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Recent Posts

  • Personnel Security Awareness

    Personnel Security Awareness

    Personnel security awareness training helps mitigate risk and reduce security incidents. If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand the importance of training related to organizational security. See if you can answer this question? …
  • Identifying Critical Systems

    Identifying Critical Systems

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand business impact analysis concepts. It helps an organization identify critical systems and components that are essential to the organization’s success. For example, can you answer this …
  • Attacks Against Systems & Networks

    Attacks Against Systems & Networks

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand many common and advanced types of attacks launched against systems and networks. See if you can answer this sample practice test question. Q. While reviewing logs …
  • SY0-601 Differences

    SY0-601 Differences

    As I’m updating the CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide, I’ve noticed that the SY0-601 is much more comprehensive. There’s a lot more for test takers to study and understand. I was wondering if I was just …
  • Protecting Data with Backups

    Protecting Data with Backups

    Backups are copies of data created to ensure that when the original data is lost or corrupted, it can be restored. If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand backup concepts in relation to …
  • Managing Data from Multiple Sources

    Managing Data from Multiple Sources

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should have a basic understanding of some specific tools used to assess networks and manage risks. This includes using a centralized solution for collecting, analyzing, and managing data …
  • Mobile Device Management

    Mobile Device Management

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand mobile device management concepts. This includes tools that help enforce security policies on mobile devices. They also include enforcing strong authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access. …
  • Detecting Trojans

    Detecting Trojans

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand the different types of malware such as Trojans. A Trojan appears to be one thing, such as pirated software or free antivirus software, but is something …
  • Comparing Embedded Systems

    Comparing Embedded Systems

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should have a basic understanding of the impact associated with different types of vulnerabilities. This includes the security implications of embedded systems that are now in printers, vehicles, …
  • Creating Secure Applications

    Creating Secure Applications

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand secure application development and deployment concepts. This includes common methods used to create secure applications such as development life-cycle models and using testing to ensure code …
  • Hi Ho

    Hi Ho

    During my high school days, I picked up a Kurt Vonnegut novel. I don’t remember which one (Slaughterhouse-Five maybe?), but I thoroughly enjoyed it and quickly finished it. Hi ho. I kept going back to the library, checking out another …
  • SY0-501 Security+ Beta Questions

    SY0-501 Security+ Beta Questions

    Do you know about the SY0-601 Security+ beta questions that are appearing in the SY0-501 Security+ exam? It’s an old story. When CompTIA is about to launch a new version of an exam, they seed the current version with beta …
  • Identifying Social Engineering

    Identifying Social Engineering

    If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand social engineering. This includes several techniques attackers use to trick users. For example, can you answer this question? Q. While cleaning out his desk, Bart threw …
  • Vulnerability Assessment Tools

    Vulnerability Assessment Tools

    Vulnerabilities are weaknesses, and by reducing vulnerabilities, you can reduce risks.  If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand of many of the common tools used for vulnerability assessments. For example, can you answer …
  • Are You Using Quality Practice Test Questions?

    Are You Using Quality Practice Test Questions?

    People regularly pass certification exams using quality practice test questions. This includes passing the Security+ exam. Unfortunately, the Internet is filled with poor quality Security+ practice test questions. These often have incorrect answers and lack explanations. As a result, people …

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CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide

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Personnel Security Awareness

Posted by on September 25 in Security+ | 0 comments

Personnel security awareness training helps mitigate risk and reduce security incidents. If you’re planning to take the SY0-501 version of the Security+ exam, you should understand the importance of training related to organizational security.

See if you can answer this question?

Q. Social engineers have launched several successful phone-based attacks against your organization resulting in several data leaks. Which of the following would be MOST effective at reducing the success of these attacks?

A. Implement a BYOD policy.

B. Update the AUP.

C. Provide training on data handling.

D. Implement a program to increase security awareness.

More, do you know why the correct answer is correct and the incorrect answers are incorrect? The answer and explanation are available at the end of this post.

Role-Based Awareness Training

Role-based awareness training is targeted to personnel based on their roles. The primary goal is to minimize the risk to the organization, and by giving users the training they need, they are better prepared to avoid threats.

The following roles often require role-based training:
• Data owner. Data owners need to understand their responsibilities related to data that they own. This includes ensuring that the data is classified correctly and ensuring that the data is labeled to match the classification. They are also responsible for ensuring adequate security controls are implemented to protect the data. While they often delegate day-to-day tasks to data custodians, they cannot delegate their responsibility.
• System administrator. System administrators are responsible for the overall security of a system. They often need technical training so that they understand the software capabilities and vulnerabilities, and how to ensure the system is operating in a secure state. As a simple example, if an organization purchases a new hardware firewall, system administrators need training to ensure they know how to implement it securely.
• System owner. A system owner is typically a high-level executive or department head who has overall responsibility for the system. While system owners won’t perform daily maintenance on their systems, they are responsible for ensuring that system administrators have the skills and knowledge to maintain them.
Personnel Security Awareness• User. Regular end users need to understand common threats, such as malware and phishing attacks. They also need to understand the risk posed by clicking an unknown link and how drive-by downloads can infect their system. Training can include a wide variety of topics depending on the organization and can be delivered via different methods. For example, security experts can send emails informing users of current threats. Some training is delivered via web sites, in a classroom, or informally by supervisors. Training is often included when users review and sign an organization’s AUP.
• Privileged user. A privileged user is any user with more rights and permissions than typical end users. Privileged users need training on the classification and labeling of data that they handle. Administrators are often required to use two accounts, one for regular use and one for administrative use. For administrators to follow this policy, they need to understand why it’s implemented and the potential repercussions if the administrator always uses the administrator account.
• Executive user. Executives need high-level briefings related to the risks that the organization faces, along with information on the organization’s overall information security awareness program. Additionally, executives should be trained on whaling attacks because attackers target executives with malicious phishing emails.
• Incident response team. An incident response team needs detailed training on how to respond to incidents. Even within the team, personnel might require different training. For example, security personnel responsible for forensic investigations need specialized forensic training.

The success of any security awareness and training plan is directly related to the support from senior management. If senior management supports the plan, middle management and employees will also support it. On the other hand, if senior management does not show support for the plan, it’s very likely that personnel within the organization will not support it either.

Full Security+ Course

SY0-501 Full Security+ Course

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Online access includes all of the content from the

CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide

  • Introduction
  • About the exam (including information on the number of questions, test duration, passing score, types of questions and more. Also includes a listing of the exam objectives)
  • 75 question pre-assessment exam
  • Mastering Security Basics (full content from Chapter 1 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Understanding Identity and Access Management (full content from Chapter 2 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Exploring Network Technologies and Tools (full content from Chapter 3 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Securing Your Network (full content from Chapter 4 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Securing Hosts and Data (full content from Chapter 5 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Comparing Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Common Attacks (full content from Chapter 6 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Protecting Against Advanced Attacks (full content from Chapter 7 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Using Risk Management Tools (full content from Chapter 8 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Implementing Controls to Protect Assets (full content from Chapter 9 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Understanding Cryptography and PKI (full content from Chapter 10 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • Implementing Policies to Mitigate Risks (full content from Chapter 11 of the study guide including the exam topic review and 15 practice test questions)
  • 75 question post-assessment exam
  • Glossary

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Random 75-question tests

Random practice tests from the all of the practice test questions in the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. All questions include explanations so you'll know why the correct answers are correct, and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.

3 sets Performance-based Questions

Three new sets of performance-based questions with a total of 30 questions. These new questions use a new testing engine that includes realistic drag and drop, matching, sorting, and fill in the blank questions.

Flashcard Set

  • 494 Online Security+ Glossary Flashcards
  • 222 Online Security+ Acronyms Flashcards
  • 223 Online Security+ Remember This Slide from the popular CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide

Audio - SY0-501 Security+ Remember This Audio Files

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Audio - SY0-501 Security+ Question and Answer Audio Files

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Bonus #1

Audio from the end of chapter reviews from each of the chapters in the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. Over one hour and 40 minutes of additional audio.

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Access to all of the online content that is available for free to anyone that purchases the CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide. This includes labs, extra practice test questions, and supplementary materials

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Access the study materials for a total of 60 days because sometimes life happens.

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Continuing Education

Training is rarely a once and done event. Instead, personnel need to regularly receive additional training to ensure they are up to date on current threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies. If network administrators are still using the same practices and technologies they learned 10 years ago, their networks are very likely vulnerable to a multitude of attacks.

This concept is used in many different professions. For example, your doctor is required to regularly attend continuing education to update her knowledge. That’s a good thing. When you’re receiving medical treatment and advice, you don’t want treatment and advice that was valid a decade ago, but might not be valid today. Similarly, many certifications (including the CompTIA Security+ certification) have formal continuing education requirements.

Continuing education within an organization can take many forms. It’s often possible to send personnel to classes to update their knowledge. When many people need the same training, an organization will often bring in a trainer to teach a class in-house.

CompTIA Security+ Study Guide

The 501 Version of the Study Guide

The CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide is an update to the top-selling SY0-201, SY0-301, and SY0-401 study guides, which have helped thousands of readers pass the exam the first time they took it.  It includes the same elements readers raved about in the previous three versions.

Each of the eleven chapters presents topics in an easy to understand manner and includes real-world examples of security principles in action.

You’ll understand the important and relevant security topics for the Security+ exam, without being overloaded with unnecessary details. Additionally, each chapter includes a comprehensive review section to help you focus on what’s important.

Over 300 realistic practice test questions with in-depth explanations will help you test your comprehension and readiness for the exam. The book includes:

  • A 75 question pre-test
  • A 75 question post-test
  • Practice test questions at the end of every chapter.

Each practice test question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the content and the reasoning behind the question. You’ll be ready to take and pass the exam the first time you take it.

If you plan to pursue any of the advanced security certifications, this guide will also help you lay a solid foundation of security knowledge. Learn this material, and you’ll be a step ahead for other exams. This SY0-501 study guide is for any IT or security professional interested in advancing in their field, and a must-read for anyone striving to master the basics of IT security.

Kindle edition also available.

Q. Social engineers have launched several successful phone-based attacks against your organization resulting in several data leaks. Which of the following would be MOST effective at reducing the success of these attacks?

A. Implement a BYOD policy.

B. Update the AUP.

C. Provide training on data handling.

D. Implement a program to increase security awareness.

Answer is D. The best choice of the available answers is to implement a program to increase security awareness, and it could focus on social engineering attacks.

A bring your own device (BYOD) policy or an acceptable use policy (AUP) doesn’t apply in this scenario.

Training is useful, but training users on data handling won’t necessarily educate them on social engineering attacks.

See Chapter 11 of the CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide for more information on implementing policies to mitigate risks.

CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide

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