Third-Party Maintenance Business

With the second half of 2020 coming into focus, it’s important to think about your managed services provider (MSP) business model. The original Payroll Protection Program funds that many MSPs received in the second quarter of 2020 are starting to run out and it’s time to start planning what’s next for your tech firm.

One area that deserves consideration is a well-established revenue generating opportunity known as third-party maintenance (TPM). TPM is ongoing hardware support for technology equipment that acts as both an alternative and enhancement to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support.

We must be meeting with our organizations to discuss how to strategically invest in solutions that will facilitate virtual first and ensure that we shift our focus from “bubble gum and duct tape” fixes put in place to address the immediate need during the pandemic, to strategic investments that address common needs across departments and which will allow a remote workforce to continue to deliver service at equal or greater service levels.


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CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway

CompTIA Security+ is the foundational certification in the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway, which includes seven different security certifications to help cybersecurity professionals develop the skills they need to advance in their careers. Along with two different career pathways and core skills certifications, CompTIA offers Project+ certifications for specific professions, such as project manager, business analyst and project team member, and other professional certifications.
Prerequisites

There aren’t any prerequisites for taking the CompTIA Security+ exam, but CompTIA recommends that you have at least two years of experience working in IT administration with a security focus. It is also helpful to have completed the other core certifications that deal with the more fundamental skills needed for an IT career.

It’s also important to note that the latest version of the test, SY0-501, launched on Oct. 4, 2017. The English version of the old CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-401) was officially retired on July 31, 2018. Make sure you’re preparing for the current version.

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CompTIA Security+ sy0-401 vs. sy0-501

As cybersecurity becomes a more pressing concern in almost every industry, the demand for qualified information security professionals is growing. But pushing ahead in a cybersecurity field often means getting certified. While there are many different certifications available, many cybersecurity professionals choose CompTIA Security+ as a starting point. For years, CompTIA offered the Security+ sy0-401 certification. However, as cybersecurity needs have evolved, the set of skills required for starting positions in the field has changed, and to stay relevant, CompTIA had to adapt their Security+ certification. They retired the English version of the sy0-401 exam as of July 31, 2018, replacing it with a new version, CompTIA Security+ sy0-501.

Regardless of where you are in your career path, there is a security certification that’s right for you. If you’re seeking a credential to help you establish yourself as a cybersecurity professional, then take a close look at the CompTIA Security+. As a vendor-neutral credential, Security+ provides a broad base of knowledge suitable to multiple environments. The CCNA Security is also an early-level credential but is geared to Cisco systems and is therefore best suited to Cisco security professionals. The GSEC and SSCP are appropriate for those who have put in some time in the saddle working with cybersecurity. Of course, cybersecurity experts with a hacking focus should take the CEH, while those at the top of their career need look no further than the CISSP.

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Network or Systems Administrator

If you opt for a career in network administration, you’ll earn around $82,050 annually, according to BLS. Initial certifications you’ll need include CompTIA Network+, Cisco’s CCNA and Microsoft’s MSCA. As you move up, add vendor-agnostic certifications like CompTIA Linux+, Server+ and Cloud+, as well as vendor-specific certifications from AWS, Google Cloud, IBM, Red Hat and VMWare.

After leaving the hotel industry, David Portner was unemployed for a long time and didn’t have the necessary skill set to compete in an advancing technological climate. He began studying in a tech bootcamp and obtained his first certification, CompTIA Network+.
Information Security Analyst

While all network administrators have some elements of cybersecurity in their jobs, information security analysts need more specific skills. Start off by earning your CompTIA’s Security+ certification; as you move up, focus on CompTIA CySA+, Project+ and PenTest+, along with ISACA CISA, SANS/GIAC and Cisco’s CCNA. When you hit the advanced levels, you’ll need either CASP+ or ISC2 CISSP. The average salary for cybersecurity specialists is $98,350, according to the BLS.
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comptia a+ Chapter Review topics

Read at least half a chapter a day. (Chapters 3 and 4)
After reading, review the Chapter Review topics for what you read.
After the review, do at least 10 of the practice test questions for the chapter.
After doing the practice test questions, take the time to read the explanation.

Reread all the chapter reviews from chapters you’ve finished.
Do all of the practice test questions that you’ve finished previously.
Look at blog articles for any topics that interest you or you want to dig into deeper.
Days 12 through 15
Read at least half a chapter a day. (Chapters 5 and 6)
After reading, review the Chapter Review topics for what you read.
After the review, do at least 10 of the practice test questions for the chapter.
After doing the practice test questions, take the time to read the explanations.
Day 16
Reread all the chapter reviews from chapters you’ve finished.
Do all of the practice test questions that you’ve finished previously.
Look at blog articles for any topics that interest you or you want to dig into deeper.

•  

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Types of malware

Threats, Attacks and Vulnerabilities

1.1 Given a scenario, analyze indicators of compromise and determine the type of
malware. (Chapter 6)
Viruses (Chapter 6)
Crypto-malware (Chapter 6)
Ransomware (Chapter 6)
Worm (Chapter 6)
Trojan (Chapter 6)
Rootkit (Chapter 6)
Keylogger (Chapter 6)
Adware (Chapter 6)
Spyware (Chapter 6)
Bots (Chapter 6)
RAT (Chapter 6)
Logic bomb (Chapter 6)
Backdoor (Chapter 6)

Objective maps such as this allow you to easily review the exam objectives and see where they are c

Supplement your studies with online materials such as blog posts.

When a topic isn’t clear, look for more information on the topic online.

I regularly post blog articles about Security+ and other topics on the Get Certified Get Ahead blog site and this page is a good place to see if there are important changes to the certification before you take the exam. Readers often post their comments on the pages too so it’s worth reading their comments too.

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IP addresses from a DHCP server

When we get IP addresses from a DHCP server, those IP addresses are leased from the DHCP server. This means those IP addresses, at some point, are going to expire.

We may have a situation where a client machine renews its IP address with the DHCP server but the DHCP server doesn’t respond. As a result, the DHCP client’s IP address expires.

The issue is the DHCP is not available. This means that either the DHCP server is offline or the network connectivity to the DHCP server isn’t there, so as a result, when we send a DHCP renewal request, the DHCP server doesn’t come back with an IP address.

Keep in mind that we are going to renew or release at half (1/2) of our lease period. We also renew or release at seven‑eighths (7/8) of the period. At those points, if we don’t get response from the DHCP server, then it continues to work.

But at 100 percent of the release, we’re going to go out with a DHCP renewal. If the DHCP server does not respond to me at that 100 percent, We will re‑lease that IP address. Then we will attempt to get a new IP address, which means we’re going to go out with that DHCP discovery packet.

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Who Should Get a CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Certification?

CASP+ certification holders know to audit their security posture to ensure that identified risk metrics would perform well during a disaster, such as a pandemic. They would identify disruptions that force vulnerabilities as a risk and establish risk metric scenarios to help ensure performance, latency and availability of the organization.

CASP+ is the final certification in the CompTIA Cybersecurity Pathway and represents the hands-on mastery of advanced-level cybersecurity skills, including risk management. It’s recommended for cybersecurity professionals with 10 or more years of experience in IT administration, including 5 years of hands-on technical cybersecurity experience.

This advanced-level cybersecurity certification is based on the following job roles:
Security Architect
Security Engineer
Technical Lead Analyst
Application Security Engineer

CASP+ certified professionals are unique not only because they create cybersecurity policy and procedures, but they also implement cybersecurity policies and framework solutions. For example, many chief information security officers (CISOs) do not have hands-on cybersecurity skills, but preparing for and earning CASP+ would prove their hands-on and risk management mastery of enterprise IT networks.

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More Control of Your Routine

Taking an exam in the same environment where I did all my studying made it just a little bit easier. Again, testing centers are great, but they aren't home. They aren't familiar.

At a testing center, I'm using someone else's keyboard, mouse and monitor. At home, in my office, I'm using my RGB keyboard with my ultra widescreen monitor and my sick lighting. I never realized how much my environment would influence my mindset as I approached this exam.

Distractions are another factor I hadn't considered. At home, in my office, it's just me. At a testing center, you might be trying to plug into the matrix, about to answer a very complex question, and then get interrupted by a few coughs or a sneeze. I've even had to deal with someone snoring.

Most people have a pre-exam routine; it's crucial! Putting yourself in a good mental state often determines whether or not you pass.

My routine was watching one of my favorite movies, The Hobbit. But I have a problem. Even though watching this movie would put me in a good state of mind and I'd be relaxed, it was usually all undone by the time I made it to the testing center. You see, by the time I'd dealt with traffic and trying to find the testing center, my mind was a mess.
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Annual Survey Explores Human Services

Once again, it’s time to hear from the dedicated professionals behind our nation’s many state health and human services agencies.

HSITAG is proud to release the 2020 State of the State Survey, which offers HHS leaders the opportunity to weigh on IT issues impacting their agencies. Since 2016, HSITAG, in partnership with APHSA, has spearheaded this annual survey, which has been designed to gain and share insights from state and local HHS thought leaders relative to agency IT issues, challenges, trends, and perspectives.

The first half of 2020 has been filled with unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed our enterprise systems in ways we would not have expected.

While some agencies might say ‘our old technology failed us,’ others found that investment they made in modern systems enabled them to respond more quickly and effectively to meet the needs of their employees and constituents.
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How important is CompTIA Certification

The need to advance or improve one’s credentials has become an import factor in this growing world. To beat the competition one should do the certifications and be a step ahead from others. There are many certifications, based on the expertise you have in, you can choose the one most relevant. Out of many one is CompTIA, doing which you not only gets the recognition but also the growth you would want. CompTIA is one of the most valued certifications as it covers a variety of fields like computer networking, IT security, Linux programming etc.

One way to be ahead of others, in a growing world of competitive job market the need to advance or improve one’s credentials cannot be ignored. For the beginners of the IT field CompTIA A+ is the most recommended of all as it makes you perfect as a computer technician. Topics covered under A+ are as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. The exam is internationally accepted and relevant, also it is vendor neutral. Many employers see it as the proof of your ability to work with computers. No wonder, experts call A+ certification as a step in the right direction to more advanced CompTIA certification.
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The new CompTIA A+ certification proves you know IT fundamentals

A+ critics say the exam is only good as a basic IT competency check. But that seems like a good thing? While it’s true A+ certification won’t land you a senior role or coveted technical position, it definitely has its place in your certification toolbox.

If you’re coming into IT without experience, studying for exams help you learn the basics. The A+ exam might only be 90 questions, but you obviously don’t know which questions. It’s like the trick where the teacher or instructor allows a cheat sheet for an exam. By the time you’ve created the cheat sheet, you don’t need it.

For tinkerers, the A+ will be a little easier — and it will help validate your knowledge. If you’ve already been building PCs and installing operating systems, then you’d easily pass the 700-series exams from years ago. But the latest A+ exams released this month covers IT security, cloud concepts, and scripting that a hobbyist might not have touched yet.
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THE FUTURE OF COMPTIA SECURITY+

Unsurprisingly, the field of cybersecurity is becoming more complex. Most practitioners agree that threats are increasing, and attack vectors are becoming more sophisticated. At present, CompTIA® is reworking the Security+ curriculum to amp up sections on threats and vulnerabilities as well as cloud security. Additionally, tools and technology along with automation and orchestration are being enhanced in response to the increase in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It is anticipated that organizations will also rely upon practitioners at this level of education and experience to provide some penetration testing; thus, the next version of Security+ will likely include increased focus on this skillset.

The new version of the Security+ certification (SY0-601) is set to be released in November 2020. As is customary, CompTIA® will deprecate the current version (SY0-501) 6 months after release, May 2021.

Now on to accuracy. Let’s say a certification has a grade range of 100 to 900 with a passing score of 700 and our brain dump author scores 750. They will sit down and crank out as much as they can remember questions and answers. The Problem? Our dump expert answered over 20% of their questions incorrectly. Compound this with the sad fact that those wrong questions will be the ones they remember because they felt harder than the others. And there’s your brain dump… Beware!

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CompTIA A Plus Certification Employment Outlook Salary

Some schools offer preparation programs and courses that give you the skills needed to pass the A+ Certification exam. Some topics you might study include:
Microcomputer architecture
Work safety measures
Computer maintenance and repair
Printer setup
Hardware component installation
Computer peripherals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer support specialists will have favorable career prospects in the coming years (www.bls.gov). It expects growth in this field to be at a faster-than-average rate of 10% between 2018 and 2028, as staff will be needed to deal with hardware and software upgrades and installations. The median wage of a computer user support specialist in May 2018 was $50,980, reported the BLS. PayScale.com reported in September 2019 that an entry-level computer technician earned a median wage of $34,379.

CompTIA A+ certification proves that students have the necessary skills to effectively work with different kinds of technology and programming in a variety of ways. There are several careers available for graduates, with continuing education courses available to stay up to date on the latest technology and prepare for recertification exams.
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CompTIA has delivered training

CompTIA has delivered training to more than 70+ entities/agencies, has trained thousands and has ongoing projects to train thousands more. Plunkett highlighted a program in El Paso, TX, in which CompTIA trained and certified 95 people, including transitioning veterans and career changers through Workforce Solutions Borderplex. “We reskilled, trained and certified them in CompTIA’s core and Cybersecurity certifications, validating 15 different tech/cybersecurity job roles,” Plunkett said.

CompTIA was already delivering direct virtual training solutions long before the Pandemic hit, but Plunkett acknowledged the landscape has changed. As of April 15, online tests may be scheduled for all CompTIA certifications except for CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+), providing a convenient and secure way for people to certify. For virtual training options, people do need access to technology and connectivity with states supporting these initiatives.

Three options are widely available now. Online self-paced learning uses CompTIA comprehensive e-learning CertMaster, an interactive learning tool which includes performance-based questions to test individual skills. A mentored learning approach has virtual instructor-led training classroom support which Plunkett says has seen huge demand on the state level. Students can learn at their own speed, their own level and at their own convenience all with the support of experienced instructors to guide them through the learning process. For many, especially those who have jobs but want to expand or develop their IT skills, this program is a great option.
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Read the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives

It is astounding how many people attempt the CompTIA A+ 901 and 902 Exam without taking the time to simply read through the test objectives. The Computing Technology Industry Association has laid out a pretty explicit and easy to read list of necessary objectives and steps required to pass the exams. Not only do these give a glimpse into what can be found on the test, they are great windows into the world of CompTIA A+ exams. The tests are updated roughly every three years and continually drop old legacy items from the needed knowledge as well as look forward toward new Tech. A good sign you can pass the exam, is when you feel confident you can do all the objectives laid out by CompTIA. Both of the objective lists can be found below,
220-901 Exam Objectives
220-902 Exam Objectives

You Can Pass the CompTia A+ Certification Exams!

With a bit of determination and some resources, you can get certified! Many have gone before you. It is possible. Remember to take these steps seriously and practice, practice, PRACTICE!

After completing the A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications you have a decision to make. Do you want to pursue a Cisco path or a Microsoft path? Both paths are proprietary and there isn't much crossover between the two so it will be very difficult if you decide to pursue both at the same time.

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CAN I STUDY A COMPTIA A+ COURSE THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING

Yes! At Distance Learning Centre, we are proud to offer a brand new CompTIA A+ course. It uses officially approved CompTIA course materials, and allows you to study in your own home and at your own pace.

We also offer a CompTIA course bundle, which gives learners access to both the CompTIA A+ course and the CompTIA Network+ course (which equips students with the skills they need to offer networking technology support) at a saving of £50.
Better Career Options

Recruiting agencies prefer candidates with more certifications. And if it is for the role of IT technician, you can be more than sure CompTIA A+ will feature on top of the preferred list of certifications for the job-seeker. The CompTIA website lists Canon, Cognizant, Computacenter, Fujitsu, Ricoh, Toshiba, Unisys and Intel recommend or require CompTIA A+ certifications for their IT staff or partners.
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Guide to Google Cloud Certifications

If you have been wondering about the best and reliable option for setting up a career in cloud computing, then certifications are credible alternatives. The role of certifications in the modern IT landscape is highly significant and unquestionable. Candidates should know about the certifications of notable public cloud computing platforms such as Google Cloud certifications. Awareness of the different certifications on Google Cloud Platform could help you identify the suitable certifications for your career path.

There are many categories of certifications on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) that are ideal for different levels of expertise and experience. Most of the candidates are not able to find the ideal Google cloud certification for their career aspirations. However, exploring the basic information about each Google cloud certification exam can help candidates in making the right choice effortlessly.

The following discussion would present an outline of the different Google Cloud certifications that are available now. The discussion would help you uncover crucial details such as target audience for the exam, abilities tested in the exam and recommended prerequisites for the different certifications.

In addition, candidates can also learn about other details such as the exam format, supported languages and registration cost. However, the most important information outlined for each certification exam would be the illustration of subtopics in each exam objective. Furthermore, the description of each Google cloud certification exam would also contain references to the estimated average salary for each certification.
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Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Networking hardware knowledge will now need to include managed and unmanaged switches along with PoE switches. Cloud-based network controllers have also been added.

The installation and configuration of IoT devices are new and includes controlled devices like locks, lights, cameras and climate controls. You will also need to know voice-enabled devices like digital assistants and smart speakers.

Firewall settings have been expanded to include whitelists and blacklists.

Wireless networking protocols now include RFID, Zigbee, Z-Wave. You will need to know 3G, 4G, 5G and LTE cellular protocols.

You will need to know the properties and purpose of the syslog service on network servers.

IP address configuration has been expanded to include IPv6 link-local addresses.

DHCP reservations are new. Knowledge of VLAN configuration is now required knowledge.

The wireless mesh topology (WMN) is now included.
Environment variables
Comment syntax
Basic script constructs such as Basic loops and Variables
Basic data types like Integers and Strings

Earlier in the 220-901 objectives, you defined and described remote access protocols. Now you are asked to use them. You will need to know how to use Telnet, SSH, Screen sharing and consider the security implications for each method.

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What is CompTIA Project+?

Project management professionals are in demand. As noted by a recent PMI survey, corporate need for experienced and certified project managers is growing at nearly 33 percent each year — far outpacing many other skilled occupations.

And while some of these projects require the high-level skills and techniques offered by certifications such as Alexos Prince 2 or PMI’s PMP qualification, many businesses are continually developing and deploying smaller-scale projects that need talented staff capable of handling multiple project- and role-based responsibilities simultaneously.

Here, CompTIA Project+ training can help bridge the gap by providing the core skills necessary for IT pros to manage small or midsize projects from inception to completion. As demand for project professionals expands across industries and market verticals, this entry-to-mid-level certification can help expand your career impact and increase your earning potential.

In this piece, we’ll dive into the basics of CompTIA+ Project training, discover what sets it apart from other certifications, and examine the current market and career conditions in the Washington, DC area.
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Benefits of CompTIA Security+ Certification

This certification is ideal for IT security professionals who are relatively new to the field or have never taken a security certification exam before. It’s also useful if you’re looking to switch to cybersecurity from a related field. It is recommended as the first security certification you should earn, as it deals with the core skills needed for any job in cyber security and can help you to move into an intermediate-level cybersecurity position.

Earning the CompTIA Security+ certification can help you land job roles that are in high demand and command a good salary, such as security architect, security engineer, security or systems administrator, security analyst, network administrator, security consultant, and junior IT auditor. Although certification isn’t typically a requirement for these positions, it can provide a career advantage.

The U.S. Department of Defense has approved the CompTIA Security+ credential to meet Directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements. The certification also complies with ISO 17024.
Related Certifications

CompTIA Security+ is the foundational certification in the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway, which includes seven different security certifications to help cybersecurity professionals develop the skills they need to advance in their careers. Along with two different career pathways and core skills certifications, CompTIA offers Project+ certifications for specific professions, such as project manager, business analyst and project team member, and other professional certifications.
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