I don't know if anybody has ever thought of this. When we certify, CompTIA has certain paths and order of certifications that allows you to cover a whole set of certifications if you take an upper level exam. Like for example: you have A+, Network+ and Security+, you pass CySA+and all three certs are renewed. Cool. But not everyone do the certs in order and (please correct me if I'm wrong) CompTIA doesn't give you the chance of earning CEU's for other certs taken.

I have A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, CySA+, Pentest+ and CASP+..... We all know that CASP+ renews all the previous certs. What I find strange is that I took Linux+ and I can't get CEU's to apply to CASP+. The next cert I'm studying for is Cloud+ and it's the same deal. If we look at those 2 certs and how they can enhance my skill set as a CASP+ I can think of:

• Comprehensive Security Architecture: Both Cloud+ and Linux+ provide practical skills for designing, implementing, and managing secure environments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups, directly supporting CASP+'s focus on enterprise security.
• Improved Risk Management: The combined knowledge from these certifications equips a CASP+ professional with a holistic view of potential risks in cloud and Linux environments, enabling more effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Enhanced Incident Response and Automation: Proficiency in Linux and cloud automation tools enables the creation of efficient incident response mechanisms, aligning with CASP+'s emphasis on response strategies and automation to enhance security operations.
• Interoperability and Integration: Mastery of cloud and Linux systems supports CASP+ professionals in integrating various security solutions, ensuring interoperability while maintaining a strong security posture.

So, why doesn't CompTIA give us CEU's no matter in what order you take the certifications? In the end every test we take enhances our knowledge base. If you just have CASP+ we all know that CySA+, Linux+, etc will help us to be better prepared. I'm not talking about 50 CEU's here, I think 15-25 CEU's depending on the cert will be more than fair. Like for example, you are a CASP+ and pass Network+ or Security+ you get 15 CEU's each, you are a CASP+ and pass CySA+ or Cloud+ you get 25 CEU's each.

Any thoughts?

I passed the DataSys+ DS0-001 exam yesterday, thanks to the continuous support and encouragement from CIN and @Stephen Schneiter .

Has anyone had trouble getting a hold of their account rep to purchase training? I have been trying since the 13th and customer service say I can only put in a ticket and wait. I did that and I still do not have any contact with the business/academic partner team.

Does anyone know a work around?

Thanks!

Technology as a Resource

I am Certified in Azure, AWS and Oracle Cloud and looking forward to get certified in CompTIA Cloud+.
Is the exam similar to the other cloud vendors or does it take on its own tech.

@Stephen Schneiter was the material shared for this TTT

1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)​

• If you come across: User input fields (like comments or search bars)
  • Verify for:
    • Reflected XSS: Injecting scripts in the input to see if they are executed in the user's browser.
    • Persistent XSS: Checking if scripts are stored on the server and reflected back to users.
  • Prevention: Implement input validation, output encoding, and Content Security Policy (CSP).

2. Overflow Vulnerabilities​

• If you come across: User input or data handling that may exceed allocated memory
  • Verify for:
    • Buffer Overflow: Sending oversized inputs to trigger memory corruption.
    • Integer Overflow: Providing inputs that exceed maximum integer values.
    • Heap Overflow: Manipulating dynamic memory allocation to corrupt memory.
    • Stack Overflow: Causing the call stack to exceed its limit.
  • Prevention: Use safe coding practices, input validation, and memory management techniques.

3. Data Poisoning​

• If you come across: User-modifiable data inputs
  • Verify for: Manipulating data to affect the application's behavior or outcomes.
  • Prevention: Validate inputs and implement strong data integrity checks.

4. Broken Access Control​

• If you come across: User permissions or roles within the application
  • Verify for: Accessing restricted resources or functions without proper authorization.
  • Prevention: Enforce strict role-based access control (RBAC) and regularly audit access permissions.

5. Cryptographic Failures​

• If you come across: Data stored or transmitted securely (e.g., passwords, personal data)
  • Verify for: Weak encryption algorithms or improper key management.
  • Prevention: Use strong encryption protocols and ensure proper key storage and lifecycle management.

6. Injection Flaws​

• If you come across: Input fields that interact with databases or APIs
  • Verify for:
    • SQL Injection: Manipulating SQL queries through input fields.
    • Command Injection: Executing arbitrary commands on the server.
  • Prevention: Use parameterized queries, prepared statements, and input validation.

7. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)​

• If you come across: Forms that perform state-changing actions
  • Verify for: Unauthenticated requests being accepted by the application.
  • Prevention: Implement anti-CSRF tokens and validate the origin of requests.

8. Directory Traversal​

• If you come across: File upload or retrieval functions
  • Verify for: Accessing restricted directories using path traversal techniques.
  • Prevention: Validate and sanitize file paths and restrict access to sensitive directories.

9. Insecure Design​

• If you come across: Flaws in the application's architecture
  • Verify for: Design weaknesses that expose the application to various attacks.
  • Prevention: Follow secure design principles and perform threat modeling.

10. Security Misconfiguration​

• If you come across: Default settings in applications or services
  • Verify for: Misconfigured security settings or unused features being enabled.
  • Prevention: Regularly review and harden security configurations, and conduct security audits.

11. End-of-Life or Outdated Components​

• If you come across: Use of libraries or software that are no longer supported
  • Verify for: Known vulnerabilities associated with outdated components.
  • Prevention: Regularly update and patch software components and replace end-of-life software.

12. Identification and Authentication Failures​

• If you come across: Login or authentication mechanisms
  • Verify for: Weak password policies, account enumeration, or failure to implement multi-factor authentication.
  • Prevention: Enforce strong password policies and implement multi-factor authentication.

13. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)​

• If you come across: Applications making backend requests based on user input
  • Verify for: Manipulating requests to access internal services.
  • Prevention: Validate and sanitize user inputs, and restrict server-side requests.

14. Remote Code Execution (RCE)​

• If you come across: User inputs that are executed by the server
  • Verify for: Ability to execute arbitrary code on the server.
  • Prevention: Validate all inputs and use language features to limit code execution.

15. Privilege Escalation​

• If you come across: Role or permissions settings
  • Verify for: Users gaining unauthorized access to higher privilege levels.
  • Prevention: Implement the principle of least privilege and regularly review user roles.

16. Local File Inclusion (LFI) / Remote File Inclusion (RFI)​

• If you come across: File inclusion functionalities
  • Verify for: Ability to include local or remote files that could compromise the application.
  • Prevention: Validate and sanitize file paths and restrict the inclusion of sensitive files.

SHARE WITH US YOUR TIPS

Hello community,

What's the difference between passkeys being used for authentication
vs. public-key authentication?

Hi CINers ,
If anybody can help how can I get the instructor teaching aids in Testout Portal
there is only one button for reports in the enrolled Classes and courses > I cant see the other button (teaching aids).

Thank you

Greetings Ciners,

I am considering hiring an A+ instructor. He received his cert back in 1999 but has other IT exoerience. . Does he need to take the course again or is the TTT sufficient?

Thanks.

Has anyone heard if CompTIA plans to give full or partial credit for CEU renewal by passing a higher-level CompTIA data analytics certification?

Will DataSys+ give full or partial credit for CEUs for Data+?

Will DataX give full or partial credit for CEUs for DataSys+ and/or Data+?

I've put together a curated list of free and paid resources to help us prepare our students for the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-004 exam. It includes links to valuable labs, courses, and reading materials. Feel free to check it out and share with your classes!

@Stephen Schneiter ,Are the vouchers still be distributed from the Network+ TTT. I still haven't received mine yet. I'm wondering if others are in the same boat?
Thanks in Advance.

Thanks to Comptia and his helpful team... @Stephen Schneiter
I passed Network+ 009 exam yesterday...

What's next ...

CINers have you ever thought of doing a live data migration by using proxmox VE and experience its smooth operations!!

I have a few questions about this :

1. Who is this for?? Must you be a DBA? Just curious about crunching data?

2. How SQL heavy is this exam?

3. How deep is security covered? SQLi etc?

Thank you inquiring minds want to know

Hey there, CINners!

I'm running into some trouble accessing the Instructor Resources, for the Test Out Office Pro. I tried accessing them, but it 'refuses to connect'. It doesn't seem to be an internet issue.

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Hi there

Just out of curiosity, is anyone else getting this error message for the PBQ titled, "Core 2 PBQ: Supporting OS/App Installations Performance-based Question"

I've tried contacting CompTIA Customer Care but received the general "clear your cookies and cache" response. A few of my students have also brought this to my attention so I'm wondering if this is affecting all users.

One challenge we face as instructors is bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world IT skills. For example, students might excel in simulations but struggle with hands-on troubleshooting in real environments. How do you address this skills gap in your courses? I’ve incorporated more real-world scenarios into labs, but I’m curious about other techniques.

ChatGPT’s Footer​

In a recent ChatGPT session, I noticed the footer “Don’t share sensitive info. Chats may be reviewed and used to train our models. Learn more.” Not sure if they recently added it, or if our ChatGPT friends have put that there from the beginning. Regardless, I am writing about sharing sensitive information in AI prompts today. My example is of ChatGPT but I feel this advice applies to all AI interactions.

Why You Should Keep Personal Info Out of ChatGPT, and All AI Engines​

Keep ePHI (electronic protected health information) out of AI prompts.
When using ChatGPT or any AI engine, it’s important to be careful about what information you share. You should avoid putting personal details or health information in your prompts. This helps protect your privacy and keeps sensitive data safe. ChatGPT uses the information you give it to create responses. While the company behind ChatGPT, OpenAI, says they try to keep data private, that is a beautiful plan IMO. Here’s why:

1. Your conversations might be reviewed by AI trainers to improve the system.
2. De-identified information could be used for research.
3. There’s a chance your input could appear in responses to other users.

OpenAI encrypts the data you enter, but they don’t sign special agreements to protect health information (ePHI). This means it’s best to assume anything you type into ChatGPT could potentially be seen by others.

Protecting Your Privacy When Using ChatGPT​

To use AI engines safely:

• Don’t enter any personal details like names, addresses, or phone numbers.
• Avoid sharing health information or financial data.
• Be careful not to include details that could identify you or others.
• Remember that deleting prompts later isn’t always possible for regular users.

If you’re using ChatGPT for work, especially in healthcare or finance, it’s extra important to follow these guidelines. Your company might have rules about what information can be shared with outside services.

By being careful about what you share, you can enjoy using AI while keeping your personal information secure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting private data online.

More​

AI ain’t so tough. See https://cybersafetynet.net/category/ai/ to help understand and use Artificial intelligence.

I’m still waiting for my Network + voucher. Any updates on when it might be coming?

With Comptia rebranding the CASP+ exam to the SecurityX exam, (with the feedback being questionable at best, as per Login to view embedded media , Login to view embedded media , and Login to view embedded media ), and ITF being rebranded as Tech+ ( https://www.comptia.org/blog/comptia-tech-vs-comptia-itf-for-it-basics-whats-the-difference), is it time for the CompTIA A+ course to be rebranded CompTIA ITsupport+? or Support+?

I know the A+ has been around for ~30years, and has a history, but the A+ description doesn't really explain what the course does... with the other fundamentals being about Networking and Security, changing the A+ certification to be more descriptive of what the course covers, might make it more recognizable to HR recruiters and IT managers.

Just something to ponder

Hello CIN Team,

Firstly, thank you Stephen and Don for a fantastic TTT series. I really enjoyed it.

I finally got my hands on the instructor resources for this new version of Network+ and I was looking at the pacing guide. I'm interested in the 5 day pacing which is what my academy is delivering courses to. I noticed that the 5 day sheet in the pacing guide has you doing 20 hour per day for 5 days I also noted that there were around 160 short labs for the learners to do which aren't part of the pacing. I thought the latest Sec+ (701) planner did a pretty good job of breaking things out into what to do in class and how to pace over 5 days. Does anyone have any recommendation on teaching over 5 days or is there a better planner in the works somewhere ?

Thanks
Rasheed

When students reach out and ask me for additional training materials, we often share Jason Dion in Udemy and Mike Meyers. Does anyone else have a go-to training program that they share that doesn't go against CompTIA guidelines?