The CompTIA Security+ certification is a critical credential for cybersecurity professionals, offering a robust foundation in cybersecurity knowledge and skills. The transition from SY0-601 to the latest SY0-701 version marks an evolution in the certification's focus and content. This blog post provides an in-depth comparison between these two versions, helping professionals make an informed decision about which exam to pursue.

SY0-601 Overview

The SY0-601 exam, released in November 2020, focuses on core cybersecurity principles, including risk management, enterprise security architecture, threat management, and incident response. It is designed for IT professionals with at least two years of experience in security-related roles.

SY0-701 Overview

Launched in 2023, the SY0-701 exam reflects the latest trends and challenges in the cybersecurity field​ ​. The exam structure includes a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions, to be completed in 90 minutes​ ​. The exam covers the following domains: 

• General Security Concepts (12%): Covering various types of security controls, fundamental security concepts like Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA), and the importance of change management processes and cryptographic solutions​ ​.
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%): Addressing common threat actors, motivations, threat vectors, and attack surfaces, as well as mitigation techniques to secure the enterprise​ ​.
• Security Architecture (18%): Focused on different architecture models and their security implications, as well as applying security principles to secure enterprise infrastructure​ ​.
• Security Operations (28%): Involving applying common security techniques to computing resources and understanding security governance, risk management processes, and security awareness practices​ ​.
• Security Program Management and Oversight (20%): Encompassing elements of effective security governance, risk management process, and implementation of security awareness practices​ ​.

What's New in SY0-701?

1. Updated Exam Objectives: The SY0-701 exam includes significant updates, with 20% of the exam objectives refreshed to include current trends like threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, automation, zero trust, risk, IoT, OT, and cloud environments. It also emphasizes the need for cybersecurity professionals to be familiar with hybrid environments, both cloud and on-premises​ ​.

2. Exam Domains Changes: While SY0-701 retains the same number of exam domains as SY0-601, it has fewer objectives (28 vs. 35), focusing more on a specific job role in a maturing industry. The domains and objectives have been re-ordered and re-named to enhance instructional design and maintain exam relevance and integrity​ ​.

3. Focus on Core Technical Skills: The SY0-701 exam covers core technical skills in areas such as risk assessment and management, incident response, forensics, enterprise networks, and hybrid/cloud operations. This focus ensures high performance in security-related job roles, aligning with the needs of the industry​ ​.

Key Differences

1. Exam Content and Focus: SY0-701 includes updated content to reflect the current state of cybersecurity, with a stronger emphasis on emerging threats, hybrid environments, cloud security, IoT, and regulations​ ​.
2. Domains and Weightage: While both exams cover similar domains, SY0-701 has redistributed the weightage of these domains to reflect changes in the industry's priorities.
3. Relevance to Current Trends: SY0-701 aligns more closely with the latest cybersecurity trends, offering content relevant to modern threats and technologies.

Comparison of Exam Domains

• SY0-601 Domains:

  1. Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities (24%)
  2. Architecture and Design (21%)
  3. Implementation (25%)
  4. Operations and Incident Response (16%)
  5. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (14%)

• SY0-701 Domains:

  1. General Security Concepts (12%)
  2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)
  3. Security Architecture (18%)
  4. Security Operations (28%)
  5. Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)​

Which to Choose?

• If Preparing for SY0-601 : Continue with this version if you're already studying, as the you can still take the  certification exam remains until July 31st 2024.
• For New Candidates: Opt for SY0-701 to gain the most current knowledge and skills relevant to today's cybersecurity challenges.

Conclusion

The SY0-701 version of CompTIA Security+ represents a significant update, catering to the latest best practices, methods, and technologies in cybersecurity. Whether you choose SY0-601 or SY0-701, obtaining the CompTIA Security+ certification is a pivotal step in advancing your cybersecurity career.

Want 701 training please click: https://www.francoisarthanas.com/offers/Ay5GpCFB/checkout