Last week I delivered a Pentest+ for Firebrand training, the labs were a great resource to support the course. Have you delivered a Pentest+ recently and used the labs.

Are we still having TTT session 7 today?

CompTIA DataX is a new certification for experienced technology professionals seeking to validate their competencies in the dynamic field of data science. CompTIA Data+ is based on extensive input from experienced data scientists working in the public and private sectors, focuses on the skills critical to a data scientist's success. It's also the first of the new CompTIA Xpert Series for IT professionals with multiple years of work experience who want to confirm their expert-level knowledge of business-critical technologies.

Hello, any possibilities of N+009 Exam voucher distribution this coming week?

In session #5 of the DataX TTT series, 'Neural Networks" were discussed.

Neural Networks are computational models that mimic the complex functions of the human brain.

Sorry, I have a problems
Where can I find the slides for teaching this course?
If I purchase the Instructor book for the course, will the slides be included? (on the Comptia store description it's not clear)
Furthermore, on the comptia store, reading the description for Instructor book N10-009 it seems that the PDF manual it's not included and cannot be downloaded, is it true?
Thanks in advance
Aldo

Let follow-ups strengthen your AI embrace​

Anybody looking at AI (Artificial Intelligence) and asking: “How can it make my life easier?” Yes, my fellow instructors here on CIN, I am talking to you. Here’s something built into AI that can help: Follow-ups. You can ask your favorite AI engine a question then write a follow-up to give you a more concise answer. Here’s how.

Follow-ups help you understand and use AI​

I am using Perplexity Pro, available at https://perplexity.ai. Here’s my first prompting example: “How much water should a 50-year-old man drink each day?” Perplexity answers with:

For a 50-year-old man, the general recommendation for daily water intake is about 15.5 cups, which is equivalent to approximately 3.7 liters or 125 ounces of fluids per day. This guideline includes all fluids consumed, not just plain water. About 20% of this fluid intake typically comes from food, with the remaining 80% from beverages. However, individual water needs can vary based on several factors:

• Activity Level: Increased physical activity, especially in hot or humid conditions, can increase water needs due to higher sweat losses.
• Climate and Environment: Living in hot, dry, or high-altitude areas can increase fluid requirements.
• Health Conditions: Certain health issues or medications may affect hydration needs. For example, conditions like diabetes or medications such as diuretics can increase fluid loss.
• Age: As people age, their sense of thirst can diminish, making it important to consciously ensure adequate fluid intake.

It’s important to note that while these are general guidelines, the best approach is to listen to your body. Drinking enough water to maintain clear, pale urine and adjusting intake based on thirst and activity level are practical strategies to ensure proper hydration.

Click to expand...

It is HOT outside​

Let’s follow-up this answer. I can add more info to create a more valuable answer. In the same thread, the prompt box presents, “Ask follow-up.” OK. Let’s do that. I type: “and the man works outside and the high temperatures this week will surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit.” Perplexity answers with:

When working outside in high temperatures, such as those exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is crucial to increase water intake to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. For a 50-year-old man working in such conditions, the following hydration guidelines are recommended:

• Drink Regularly: Consume approximately 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. This equates to about 0.75 to 1 quart (24 to 32 ounces) per hour.
• Avoid Overhydration: Do not exceed 48 ounces (1.5 quarts) of water per hour to avoid hyponatremia, a condition caused by low sodium levels in the blood due to excessive water intake.
• Electrolyte Replacement: Consider drinking beverages with electrolytes, such as sports drinks, especially during prolonged periods of sweating, to replenish lost minerals like sodium and potassium.

Additionally, it is important to take regular breaks in shaded or cooler areas and to monitor for signs of dehydration and heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, fatigue, or muscle cramps. Adjusting work schedules to cooler parts of the day and wearing appropriate clothing can also help mitigate heat stress.

Click to expand...

Reading level​

You can write (or let your AI engine write) content and check the Flesh-Kincaid grade reading level. Wikipedia has a fantastic article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flesch–Kincaid_readability_tests#Flesch–Kincaid_grade_level. Getting back to business… I type: “and respond at a 6th grade reading level.” Perplexity answers with:

When it’s really hot outside, like over 100 degrees, and you’re working outside, it’s super important to drink more water to stay safe and healthy. Here are some simple tips:

• Drink Often: Try to drink about a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. That’s about 3 to 4 cups every hour.
• Don’t Drink Too Much: It’s important not to drink more than 6 cups of water in an hour so you don’t get sick from too much water.
• Electrolytes: Sometimes, it’s good to drink sports drinks. They help replace important things like salt that you lose when you sweat a lot.

Also, make sure to take breaks in the shade and watch out for signs that you might need more water, like feeling dizzy or tired. If you can, try to work during the cooler parts of the day and wear light, breathable clothes.

Click to expand...

Just easier and more friendly, right? That’s because this verbiage is for those reading at a 6th grade reading level. Although this means kids in Junior High, it is also the reading level of several prominent newspapers. Sad. Sad. Sad. I know. Getting back to business… I type one more prompt: “and make this a Facebook post.” Perplexity answers with:

? **Stay Hydrated in the Heat!** ?
Hey everyone! With temperatures soaring over 100 degrees this week, it’s super important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re working outside. Here are some easy tips to keep in mind:

– ? Drink Often: Aim for about a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. That’s around 3 to 4 cups an hour!

– ? Don’t Overdo It: Be careful not to drink more than 6 cups in an hour to avoid feeling sick.

– ? Electrolytes are Key: Consider sipping on sports drinks to replace important stuff like salt that you lose when you sweat.

Remember to take breaks in the shade and watch out for signs of dehydration, like feeling dizzy or tired. If possible, try to work during cooler parts of the day and wear light, comfy clothes. Stay safe and cool out there! ??
#StayHydrated #BeatTheHeat #SummerSafety.”

Click to expand...

Even more fun than the previous answer​

This is the easiest read. It also has cute emoticons, which Perplexity feels work well at Facebook. You polish your shoes to reach a better shine. You polish your AI prompts to reach better answers. Although I could have put all the prompts in one long run-on sentence, I was showing your follow-ups help you reach an answer that works. In case your wondering about all the “ands” in my prompts, see https://cybersafetynet.net/and-and-and-perplexity-ai-and-and-and/ to understand why I do that. Enjoy.

More​

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

Has anyone received their voucher for Network+ yet? Not sure if it has been issued...thought I would ask....

Hello community,

Does anyone know if the DataX beta exam has become available?

In the list of items below, which ones refer to a statistical method?


• t-tests
• Chi-squared test
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
• Hypothesis testing
• Confidence intervals
• Regression performance metrics
- R2
- Adjusted R2
- Root mean square error (RMSE)
- F statistic
• Gini index
• Entropy
• Information gain
• p value
• Type I and Type II errors
• Receiver operating characteristic/
area under the curve (ROC/AUC)
• Akaike information criterion/
Bayesian information criterion
(AIC/BIC)
• Correlation coefficients
- Pearson correlation
- Spearman correlation
• Confusion matrix
- Classifier performance metrics
o Accuracy
o Recall
o Precision
o F1 score
o Matthews Correlation
Coefficient (MCC)
• Central limit theorem
• Law of large numbers

There is a TTT session currently underway, that is being masterfully delivered RJ!!!

In the list of exams objectives below, which do you recall being discussed thus far?
Of course, you can only respond to this if you've been in attendance for the first five
sessions.

• t-tests
• Chi-squared test
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
• Hypothesis testing
• Confidence intervals
• Regression performance metrics
- R2
- Adjusted R2
- Root mean square error (RMSE)
- F statistic
• Gini index
• Entropy
• Information gain
• p value
• Type I and Type II errors
• Receiver operating characteristic/
area under the curve (ROC/AUC)
• Akaike information criterion/
Bayesian information criterion
(AIC/BIC)
• Correlation coefficients
- Pearson correlation
- Spearman correlation
• Confusion matrix
- Classifier performance metrics
o Accuracy
o Recall
o Precision
o F1 score
o Matthews Correlation
Coefficient (MCC)
• Central limit theorem
• Law of large numbers

I read this article yesterday:


Does anyone knows when the Security+ / AI, Pentest+ / AI and CySA+ / AI are coming out? Also, will it be a course, a mini exam, or a full exam in order to get the AI on those 3 certs?

Hi everyone,

I am seeking an experienced IT instructor to teach A+ through Security+ certifications. The position is based at a school in the San Fernando Valley, near Los Angeles, California.

If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out for more details.

Thank you!

Does anyone know when the new SecurityX certification is being released? All I have able to find is the "Coming in 2024" announcement.

Fake reviews waste time and money​

Earlier this month, the US Federal Trade Commission banned fake reviews. FTC Chair Linda M Khan reported: “Fake reviews not only waste people’s time and money, but also pollute the marketplace and divert business away from honest competitors. By strengthening the FTC’s toolkit to fight deceptive advertising, the final rule will protect Americans from getting cheated, put businesses that unlawfully game the system on notice, and promote markets that are fair, honest, and competitive.”

In real-world terms, advertisers cannot buy fake reviews to help promote a movie. This includes both positive and negative reviews. But wait there’s more. This also includes reviews and testimonials from someone that does not exist. You guessed it, I am talking about AI here. The FTC feels AI-generated reviews are fake reviews. These are banned. I am quoting from https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/new...-final-rule-banning-fake-reviews-testimonials

The FTC has declared…​

Fake or False Consumer Reviews, Consumer Testimonials, and Celebrity Testimonials: The final rule addresses reviews and testimonials that misrepresent that they are by someone who does not exist, such as AI-generated fake reviews, or who did not have actual experience with the business or its products or services, or that misrepresent the experience of the person giving it. It prohibits businesses from creating or selling such reviews or testimonials. It also prohibits them from buying such reviews, procuring them from company insiders, or disseminating such testimonials, when the business knew or should have known that the reviews or testimonials were fake or false.

Buying Positive or Negative Reviews: The final rule prohibits businesses from providing compensation or other incentives conditioned on the writing of consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment, either positive or negative. It clarifies that the conditional nature of the offer of compensation or incentive may be expressly or implicitly conveyed.

Insider Reviews and Consumer Testimonials: The final rule prohibits certain reviews and testimonials written by company insiders that fail to clearly and conspicuously disclose the giver’s material connection to the business. It prohibits such reviews and testimonials given by officers or managers. It also prohibits a business from disseminating such a testimonial that the business should have known was by an officer, manager, employee, or agent. Finally, it imposes requirements when officers or managers solicit consumer reviews from their own immediate relatives or from employees or agents – or when they tell employees or agents to solicit reviews from relatives and such solicitations result in reviews by immediate relatives of the employees or agents.

Company-Controlled Review Websites: The final rule prohibits a business from misrepresenting that a website or entity it controls provides independent reviews or opinions about a category of products or services that includes its own products or services.

Review Suppression: The final rule prohibits a business from using unfounded or groundless legal threats, physical threats, intimidation, or certain false public accusations to prevent or remove a negative consumer review. The final rule also bars a business from misrepresenting that the reviews on a review portion of its website represent all or most of the reviews submitted when reviews have been suppressed based upon their ratings or negative sentiment.

Misuse of Fake Social Media Indicators: The final rule prohibits anyone from selling or buying fake indicators of social media influence, such as followers or views generated by a bot or hijacked account. This prohibition is limited to situations in which the buyer knew or should have known that the indicators were fake and misrepresent the buyer’s influence or importance for a commercial purpose.

We’ve all seen fake reviews​

Anybody who ever felt they were reading online reviews were fake reviews and/or purchased, your voice has been heard. Fake reviews are now banned. Same with paid reviews, which I could argue are fake, BTW.

More​

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

AI Disclosure necessity​

I added a global AI disclosure to my website. You should too. My disclosure is:

Some content here is generated by AI. The views expressed are the author's opinion and not legal advice. The author is not a lawyer. You are an adult and responsible for anything you do.

Click to expand...

Why you should disclose AI usage too​

As a content creator (we are all content creators, BTW), you might be wondering why you should include AI disclosure statements in anything you publish. Here are five reasons:

• Build Trust and Transparency. With an open AI disclosure, you build trust with your audience. When you inform them that some content comes from AI, you demonstrate transparency in your creative process, which strengthens your relationship with readers.
• Embrace Ethical Responsibility. Open disclosure shows that you take responsibility for your work. Clarifying which parts of your content are created by AI and which are your own enhances your credibility and highlights your commitment to integrity.
• Stay Ahead of Legal Trends. While AI disclosure may not be legally required yet, regulations are evolving. By including a disclosure now, you prepare yourself for future legal changes, helping you avoid potential complications down the road.
• Protect Your Creative Rights. Remember that AI-generated content cannot be copyrighted. By clearly distinguishing between your own creations and AI-generated material, you protect your intellectual property and safeguard your creative rights.
• Combat Misinformation. In an age where misinformation spreads rapidly, AI disclosure helps your audience identify what’s real and what’s not. Your commitment to accuracy resonates with readers and enhances their trust in your content.

Over disclosing is better than under disclosing​

A realtor told me I am better off over disclosing than under disclosing. I was selling a home at the time, but I think the strategy still works here. Including open AI disclosure allows you to build trust, embrace ethics, stay compliant with regulations, protect your rights, and contribute to a more informed community. This simple practice can significantly impact how your audience perceives your work! For more AI wisdom, see https://cybersafetynet.net.

Before I forget..."Some content here is generated by AI. The views expressed are the author's opinion and not legal advice. The author is not a lawyer. You are an adult and responsible for anything you do."

More​

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

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to share that I’ve recently taken on a part-time role as an IT Instructor in the Department of Computer Studies at a State University, alongside my work as a Freelance CompTIA Trainer. With 15 years of experience in IT operations support, I’m looking forward to leveraging this experience in my new role.

I’m considering proposing the integration of CompTIA A+ and Network+ training into our university curriculum. I understand that CompTIA training can be delivered in various formats, ranging from intensive bootcamps to more extended programs over several weeks, I am interested in adapting this content into a longer-term academic format that aligns with our semester schedule. Given our state university's very tight budget, I am exploring whether this adaptation is feasible and how it can be aligned with CompTIA’s guidelines and conditions.

If anyone has experience with integrating CompTIA certifications into an academic program, particularly within budget constraints, or knows if CompTIA offers semester-long formats for these certifications, I would greatly appreciate your advice and insights.

Thank you!

Do any of you know of any schools that are currently providing online curriculum with interactive lab components to students with limited mobility?

We have 2 incoming students who have very limited mobility capability (I believe they both have CP.)

Is there something along the lines of a speech-controlled product that you have seen integrated with TestOut or other online curriculum in other schools?

Hi,

I’m experiencing some permission issues while trying to follow the instructions in the lab. For example, one of the questions says, “Select the New Folder icon to create a working directory folder titled Example at the path /home/coder/DataX/Lab01/Example.”

I cannot read or write to the DataX directories, but I noticed that I can write to the parent (coder) directory. See the image below. Does anyone know how I could resolve these issues? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

I am currently looking for a certified security+ Instructor in Nigeria. The successful candidate will handle online classes and can work remotely or from our office in Lagos. Kindly send me a message or email [email protected] if you are interested. You can also refer

Select the Appropriate Solution
•Business needs
•Solution identification
•Model selection

For years, we've been an academy partner with CompTIA, and we've been able to purchase vouchers using an online pdf submission form.
It looks like this...



But now, pearsonvue is saying our Partner ID number is invalid, and we need to contact CompTIA.
Should we send an email to [email protected]?
Our partner certificate shows we are valid until August 31, 2025.
Thanks!

Hi gang,

I want to follow-up the Partner Conference Atlanta Practical AI for Instructors: Lessons Learned session from Thursday August 1. This time, I am talking about refining prompts.

Use and in your AI prompt chain to refine the responses​

You can use and in your AI prompts to refine the responses your favorite AI engine gives you. I am using Perplexity.AI, which lets you follow-up prompts. You may prompt Perplexity “tell me the 10 largest cities in the United States,” get the response and follow-up with “and tell me each city’s population from the 2020 census.”


Perplexity.AI lets you follow-up prompts.

CIA Triad in Cybersecurity​

Let’s step into the world of cybersecurity. I am showing how to tweak Perplexity AI’s response to “Tell me about the CIA Triad in cybersecurity.” Perplexity. AI replies with:

The CIA Triad is a fundamental model in cybersecurity, representing three core principles: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. These principles guide the development and implementation of security policies and practices to protect information within organizations.

Click to expand...

Perplexity also gives me headings and supporting paragraphs for Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability.

I follow-up by prompting “and write at a 6th grade reading level” This basically means creating shorter sentences with shorter words, thus making the response more understandable. Please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flesch–Kincaid_readability_tests for more. Perplexity’s response begins with:

Sure! Here’s an explanation of the CIA Triad in cybersecurity at a 6th-grade reading level:…

Click to expand...

Perplexity’s new response is easier to read and more conversational….

I follow-up with “and in under 250 words.” Perplexity returns a shorter response. So far, we are prompting:

• Tell me about the CIA Triad in cybersecurity.
• and write at a 6th grade reading level
• and in under 250 words

But wait, there’s more. I follow-up further with “and give me this information in bullet points.” Perplexity. AI delivers, with a response in bullet points. Each heading has four entries. I prefer three. Therefore…

I follow-up with “and make sure each bullet point list has only three entries.” I get bullet points again, but this time each entry has only three supporting entries. All the text looks the same. Therefore…

Final Result​

I follow-up with “and bold the first word in each bullet point entry.” Perplexity gives me a final result I can embrace and utilize elsewhere. That response is:

CIA Triad in Cybersecurity

• Confidentiality
  • Keeps sensitive information safe and private.
  • Ensures only authorized people can access important data.
  • Uses tools like passwords and encryption for protection.
• Integrity
  • Ensures information is accurate and trustworthy.
  • Protects data from being altered by unauthorized users.
  • Uses tools like checksums and hashes to verify data remains unchanged.
• Availability
  • Ensures information and systems are accessible when needed.
  • Makes sure websites and online services work properly.
  • Aims to prevent downtime and ensure users can access resources without issues.

Click to expand...

With and follow-up prompts, you too can follow-up Perplexity. AI responses and generate verbiage you can embrace and use elsewhere.

Thread​

I am sharing the entire thread at: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/tell-me-about-the-cia-triad-in-cggSS5XETk6.l.AlF0T9Uw#5. You can get a Perplexity Pro $10 discount at https://perplexity.ai/pro?referral_code=Z5IL6KZ7.

More​

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

A private college on the West-Rand, Gauteng, South Africa is looking for a CompTIA Security+ Instructor for Saturday face-to-face courses.

If interested, please let me know.

I have a scenario where I am being asked which two certs would be most valuable and which would be most beneficial for career changers transitioning from the military.

In your humble opinion, which would be the two that would make them the most valuable and job ready?

It was already suggested Sec+, and Cloud+

Can you let me know, your thoughts?