SD0-101

The CompTIA Security+ exam (SD0-101) covers a broad range of cybersecurity concepts. Instead of listing every single topic, which is extensive, here are the main domains and some key concepts within them:

1. Network Security: This is a HUGE portion of the exam. Expect questions on:

• Network topologies and models: Understanding different network setups (LAN, WAN, etc.) and how they impact security.
• Network protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, DHCP – knowing their functions and vulnerabilities.
• Network devices: Routers, switches, firewalls; their roles in security and configuration.
• Wireless security: WPA2/3, 802.1X, different wireless attack vectors.
• VPN technologies: How VPNs work, their security benefits, and different types.
• Network segmentation: Isolating parts of a network to limit the impact of breaches.
• Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS): How they work, their limitations, and their placement in a network.

2. Compliance and Operational Security: This section focuses on the practical side of security:

• Risk management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. This includes understanding risk frameworks.
• Security policies and procedures: The importance of documented policies and how they should be enforced.
• Incident response: The steps involved in handling security incidents, including containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activity.
• Disaster recovery and business continuity: Planning for outages and ensuring business operations can continue.
• Security awareness training: The importance of educating users about security threats.
• Legal and regulatory compliance: Understanding relevant laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).

3. Cryptography: Understanding the basics of cryptography is crucial:

• Symmetric and asymmetric encryption: Knowing the differences between algorithms like AES and RSA.
• Hashing algorithms: Understanding their purpose and how they are used for data integrity.
• Digital signatures: How they work and their role in authentication and non-repudiation.
• Public key infrastructure (PKI): The components of a PKI system and how it enables secure communication.
• Key management: The importance of secure key storage and rotation.

4. Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities: This section covers the "what" and "how" of cyberattacks:

• Types of malware: Viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, etc. – their characteristics and how they work.
• Social engineering: Understanding different tactics used to manipulate users.
• Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing: How these processes are used to identify weaknesses.
• Attack vectors: Understanding how attackers can exploit vulnerabilities (e.g., phishing, SQL injection, XSS).
• Common attack methodologies: Understanding frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK.

5. Access Control and Identity Management: This part focuses on who gets access to what:

• Authentication and authorization: Different methods used to verify identity and control access.
• Identity and access management (IAM): Processes and technologies used to manage user identities and access rights.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Understanding its importance and different MFA methods.
• Account management: Best practices for creating and managing user accounts.
• Principle of least privilege: Granting users only the necessary access rights.

In summary: The SD0-101 exam tests your foundational knowledge of various cybersecurity concepts. It's about understanding the why behind security principles, not just memorizing technical details. Focus on understanding the interrelationships between these domains – that's where a lot of the exam questions will pull from. Use official CompTIA study materials and practice exams to prepare effectively.