Security+ is CompTIA’s entry-level cybersecurity certification. It’s one of the most recognized beginner certs in the field and often the first stop for anyone getting into cyber.

The SY0-701 is the latest version, updated to reflect current threats, tools, and concepts. It’s still vendor-neutral and foundational.

What COMPTIA Security+ SY0-701 Covers

The SY0-701 version sharpened the focus and slimmed down the content compared to the previous SY0-601. It now centers around core security roles and tasks, with a bit less overlap and fluff.

You’ll see topics like:

  • General Security Concepts
  • Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations
  • Security Architecture
  • Security Operations (incident response, monitoring)
  • Security Program Management & Governance (risk, compliance, frameworks)

Compared to older versions, it’s more focused, streamlined, and aligned with real job functions.

COMPTIA Security+ Exam Details

  • Prerequisites: None officially, but basic IT/networking knowledge helps.
  • Exam: 90 questions, multiple-choice + performance-based, 90 minutes.
  • Cost: ~$392 USD
  • Passing Score: 750 / 900

Who COMPTIA Security+ is For

  • Total beginners looking to break into cybersecurity or IT security roles
  • Career switchers from general IT, help desk, or networking backgrounds
  • Anyone needing a DoD 8570-compliant cert for government or contractor roles

Why will you need a notes system?

You could be actively working as a security analyst or a security consultant or you could be preparing and studying for a certification exam such as COMPTIA Security+ SY0-601. In both cases, a set of notes maintained in your repository where you can search for commands, concepts or use cases that could aid you in the task you are performing is necessary for a productive studying and/or working.

Who Are These Notes For?

Cybersecurity students preparing for certification exams such as COMPTIA Security+ exam.

The COMPTIA Security+ SY0-701 Study Notes PDF

This is a 193 pages of notes that will guide and help you prepare for and pass the COMPTIA Security+ SY0-701  exam.

When you buy this booklet, you will be entitled to receive content updates for 3 months on it with the same original price that you paid for.

Table of Contents:

– Data Classification and Data Types

– Networking for Security+

– Cloud Concepts

– Command-Line Tools

– Networking and SecurityDevices/Software

– Security Concepts

– Access Control Schemes

– Identity & Access Management

– Penetration Testing

– Secure Coding

– Logging

– Endpoint Security

– Wireless Security

– Risk Management

– Vulnerability Management

– Threat Hunting

– Cryptography

– Password Attacks

– Steganography

– Encryption

– Security Controls

– Physical Security

– Business Continuity and DisasterRecovery

– Incident Response

– Security Threats and Attacks

– Social Engineering

– Network Attacks

– Binary Exploitation Attacks

– Cybersecurity Frameworks

Format: PDF

Page Count: 193

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Study Notes
CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Study Notes
CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Study Notes

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You can buy the booklet directly by clicking on the button below

After you buy the booklet, you will be able to download the PDF booklet along with the markup files if you want to import them to Obsidian software.

How to pass COMPTIA Security+

Understand the Exam Structure

Knowing the exam format is key to your preparation strategy.

  • Number of Questions: Up to 90 questions.
  • Type of Questions: A combination of multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are simulations where you must perform specific tasks related to cybersecurity.
  • Time: 90 minutes.
  • Passing Score: 750 out of 900.
  • Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends having CompTIA Network+ and 2 years of experience in IT with a focus on security.

Exam Objectives:

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) exam covers five domains. You must focus on understanding key concepts from each:

  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%)

Create a Study Plan

To prepare thoroughly, create a structured study plan based on the time you have before the exam.

  • Duration: Ideally, plan for 6-12 weeks of preparation, depending on your prior knowledge and experience.
  • Daily Study: Dedicate at least 2-3 hours per day to studying the material, taking practice questions, and reinforcing concepts.
  • Weekend Focus: Spend more extended periods on weekends practicing simulations, PBQs, and reviewing weak areas.

Study Materials

Gather high-quality study resources that focus on both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

Books:

Online Courses:

  • Professor Messer’s Security+ Training: Free video courses that cover every exam objective in detail.
  • Udemy Security+ Course: Affordable and comprehensive video courses with practice exams.
  • Cybrary Security+ Course: Offers both free and premium courses for Security+ preparation.

Study Guides and Practice Exams:

  • CompTIA CertMaster Practice: Official practice exam resource from CompTIA.
  • Boson Practice Tests: High-quality practice exams that simulate the actual exam.
  • MeasureUp: Known for excellent practice exams that mimic the style and difficulty of the Security+ exam.

Understand the Exam Domains and Key Concepts

Domain 1: Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities (24%)

This domain covers common cybersecurity threats and attacks, including:

  • Malware types (viruses, worms, ransomware, trojans)
  • Social engineering attacks (phishing, pretexting, impersonation)
  • DoS/DDoS attacks
  • Application attacks (SQL injection, cross-site scripting, buffer overflow)
  • Zero-day vulnerabilities

Mastering this domain requires a deep understanding of real-world attack methods, threat actors, and their tactics.

Domain 2: Architecture and Design (21%)

Focuses on secure architecture concepts and design principles:

  • Defense-in-depth strategies
  • Secure network architecture (DMZ, VPN, network segmentation)
  • Cloud architecture and virtualization security
  • IoT security (Internet of Things)

Understand how to design systems that prevent and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Domain 3: Implementation (25%)

Covers implementation of secure systems, networks, and applications:

  • Encryption techniques (symmetric, asymmetric, hashing)
  • Wireless security (WPA3, EAP, PEAP)
  • Network protocols (SSH, SSL/TLS, IPSec)
  • Security controls (firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs)

This is the largest section and focuses on practical implementation of security technologies.

Domain 4: Operations and Incident Response (16%)

Covers incident response and operational security:

  • Forensics procedures (chain of custody, data acquisition)
  • Incident response (preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery)
  • Threat hunting and vulnerability scanning
  • SOC operations (Security Operations Center roles)

Be familiar with security monitoring tools and procedures.

Domain 5: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (14%)

Focuses on risk management, compliance, and policy creation:

  • Security frameworks (ISO, NIST, COBIT)
  • Risk management (risk assessment, risk mitigation, risk transference)
  • Compliance laws (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity planning

Understanding governance and risk strategies is crucial for this section.

Practice Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)

PBQs test your ability to perform tasks and solve problems in a simulated environment. These questions require hands-on knowledge of security tools and procedures.

Tips for PBQs:

  • Kali Linux: Practice common security tools available in Kali Linux, such as Nmap (for network scanning), Wireshark (for packet analysis), and Metasploit (for penetration testing).
  • Practice Lab Environments: Use platforms like TryHackMe, Cybrary, or Hack The Box to familiarize yourself with hands-on labs.
  • Professor Messer’s PBQ Simulations: Offers free examples of PBQs to help you practice these types of questions.

Use Practice Exams and Simulations

Taking practice exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare for Security+.

  • Timed Practice Exams: Simulate exam conditions by timing your practice exams to ensure you can complete 90 questions in 90 minutes.
  • Review Incorrect Answers: After each practice test, review incorrect answers to identify weak areas.
  • Track Your Progress: Aim for a score of 85% or higher on practice exams to ensure you’re ready for the actual exam.

Recommended Practice Test Providers:

  • Examcompass: Free CompTIA Security+ practice tests.
  • Boson: Premium practice exams known for being close to the real exam.
  • MeasureUp: Provides high-quality practice exams that mimic the actual Security+ exam questions.

Reinforce Concepts with Flashcards

Flashcards can help you memorize key concepts, acronyms, and security terms. You can make your own or use pre-made ones:

  • Anki: A great app for creating and reviewing digital flashcards.
  • Quizlet: Offers free Security+ flashcard sets created by other learners.

Focus on learning important concepts like:

  • CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
  • Common Acronyms (e.g., IPSec, IDS, TLS)
  • Key Security Terms (e.g., encryption, hashing, vulnerability)

Join Study Groups and Online Communities

Engage with others preparing for the Security+ exam. These communities can provide support, share resources, and clarify difficult topics.

Recommended Communities:

  • CompTIA Security+ Study Group (on Reddit): Active discussions, resources, and exam tips from fellow candidates.
  • Discord Study Groups: Various Discord servers focus on CompTIA certifications.
  • Facebook Groups: Look for Security+ study groups where members share tips and practice questions.

Exam Day Strategy

On the day of the exam, stay calm and focused. Here are some exam-day tips:

  • Tackle PBQs Early or Late: Some candidates prefer to tackle PBQs first, as they take longer. Others prefer to complete multiple-choice questions first and then return to PBQs.
  • Time Management: You have 90 minutes for 90 questions, so allocate about 1 minute per question. Mark questions for review if you’re unsure and return to them later.
  • Stay Calm: Don’t rush through the questions. Read each one carefully and eliminate obviously incorrect answers to increase your chances of guessing correctly if needed.

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Review

Security+ (SY0-701) is still the best entry-level cybersecurity cert out there. If you’re new to the field, it gives you a solid grounding, opens doors, and meets the requirements of many job listings. It’s not technical or advanced, but that’s the point — it’s meant to be your launchpad.

Best paired with: Labs (TryHackMe, RangeForce), real-world IT experience, or a follow-up cert like CySA+ or PenTest+ depending on your path.

Pros

  • Widely recognized and often required for entry-level jobs
  • Covers a little bit of everything — good for building a base
  • Affordable and accessible
  • Updated content aligns better with modern threats and tools
  • DoD approved and meets compliance requirements

Cons

  • Shallow depth — just an overview, not hands-on
  • Won’t qualify you alone for high-paying roles without experience
  • Still a lot to memorize, especially for non-technical folks

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) vs CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601)

Exam Domains and Weightings:

  • SY0-601:
    1. Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities – 24%​
    2. Implementation – 25%​
    3. Operations and Incident Response – 16%​
    4. Governance, Risk, and Compliance – 14%​
  • SY0-701:
    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%​

While both versions maintain five domains, SY0-701 introduces restructured and renamed domains to better reflect current industry practices. Additionally, SY0-701 has fewer objectives (28 compared to SY0-601’s 35), indicating a more focused approach. ​

Key Updates in SY0-701:

  • Current Trends: Emphasis on the latest developments in threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, automation, zero trust, risk, IoT, OT, and cloud environments. This includes enhanced focus on communication, reporting, and teamwork. ​
  • Hybrid Environments: Increased coverage of techniques for securing hybrid environments that encompass both cloud and on-premises infrastructures, acknowledging the prevalent shift towards such models. ​

What about the notes updates?

if you have been watching my YouTube Channel, you definitely know that those who subscribe to the second tier of my channel membership they instantly get access to a vast catalog of cybersecurity, penetration testing, digital marketing, system administration and data analytics notes catalog for 10$ along with the ability to receive all notes updates as long as they are subscribed so what does that mean?

This means if you want to stay up to date with the changes and updates to the notes and get access to other categories, I encourage to join the channel membership second tier instead. However, if you are fine with downloading the current version of this section of the notes then you can buy this booklet instead for a one-time payment.

Will the prices of this booklet change in the future?

Once another version of this booklet is released, which it will, the price will slightly change as the booklet will include more contents, notes and illustrations.

Free COMPTIA Security+ Training

Checkout the playlist below on my YouTube channel for Free COMPTIA Security+ Training