Security+: Do you really need this certification?

In the past year I have been asked a couple of questions regarding the Security+ certification.  "I already have experience, why do I need to get Security+ certified? or "Is the Security+ certification worth anything anymore?"  The answer to both questions is a definite yes.

Over the past 10 years security has become a very prominent part of IT.  The need for well qualified individuals in security has increased.  There is not not one company that is not thinking about security.  Security has come to the forefront of IT due to the increased exposure to networks.  The exposure comes from the internet.  With all of this exposure comes the need to protect our personal and company assets.

So, how does the Security+ certification play a role helping protect our personal and private networks?  Knowlege knowledge and more knowledge.  That is the answer.

IT security is not just limited to single area of knowledge.  It actually encompasses all areas of IT.  Think about all the different systems, applications and OS's your company has running?  All of those have different needs for security.  So to be in security means to be knowledgeable in a lot of areas of IT.

Security+ certification provides you with exposure to all of the different areas of security for different systems, application and OS's.  No, it does not mean you will be an expert in security for all of these systems, but it does mean you will have exposure and an understanding of what it means to secure these systems.

Security is a journey not a destination.  There is not one person who knows everything about security.  Security knowledge comes from knowing how to defend your systems against different types of threats.
However for some, network defense comes from knowing how a system or OS works.

Security+ provides that base knowledge for security, network defense and hardening systems.  You could say it is a mile wide and a 2 inches deep.  Once you have the exposure to this knowledge then you can go into one of many areas of security such as: ethical hacking, firewalls, IDS, IPS, security policies, Cisco routers and switches or internet security.

As for the question is the Security+ certification worth anything?  Just ask anyone in the military or government who has to work on a secure system.  They are now required to be Security+ certified to work on said systems.

So if you are looking to get into security or need to start getting certified in security for other areas.  The Security+ certification is the place to start.

If you have any questions about Security+ certified, please feel free to contact me.

For more information on Security + click here.


- Tom Pruett, Cisco & Security Expert; MCT, CTT+, CISSP, CWNA, CEH, CHFI, CCSI, CCNA, MCSE LinkIn with Tom