When sending an email with an attachment, does anyone routinely encrypt the attachment?
If so, what do you use to peform the encryption?

Hello CINners,

Got a couple a questions regarding Password Managers.

Q1. Is Password Manager covered on any of the CompTIA exams?


Q2. If you use a Password Manager, which one do you use? I would
have included a couple of names in my question, but I don't want to
influence anyone.


Thanks CINners!

When imparting knowledge of CompTIA certifications, the task does not only include syllabus content, it also involves sharpening the minds of the students. This week I turned to problem solving in dynamic tasks of A+ certification for students and also started using memory aids such as remembering their OSI mnemonics A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5.

Memory aids allow students to learn almost easily. For instance, ‘Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away’ in order to remember OSI layers! Another source that can be considered is the link on memory devices:

Core1
Core2

What other memory devices do you have that assist your students? Let’s combine our strength and creativity!

Hello CINners,

I'm seeking persons who have 2-3 years of practical experience using Nmap.
Now, before you get too excited, there's no pay involved here!!!

Still reading? Okay, a colleague of mine is developing a certification exam
blueprint for Nmap Security Specialists, and she requires persons to participate
in a survey, that will require 30-45 minutes to complete. If you think you are
willing to spare that amount of time, and are able to complete the survey by
December 20, please let me hear from you.

Just let me know that you meet the criteria, and that you would like to help!

Many thanks in advance!!!

They don't even need to be in range of your network - just hacking an adjacent network is all that's needed

The Daisy Chain Attack

Simulation labs offer practical experience, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world application for CompTIA A+ certification. They assist in developing confidence when addressing actual troubleshooting situations, equipping you for achievement in both examinations and IT professions.

These labs not only prepare students for exams but also equip them with practical skills they’ll use in their IT careers.

Enhance your lessons with a simulation lab:

TestOut-Hands-On Lab Simulations

I took Cloud+ few days ago and passed

Hello fellow CINers! I just wanted to share that I have successfully completed my Pentest exam with a 760/750! I know the beta is out but I needed this to finish my degree. This is the hardest test I have taken thus far. Whew! Now on to the N009 and I will be done for a while. My brain needs a break!

Principles (reasons for effectiveness) objective 1.1 CompTIA Security plus Sy0-601

Authority: Having faith in those in positions of power, even when they are incorrect. An employee was duped by a CEO scam email into sending $47 million.

Intimidation: Fear forces quick, irrational actions. IRS scam calls threaten arrests for unpaid taxes.

Consensus: Adhering to the herd, even when it doesn't make sense. "Your coworkers already signed up for this!" emails lead to phishing pages.

Scarcity: Limited-time offers. Scammers use "limited deals" on phony websites to entice victims of Black Friday scams.

Familiarity: Trusting what is known, even if it is out of date. False WeTransfer emails spread viruses by using recognizable branding.

Trust: Having too much faith in people or institutions. Scammers on LinkedIn establish a rapport while sending harmful links.

Urgency: Making snap decisions without giving them enough thought. Credential theft results from "Reset your password now or lose access!" prompts.

In a discussion today with another instructor that centered on CompTIA's Tech+ certification, I went to the CompTIA.ORG site and ended up here:

The site indicates the following:

Exam details coming soon.​

Note - Unexpired ITF+ certification exam vouchers can be used for the Tech+ certification exams.​

Does anyone know what's going on? Is the exam live? Vouchers for Tech+ do not appear as available for purchase on the CompTIA Academic Store.

Recently the latest comptia Exams are testing on programming languages reading the output of a code or scripts in few programming languages. In official book or lab we don't have any info about it. For IT students it's easy for them to understand. But for non IT students even corporate people for example accounting or management people is quite hard for them to take up without knowing basic programming. We as trainer also having hard time explain to them when they ask why all this not in book but is tested in exam?

Is future comptia course going to be for IT students only?

My suggestion is add in a module to teach basic programming in our modules. Non IT Students will be able to answer the questions tested in exam.

The output from tools or OS is easy for students bcos they practice in lab and they have it in official book.

Programming languages?

Hello CINners,

I'd like to learn what antivius (AV) sotware you're running
on your endpoint(s) - either at your residence, or at the
place of your professional endeavor.

Thank you.

So, this is a for-what-it's-worth topic? I saw this story on the morning news and was just left with one question. Why? https://www.today.com/news/ai-jesus-christ-switzerland-controversy-rcna182980

I thought I would share with the community to get some insight. A church in Switzerland ran an experiment where it used an AI generated Jesus to listen to confessions and provide feedback. The avatar of Jesus was created using OpenAI's GPT-40. According the story, the AI Jesus confessional was very popular and many folks came to talk to it!

So then I started thinking.
If we are starting to experiment with AI Jesus, replacing the priest as the middleman, what is next?
Who will be next to be replaced by AI?
What does this mean for education?
This brings back the original question we have heard for years. In the long run, will AI replace all of our jobs?

Looking forward to your insights!

It is time! The brand new CompTIA certification for advanced networking, CloudNetX CNX-001 is coming! Join us as we welcome @jasoneckert who will share his insights from an industry network architect and instructor experience. Join the conversation as we discuss various types of scenarios and ways to prepare students for the exam when it is released in 2025.

The CompTIA CloudNetX+ certification exam will:

• Validate skills in advanced network and system architecture for designing and managing complex, hybrid, IT infrastructures.
• Be designed around the tasks performed by a network architect, infrastructure architect, enterprise architect and cloud architect.
• Be a natural progression for the job roles aligned to CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Cloud+

What: CIN Sneak Peek Series CloudNetX CNX-001
When: December 12, 2024, 1:00-3:00 pm CDT
Who: Jason Eckert
Where: ON24
REGISTER HERE

Nearly Half of security professionals believe AI Is risky - many seeing leaked training data as a threat.
Are you included in that "nearly" half????

My CEO is leaning on my department to find out more about this new corse that is on a email we received stating that it’s available. But I can not find any more details about AI Essentials on the CompTIA web site. Where can I find or get details about this corse?

Hello CINners,

This question may seem a little broad, but I'm going to ask
it anyway, to see what kind of responses it pulls in.

Question: What are the three core goals of information security?

I'll provide my answer on eve of the next calendar holiday, or on
the day of.

SAN FRANCISCO, MIAMI, and DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G.") and Thoma Bravo are pleased to announce the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the brand and world-leading information technology (IT) certification and training business and products of the Computing Technology Industry Association ("CompTIA").


CompTIA is a global leader in IT certifications and trainings, focused on promoting industry growth and skills development across the $5 trillion global IT ecosystem and its 38 million professionals. It provides comprehensive education, training, certifications, and market research, across areas including cybersecurity, emerging technologies, networking, cloud computing, and technical support. As the largest vendor-neutral credentialing program for technology workers, CompTIA has awarded over 3.5 million globally recognized certifications to professionals across the full range of technology companies. It also maintains a strong global partner program with thousands of academic institutions, non-profits, job corps centers, and other organizations, focused on developing and certifying the next generation of technology talent. Following the closing of the transaction, CompTIA will operate as a for-profit company under H.I.G. and Thoma Bravo's ownership. Its existing membership-based, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization will be separated from CompTIA and continue its mission of service to the IT industry.


"We are thrilled to be joining forces with two leading, experienced investors in the technology space, whose expertise and resources will allow us to expand our impact on the global IT industry," said Todd Thibodeaux, President and CEO at CompTIA. "Through this transaction, we will be well-positioned to accelerate and expand the rollout of products and services to train the highly skilled workers of the future, and further strengthen our reputation across the industry as the leading provider of certifications and trainings."


"The Association's Board of Directors is very excited to be working with H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo in this transformational process for the Association and also for the CompTIA business," said Tracy Pound, Chair of CompTIA's Board.

"This transaction will allow the Association to chart an expanded course of service to the global IT industry while making a substantial new commitment to charitable impact," added Scott Barlow, Vice Chair of CompTIA's Board.

"We are delighted to partner with Todd and the rest of the CompTIA team," said Matthew Robinson, Managing Director at H.I.G. "We look forward to embarking together with management on CompTIA's next phase of growth as a business fully dedicated to advancing the careers of IT professionals globally."

"Global education is continually evolving to become more skills-based, and CompTIA is powering that shift with partnerships spanning academic institutions, private enterprises, government entities, and training delivery partners," said Matt Hankins, Managing Director at H.I.G. "CompTIA's educational training content and certifications are enabling people across the world to gain entry and advancement in the IT space to unlock personal earning potential."

"The technology landscape is evolving quickly, and it is more important than ever that IT professionals have the skills needed to solve not only today's challenges, but also those expected to emerge in the future," said A.J. Rohde, Senior Partner at Thoma Bravo. "We view our investment in CompTIA as an important opportunity to capitalize on this growing need while investing in the development of the industry as a whole."

"CompTIA is a trusted name in IT, with significant partnerships across sectors and industries," said George Jaber, Principal at Thoma Bravo. "We look forward to working with CompTIA to invest in further developing its suite of industry-leading training and certification products, creating the next generation of resources that the industry needs while upholding CompTIA's global reputation."

The transaction is expected to close in early 2025 and is subject to customary regulatory approval.

Macquarie Capital, Ropes & Gray LLP, and Polsinelli LLP are serving as advisors to H.I.G. and Thoma Bravo. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to CompTIA and Husch Blackwell LLP is serving as legal advisor.

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. Millions of current and aspiring technology workers around the world rely on CompTIA for the training, education and professional certifications that give them the confidence and skills to work in tech. For more information, visit comptia.org.

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. Capital is a leading global alternative investment firm with $65 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Dubai, and Hong Kong, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:

• H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses.
• H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche, and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. also manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance.
• H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.
• H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com.

*Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates.

About Thoma Bravo

Thoma Bravo is one of the largest software-focused investors in the world, with approximately $160 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. Through its private equity, growth equity and credit strategies, the firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging Thoma Bravo's deep sector knowledge and strategic and operational expertise, the firm collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices and drive growth initiatives. Over the past 20+ years, the firm has acquired or invested in more than 490 companies representing approximately US$265 billion in enterprise value (including control and non-control investments). The firm has offices in Chicago, London, Miami, New York and San Francisco. For more information, visit thomabravo.com.

I wanted to know if any Career Center Instructors that cover the Network+ and Security+ curriculum uses a Capstone project to help the students go more in depth and hone their strenghts and weaknesses. Do you have any documentation that you would be willing to share to get me started. I was thinking of having the Networking students create and harden, and have the Cyber students try to pick it apart and find weaknesses.

Thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction.

This poll is open to all participants on the CIN message boards, from instructors to CompTIA staff.

Do you possess an advanced degree, and if you do, is it technical or non-technical?

Feel free to discuss the topic below, but please leave your response in the poll.

@Stephen Schneiter i have not received my voucher for N+ please.. All my colleagues have gotten. Please update.

What do you think CINners - does this look accurate?

Yes, I know that there are a great number of non-US CIN'ers out here, and today is just another work day for y'all, but...to all of you here on the CompTIA Instructor Network in the US or elsewhere that are overloading on turkey and stuffing:

Happy Thanksgiving!

So, I'm going to do a thread and see if anyone wants to jump in, etc etc...

1) So, I had a great time at the CompTIA Summit this year - I got to meet a lot of you (and see a few of you in various states of inebriation, but still...). Notable folks that I got to meet for the first time would be @Llewellyn, @JanetAZ, @Laurie Seeder @bnguyen , @Brandon G , @Dwight Watt , @Mol_lyC , @iamthewhiz @MelisParker, @Jagger Coffey @Tilley IT Training @Mark Anthony Germanos, @TraceyO , @NikkiH, @LynW, @Kwabena Fred and a number of other folks (of whom I couldn't find your CIN tag).

(yes, this was also a shameless plug to get some more folks to post on the board...since we haven't seen them in a hot minute...)

2) I'm thankful that I was able to meet some major deadlines at work. We're rolling Anthology for our college, having bought up two other smaller schools, and with all that stress, I wanted to say that I'm grateful for having good folks to work with. If any of you folks are also doing admin for Anthology Student in your schools, I want to talk with you. DM me, if you would.

3) I'm gratified that, despite my crazy schedule, I got through at least a couple of exams this year, namely MS900 and SC900 from Microsoft, as well as DataSys+ (upcoming perhaps in a week or so). In a lot of ways, it's you folks and others like you that keep me going when I could just stop. I think that's the best thing we have going here on CIN. And a lot of you just got your SecurityX, which is huge - I'll go after mine in 2025, after re-upping on Cloud+, and maybe another SC from MSFT. So many tests...

4) And yes, I'm thankful all of you - the "usual suspects" or the "CIN Motley Crew" (you know who you are). You guys are just one reason why I can't ever get work done - because I'm out here, mixing it up with you.

Anyway, for those that are celebrating the holiday, Happy Thanksgiving. And if you're not...well...we'll still save you a piece of pie ala mode if you drop by.

Cheers,

Rick