Security Essentials

This Laboratory Manual complements the Security Essentials textbook and classroom-related studies. The laboratory activities in this manual help develop the valuable skills needed to pursue a career in the field of information security. Laboratory activities should be an essential part of your training. They link the concepts presented in the textbook to hands-on performance. You should not expect to learn cybersecurity skills only through the textbook, lectures, and demonstrations. Information and data security is an advanced topic. To be successful, you should have completed courses in basic computer hardware and networking. Many students will have obtained the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications prior to taking a cybersecurity class. Completing this class using Security Essentials will help prepare you for the CompTIA Security+ Exam.

The CompTIA Security+ Certification Exams are designed to test persons with computer and networking security experience. The object of this Laboratory Manual is to teach you the skills necessary not only to obtain a Security+ certification but also to help you begin your career. The goal of the Security+ Certification Exam is to verify a candi- date’s ability to assess an organization’s security posture and recommend or implement security solutions secure and monitor hybrid computing environments and comply with applicable laws and standards that govern data security. CompTIA recommends a candidate possess a Network+ certification as well as two years of experience in an IT administration role with a focus in security.