CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Course
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About the course and examAbout the course and certification
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About the course author
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Pre-requisites
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Tools and tips to help you study more efficiently
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Study techniques that will help you pass
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What surprised me the most about the exam
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Domain 1: Threats, Attacks, and VulnerabilitiesAbout threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
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1.1: Compare and contrast social engineering techniquesWhat is social engineering?
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Principles
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Spam
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Blocking and Managing Spam
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Phishing
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Smishing
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Vishing
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Spear Phishing
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Whaling
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Impersonation
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Dumpster diving
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Shoulder surfing
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Pharming
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Tailgating
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Eliciting information
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Prepending
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Identity fraud
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Invoice scams
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Credentials harvesting
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Reconnaissance
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Hoax
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Watering hole attack
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Typo squatting and URL hijacking
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Influence campaigns
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Hybrid warfare
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Practical knowledge check
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1.2: Analyze potential indicators to determine the type of attackWhat is malware?
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Malware classification
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Virus
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Worms
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Backdoor
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Trojans
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Remote Access Trojan (RAT)
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Ransomware and Crypto Malware
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How does ransomware work?
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Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs)
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Spyware
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Adware and Malvertising
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Keyloggers
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Fileless malware
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Logic bombs
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Rootkit
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Bots and Botnets
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Command and control
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What are password attacks?
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Plaintext, encrypted, and hashed passwords
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Brute force
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Dictionary attacks
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Spraying attacks
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Rainbow and hash tables
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Credential stuffing
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What are physical attacks?
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Malicious universal serial bus (USB) cable
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Malicious flash drive
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Card cloning
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Skimming
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What is adversarial AI and tainted training for ML?
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Supply-chain attacks
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Cloud-based vs. on-premises attacks
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Cryptography concepts
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Cryptographic attacks
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Quiz: 1.23 Quizzes
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1.3: Analyze potential indicators associated with application attacksPrivilege escalation
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Improper input handling
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Improper error handling
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Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
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Structured Query Language (SQL) injections
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Dynamic Link Library (DLL) Injections
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Lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) Injections
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Extensible Markup Language (XML) and XPATH Injections
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XXE Injections
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Directory traversal
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Request forgeries (server-side, client-side, and cross-site)
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Application Programming Interface (API) attacks
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Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) stripping
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Replay attacks (session replays)
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Pass the hash
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Race conditions (time of check and time of use)
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Resource exhaustion
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Memory leak
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Pointer/object dereference
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Integer overflow
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Buffer overflows
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Driver manipulation (shimming and refactoring)
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Quiz 1.32 Quizzes
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1.4: Analyze potential indicators of network attacksWhat are wireless attacks?
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Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
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Rogue access point and Evil Twin
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Bluesnarfing and Bluejacking
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Disassociation and Jamming
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Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) attacks
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Near Field Communication (NFC)
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Initialization Vector (IV)
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Man in the middle (on-path)
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Man in the browser (on-path browser)
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What are layer 2 attacks?
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Address resolution protocol (ARP)
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Media access control (MAC) flooding
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MAC cloning
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What are Domain Name System (DNS) attacks and defenses?
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Domain hijacking
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DNS poisoning
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Universal resource locator (URL) redirection
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Domain reputation
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Quiz 1.41 Quiz
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1.5: Explain threat actors, vectors, and intelligence sourcesWhat are actors and threats?
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Attributes of actors
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Vectors
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Insider threats
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State actors
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Hacktivists
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Script kiddies
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Hackers (white hat, black hat, gray hat)
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Criminal syndicates
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Advanced persistent threats (APTs)
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Shadow IT
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Competitors
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Threat intelligence sources (OSINT and others)
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Using threat intelligence
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Research sources
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Quiz 1.51 Quiz
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1.6: Security concerns associated with various vulnerabilitiesCloud-based vs. on-premises vulnerabilities
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Zero-day vulnerabilities
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Weak configurations
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Weak encryption, hashing, and digital signatures
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Third-party risks
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Improper or weak patch management
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Legacy platforms
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Impacts
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Quiz 1.61 Quiz
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1.7: Summarizing techniques used in security assessmentsThreat hunting
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Vulnerability scans
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Security information and event management (SIEM) and Syslog
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Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
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Quiz 1.71 Quiz
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1.8: Explaining techniques used in penetration testingImportant pentesting concepts
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Bug bounties
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Exercise types (red, blue, white, and purple teams)
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Passive and active reconnaissance
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Quiz 1.81 Quiz
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Domain 2: Architecture and DesignAbout architecture and design
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2.1: Explaining the importance of security concepts in an enterprise environmentConfiguration management
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Data sovereignty
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Data protection
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Hardware security module (HSM) and Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
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Geographical considerations
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Cloud access security broker (CASB)
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Response and recovery controls
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Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) inspection
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Hashing
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API considerations
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Site resiliency
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Deception and disruption
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Quiz 2.11 Quiz
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2.2: Virtualization and cloud computing conceptsComparing cloud models
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Cloud service providers
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Virtualization
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Containers
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Microservices and APIs
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Serverless architecture
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MSPs and MSSPs
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On-premises vs. off-premises
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Edge computing
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Fog computing
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Thin client
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Infrastructure as Code
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Services integration
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Resource policies
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Transit gateway
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Quiz 2.21 Quiz
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2.3: Secure application development, deployment, and automation conceptsUnderstanding development environments
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Automation and scripting
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Version control
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Secure coding techniques
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Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
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Integrity measurement
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Software diversity
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Provisioning and deprovisioning
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Elasticity
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Scalability
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Quiz 2.31 Quiz
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2.4: Authentication and authorization design conceptsImportant authentication and authorization concepts
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Multifactor authentication (MFA) factors and attributes
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Quiz: MFA factors and attributes1 Quiz
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Authentication technologies
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Biometrics techniques and concepts
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Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA)
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Cloud vs. on-premises requirements
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Quiz 2.41 Quiz
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2.5: Implementing cybersecurity resilienceWhat is redundancy?
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Disk redundancy (RAID levels)
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Network redundancy
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Power redundancy
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Replication
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Backup types (full, incremental, differential, and snapshot)
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Backup types practice scenarios
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Backup devices and strategies
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Quiz: Backup types, devices, and strategies1 Quiz
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Non-persistence
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Restoration order
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Diversity
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Quiz 2.51 Quiz
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2.6: Security implications of embedded and specialized systemsWhat are embedded systems?
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System on a Chip (SoC)
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SCADA and ICS
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Internet of Things (IoT)
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Specialized systems
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VoIP, HVAC, Drones/AVs, MFP, RTOS, Surveillance systems
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Communication considerations
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Important constraints
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2.7: Importance of physical security controlsBollards/barricades, Mantraps, Badges, Alarms, Signage
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Lighting and fencing
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Cameras and Closed-circuit television (CCTV)
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Industrial camouflage
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Personnel, robots, drones/UAVs
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Locks
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Different sensors
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Fire suppression
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Protected cable distribution (PCD)
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Secure areas (air gap, faraday cages, DMZ, etc…)
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Hot and cold aisles
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Secure data destruction
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USB data blocker
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Quiz 2.71 Quiz
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2.8: Basics of cryptographyCommon use cases
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Key length
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Key stretching
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Salting, hashing, digital signatures
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Perfect forward secrecy
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Elliptic curve cryptography
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Ephemeral
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Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption
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Key exchange
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Cipher suites
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Modes of operation
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Lightweight cryptography and Homomorphic encryption
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Steganography
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Blockchain
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Quantum and post-quantum
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Limitations
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Quizzes 2.82 Quizzes
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Domain 3: ImplementationAbout implementation
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3.1: Implement Secure ProtocolsImportant protocols to know and use cases
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Important email secure protocols
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IPsec and VPN
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FTPS, SFTP, SCP
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DNSSEC
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SRTP and NTPsec
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DHCP
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SNMP and SNMPv3
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Quiz 3.11 Quiz
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3.2: Implement host or application security solutionsEndpoint protection
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Self-encrypting drive (SED), full disk encryption (FDE), and file-level encryption
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Boot integrity
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Database and data security
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Application security
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Hardening hosts
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Sandboxing
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Quiz 3.21 Quiz
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3.3: Implement secure network designsDNS
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Load balancing
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Network segmentation
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East-West and North-South
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Jump servers (bastion hosts)
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Network Address Translation (NAT) Gateway
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Proxy servers
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Out-of-band management
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Quiz 3.3.11 Quiz
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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and IPsec
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Network Access Control (NAC)
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Port security
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Network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS) and network-based intrusion prevention system (NIPS)
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Firewalls
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Next-Generation Firewalls
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Access Control List (ACL) and Security Groups (SGs)
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Quiz 3.3.21 Quiz
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Quality of Service (QoS)
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Implications of IPv6
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Port scanning and port mirroring
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File integrity monitors
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Quiz 3.3.31 Quiz
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3.4: Install and configure wireless security settingsCryptographic protocols
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Methods
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Authentication protocols
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Installation considerations
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Quiz 3.41 Quiz
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3.5: Implement secure mobile solutionsConnection methods and receivers
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Mobile deployment models
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Mobile device management (MDM)
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Mobile devices
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Enforcement and monitoring
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Quiz 3.51 Quiz
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3.6: Apply cybersecurity solutions to the cloudCloud security controls
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Secure cloud storage
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Secure cloud networking
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Secure cloud compute resources
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Secure cloud solutions
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Quiz 3.61 Quiz
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3.7: Implement identity and account management controlsUnderstanding identity
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Account types to consider
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Account policies to consider
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Quiz 3.71 Quiz
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3.8: Implement authentication and authorization solutionsAuthentication management
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Authentication protocols and considerations
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Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)
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RADIUS and TACACS+
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Kerberos, LDAP, and NTLM
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Federated Identities
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Access control schemes
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Recap notes from this section
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Quiz 3.81 Quiz
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3.9: Implement public key infrastructureWhat is public key infrastructure?
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Types of certificates
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Certificate formats
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Important concepts
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Quiz 3.91 Quiz
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4.0: Operations and Incident ResponseAbout operations and incident response
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4.1: Use the appropriate tools to assess organizational securityNetwork reconnaissance and discovery part 1
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Network reconnaissance and discovery part 2
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File manipulation
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Shell and script environments
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Packet capture and replay
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Forensics tools
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Exploitation frameworks
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Password crackers
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Data sanitization
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Quiz 4.11 Quiz
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4.2: Policies, processes, and procedures for incident responseIncident response plans
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Incident response process
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Important exercises
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Important attack frameworks
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BCP, COOP, and DRP
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Incident response team and stakeholder management
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Retention policies
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Quiz 4.21 Quiz
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4.3: Using appropriate data sources to support investigations after an incidentVulnerability scan outputs
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SIEM dashboards
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Log files
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Syslog, rsyslog, syslog-ng
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Journald and journalctl
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NXLog
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Bandwidth and network monitors
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Important and useful metadata
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Quiz 4.31 Quiz
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4.4: Applying mitigation techniques or controls to secure environments during an incidentReconfiguring endpoint security solutions
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Configuration changes
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Isolation, containment, and segmentation
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Secure Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)
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Quiz 4.41 Quiz
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4.5: Key aspects of digital forensicsDocumentation and evidence
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E-discovery, data recovery, and non-repudiation
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Integrity and preservation of information
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Acquisition
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On-premises vs. cloud
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Strategic intelligence and counterintelligence
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Quiz 4.51 Quiz
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Domain 5: Governance, Risk, and ComplianceAbout governance, risk and compliance
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5.1: Compare and contrast various types of controlsCategories
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Control types
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Quiz 5.11 Quiz
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5.2: Applicable regulations, standards, or frameworks that impact organizational security postureRegulations, standards, and legislation
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Key frameworks to know about
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Benchmarks and secure configuration guides
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Quiz 5.21 Quiz
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5.3: Importance of policies to organizational securityPersonnel
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User training
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Third-party risk management
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Data
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Credential policies
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Organizational policies
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Quiz 5.31 Quiz
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5.4 Risk management processes and conceptsTypes of risks
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Risk management strategies
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Risk analysis
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Disasters
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Business impact analysis
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Quiz 5.41 Quiz
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5.5: Privacy and sensitive data concepts in relation to securityOrganizational consequences of privacy breaches
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Notifications of breaches
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Data types
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Privacy enhancing technologies
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Roles and responsibilities
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Quiz 5.51 Quiz
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Course Recap and Next StepsLooking for the practice exams?
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Receiving your Certificate of Completion
A lot of people tend to use the terms Malware and Virus interchangeably, but they don’t have the same meaning. Viruses are actually a type of malware. As we discussed previously, malware is a large umbrella term that covers many different sub-types.
In other words, all viruses are malware, but not all malware is a virus.
What’s a virus?
Viruses are simply computer programs, just like you run computer programs any time you’re operating a computer. Of course, these programs are designed for malicious purposes.
What sets viruses apart from other types of malware is that viruses are designed to self-replicate, quite literally like biological viruses, which is where the term comes from. Just like a biological virus replicates inside of living cells of an organism, computer viruses are designed to copy themselves and spread to other devices.
These could be devices connected to your computer, such as removable storage like USB drives, or it could be other devices on your network.
For example, if your computer became infected with a virus, and you had a USB drive plugged in, but a few days later you needed to plug in that same USB drive to your laptop, then your laptop could become infected with the same virus.

Even more advanced forms of viruses, called polymorphic viruses, will modify their own code in order to evade detection, making them more difficult to detect and remove.
What are the different types of viruses?
Just like we mentioned, there are different types and forms of viruses. There are:
- Polymorphic viruses – which we just talked about, and that can modify their own code to evade detection
- Boot sector viruses – which are designed to take control as soon as you start your computer by infecting the boot sector of hard disks
- Web scripting virus – which is designed to exploit browser vulnerabilities
- Resident virus – which is designed to embed itself into your device’s memory
- Direct action virus – which are designed to attach themselves to files, and once you open those files, the virus activates and spreads
- Macro virus – which is a virus written in a macro language. Macro languages are programming languages that are embedded inside of software applications. For example, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint allow macro programs to be embedded in documents, and so opening that document automatically executes those macros
These are some of the main types of viruses that we’ve seen in the wild. But all viruses have one thing in common: they require a human or another program to run them in order for them to execute. Once they’re executed, they then start to self-replicate.
As we’ll see in the next lesson, this is a key difference between viruses and worms, because worms don’t technically require any human or program interaction.
What do viruses do?
Viruses can serve multiple functions, but they’ll usually be designed to:
- Modify programs or files on your device
- Cause damage to systems by deleting data
- Change system settings
- Turn devices into bots to create a botnet
- Steal credentials
- …and so on
How to defend against viruses?
Defending against viruses is no different than what we mentioned in a prior lesson:
- Keep devices and software up-to-date
- Use a reputable anti-virus solution
- Be cautious of email attachments and links
Now that we understand what viruses are, let’s learn about worms and how they differ from viruses.

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