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Exam Information
Official specifications published by CompTIA
Exam Format
165 min
750
Intermediate
Registration
$404 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
Validity
3 years
Continuing Education (CE); Earn Higher-Level CompTIA Certification; Retake Exam
CS0-003 Exam Topics and Domains
CS0-003 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Burp Suite, Communication platforms, Dashboard tools, Docker, and more.
1
Security Operations
33%
Explain the importance of system and network architecture concepts in security operations
Operating System ConceptsInfrastructure ConceptsNetwork ArchitectureIdentity and Access ManagementEncryption and PKI
- Explain operating system concepts relevant to security operations
- Differentiate between infrastructure deployment models
- Identify network architecture security implications
- Implement IAM controls in security operations
- Apply encryption and PKI concepts to secure communications
Given a scenario, analyze indicators of potentially malicious activity
Network-Related IndicatorsEmail AnalysisFile and Code AnalysisUser Behavior Analysis
- Analyze network traffic for malicious indicators
- Perform email security analysis
- Identify malicious file and code characteristics
- Detect anomalous user behavior patterns
Given a scenario, use appropriate tools or techniques to determine malicious activity
Log Analysis and CorrelationNetwork Traffic AnalysisEndpoint Analysis
- Implement SIEM and SOAR tools for security operations
- Analyze network traffic using appropriate tools
- Perform endpoint analysis to identify threats
Compare and contrast threat-intelligence and threat-hunting concepts
Threat Intelligence SourcesThreat Hunting Methodologies
- Differentiate between threat intelligence types and sources
- Implement threat hunting methodologies
- Utilize attack frameworks for threat analysis
Explain the importance of efficiency and process improvement in security operations
Automation and OrchestrationContinuous Improvement
- Implement automation to improve security operations
- Develop metrics to measure security effectiveness
- Optimize processes for operational efficiency
2
Vulnerability Management
30%
Given a scenario, implement vulnerability scanning methods and concepts
Scanning MethodsSpecialized Scanning
- Implement various vulnerability scanning methodologies
- Select appropriate scanning tools for different environments
- Conduct specialized scans for cloud and container infrastructure
Given a scenario, analyze output from vulnerability assessment tools
CVSS ScoringVulnerability ValidationAssessment Tools
- Analyze vulnerability scanner output effectively
- Calculate and interpret CVSS scores
- Validate vulnerabilities to reduce false positives
Given a scenario, prioritize vulnerabilities
Risk-Based PrioritizationCompliance and SLA Considerations
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk and business impact
- Incorporate threat intelligence into prioritization
- Manage compliance-driven remediation timelines
Given a scenario, recommend controls to mitigate attacks and software vulnerabilities
Mitigation ControlsCompensating Controls
- Recommend appropriate mitigation controls
- Implement compensating controls when patching is not feasible
- Apply defense-in-depth strategies
Explain concepts related to vulnerability identification, prioritization, and remediation
Vulnerability LifecycleVulnerability Disclosure
- Explain vulnerability management lifecycle
- Implement vulnerability disclosure processes
- Manage bug bounty and responsible disclosure programs
3
Incident Response Management
20%
Explain concepts related to attack methodology frameworks
Attack FrameworksThreat Actor Analysis
- Apply attack methodology frameworks to incident analysis
- Understand threat actor motivations and TTPs
- Map incidents to attack frameworks
Given a scenario, perform incident response activities
Detection and AnalysisInvestigation ActivitiesContainment Strategies
- Perform incident detection and triage
- Collect and preserve digital evidence
- Implement containment strategies
Explain the incident management lifecycle's phases
Incident Response PhasesIncident Response PlanningPost-Incident Activities
- Explain the incident response lifecycle
- Develop incident response plans
- Conduct post-incident analysis and improvement
Given a scenario, apply the appropriate incident response procedures
Incident ClassificationRecovery Procedures
- Apply incident classification criteria
- Execute recovery procedures
- Validate system restoration
4
Reporting and Communication
17%
Explain the importance of vulnerability management reporting and communication
Vulnerability ReportingStakeholder Communication
- Create effective vulnerability reports
- Communicate vulnerability information to stakeholders
- Track and report remediation progress
Explain the importance of incident response reporting and communication
Incident ReportingExternal Communication
- Develop incident reports
- Manage breach notification requirements
- Coordinate external communications
Given a scenario, use data to recommend remediation of security issues related to identity and access management
Access Control AnalysisIdentity Governance
- Analyze IAM data for security issues
- Recommend IAM remediation strategies
- Implement identity governance controls
Given a scenario, recommend security improvements to the development lifecycle
Secure SDLCApplication Security TestingDevSecOps
- Recommend secure SDLC improvements
- Implement application security testing
- Integrate security into DevSecOps
Explain the importance of stakeholder management and communication
Stakeholder EngagementSecurity Culture
- Manage stakeholder communications effectively
- Develop security awareness programs
- Report security metrics to leadership
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CS0-003 earns the CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) certification. It sits in the Security track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- CAS-005 - CompTIA CASP+Natural progression for senior security analysts and architects
- Vendor-Specific Advanced Certifications Industry-recognized advanced security certifications
Alternative Paths
- PT0-003 - CompTIA PenTest+Develop offensive security skills to complement defensive CySA+ knowledge
- XK0-005 - CompTIA Linux+Linux system administration skills valuable for security operations
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CS0-003 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-11-15
Updates
- Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Current platforms Enhanced coverage in Domain 1.3 - required knowledge for security operations • Release date: 2024
- Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Emerging category New coverage in Domain 4.3 - identity-based threat detection • Release date: 2024
- MITRE ATT&CK Framework v15 Updated TTPs relevant to threat hunting in Domain 1.4 • Release date: 2024-10-01
- Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) Current tools Critical for Domain 2.1 - cloud infrastructure scanning • Release date: 2024
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts and Cybersecurity Analysts.
- CompTIA Network+ certification
- CompTIA Security+ certification or equivalent knowledge
- Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience as incident response analyst or SOC analyst
- Understanding of security concepts and operational security
- Experience with security monitoring and analysis tools