good start. The Darryl Gibson book seems to have pretty positive feedback so you may want to pick that one up as well. Here is an Amazon link for it: https://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Security-Get-Certified-Ahead/dp/1939136059/ref=pd_sim_14_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1939136059&pd_rd_r=W762ZND5VVXXV57WFX7R&pd_rd_w=mXr4x&pd_rd_wg=90N8D&psc=1&refRID=W762ZND5VVXXV57WFX7R