| Topic | Details |
| Topic 1 | - Security Principles: This section of the exam measures skills of Security Analysts and Information Assurance Specialists and covers fundamental security concepts such as confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication methods including multi-factor authentication, non-repudiation, and privacy. It also includes understanding the risk management process with emphasis on identifying, assessing, and treating risks based on priorities and tolerance. Candidates are expected to know various security controls, including technical, administrative, and physical, as well as the ISC2 professional code of ethics. Governance processes such as policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and laws are also covered to ensure adherence to organizational and legal requirements.
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| Topic 2 | - Network Security: This domain assesses the knowledge of Network Security Engineers and Cybersecurity Specialists. It covers foundational computer networking concepts including OSI and TCP
- IP models, IP addressing, and network ports. Candidates study network threats such as DDoS attacks, malware variants, and man-in-the-middle attacks, along with detection tools like IDS, HIDS, and NIDS. Prevention strategies including firewalls and antivirus software are included. The domain also addresses network security infrastructure encompassing on-premises data centers, design techniques like segmentation and defense in depth, and cloud security models such as SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid deployments.
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| Topic 3 | - Security Operations: This area targets Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts and System Administrators. It covers data security with encryption methods, secure handling of data including classification and retention, and the importance of logging and monitoring security events. System hardening through configuration management, baselines, updates, and patching is included. Best practice security policies such as data handling, password, acceptable use, BYOD, change management, and privacy policies are emphasized. Finally, the domain highlights security awareness training addressing social engineering awareness and password protection to foster a security-conscious organizational culture.
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| Topic 4 | - Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR) & Incident Response Concepts: This domain targets Business Continuity Planners and Incident Response Coordinators. It focuses on the purpose, importance, and core components of business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response. Candidates learn how to prepare for and manage disruptions while maintaining or quickly restoring critical business operations and IT services.
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| Topic 5 | - Access Control Concepts: This section measures skills of Access Control Specialists and Physical Security Managers in understanding physical and logical access controls. Topics include physical security measures like badge systems, CCTV, monitoring, and managing authorized versus unauthorized personnel. Logical access control concepts such as the principle of least privilege, segregation of duties, discretionary access control, mandatory access control, and role-based access control are essential for controlling information system access.
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