Project Showcase

CompTIA Security+ Certification - Culmination of CYSE 600

Because of documents that I signed before I took the exam, I cannot share any specific questions that I answered during the exam, but I would like to provide a reflection on what led me to obtain this certification, and how difficult it was.

I felt that my obtaining of the Security+ Certification was a perfect project to showcase my understanding of the core lessons and skills taught in this course. The Security+ Certification is supposed to be a culmination of all of the core skills a cyber professional must have in order to be proficient at any introduction level cybersecurity focused job that they wish to work in. Some of the topics include encryption, wireless network attacks, vulnerability management, and incident preparation, but there is much more that goes into it as well. Because of my interest in going into the government sector of cybersecurity, I knew that I was going to need more than just a bachelor’s degree in order to be competitive and be able to earn the position that I wished to have. Whenever I went to a career fair at Old Dominion, I would ask every employer I met what would stand out to them if it was on a resume and would put someone in front of the others. Without fail, every single employer said that the Security+ certification was the largest credential they looked for. Therefore, I strived to not only get my degree while at ODU, but also my certification.

The certification exam was by far the most difficult exam I have ever taken, as there is a dedicated effort in order to ensure complete isolation. I was not allowed to have any form of technology on me, including my watch, and even my wallet was not allowed to be with me, only my ID for verification purposes. I remember studying profusely before the exam, watching YouTube videos and reading as much as I could so then I would be able to pass on my first attempt, as I wanted to know that I knew the material enough to be able to pass my first attempt. I remember submitting my exam, and immediately feeling an immense rush of relief knowing that I passed the exam my first attempt, and I knew enough to be able to call myself competent in the field that I wished to work in.

Having the Security+ certification carries more weight to it than a bachelor’s or master’s degree in my experience, as the exam gives absolutely no ability to fake an understanding of the concepts on the exam. Whereas students may attempt to take easier classes in college or may attempt to cheat especially in the virtual classes age, the Security+ standard does not allow for any such shenanigans. It is a very clearly cut answer of if one knows their information, or if they do not. Since I have earned my certification, I have gone on to obtain another, my Google Cybersecurity Certification. If I was asked which one was more difficult and intense, the Security+ certification would be the answer every time. Pushing myself to learn everything that was required was exhausting at the time, but the amount of material that I learned was immeasurable in value. That is the highest reason that one goes for Security+. Because of how expansive it is, a person that has it is also not limited to only understanding a specialized variant of the cybersecurity field, but understands many of the various parts of it at a fundamental level, not unlike someone who has a fundamental understanding of mechanics and how a vehicle operates, and is able to perform basic maintenance on it, without being a car mechanic. Having the Security+ certification allows me to prove that I am worth hiring, and I know that once I graduate with my Master’s, I will be invaluable no matter what position I choose to work.