OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

CompTIA Security+ 701

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 460 ratings
see reviews
Elizabeth Manar

This course prepares individuals to successfuly pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification exam. It covers each of the five domains in the Security+ exam: General Security Concepts; Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations; Security Architecture; Security Operations; and Security Program Management and Oversight. Each course will explain the concepts and terminology covered on the exam and include helpful analogies, memory aids, and practical applications of the material to better remember important key points, with each video providing targeted details of important individual topics or similar, related concepts.

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until December 2
Annual Subscription
Invest in your career growth and save. Start your annual subscription to Coursera Plus and access 10,000+ programs.
Take
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Security basics
In this module, we explain general concepts and vocabulary used in cybersecurity and explore categories and types of security controls used to protect assets. Physical controls are also considered as ways of protecting physical infrastructure.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Prepares learners to pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification exam, which is an industry-recognized credential for cybersecurity professionals
Covers the five domains of the Security+ exam, providing a comprehensive overview of general security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and security architecture
Explores identity and access management, which are crucial for verifying that the right users have the right access to the tools and technologies needed to do their job
Examines network security devices, which are used to safeguard networks from malicious activity, protect data confidentiality, and reduce potential harmful intrusions
Discusses virtualization and cloud computing services, which are leveraged by most major enterprise solutions to meet their needs
Focuses on incident response, which walks through the phases of incident response, contingency planning, and creating backups, as well as basic concepts related to digital forensics

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive security+ exam prep

According to learners, this course provides comprehensive coverage of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam objectives, making it a solid foundation for exam preparation. Many appreciate the clear explanations and the way complex topics are broken down. Students feel the course is a highly effective resource for understanding key security concepts. While it covers the breadth of the exam domains well, some reviewers note that additional labs or hands-on practice might be beneficial for truly solidifying the practical aspects.
Would benefit from more hands-on lab exercises.
"Could use more practical labs or hands-on examples to reinforce concepts."
"While the theory is covered well, more labs would improve practical understanding."
"I needed to find supplementary labs outside the course to practice."
"More demos would make some of the topics stick better for me."
Provides a strong base understanding of security principles.
"This course provides a solid foundation in core security principles."
"It's a great starting point for anyone new to cybersecurity concepts."
"Helped solidify my understanding of fundamental security ideas."
"Lays a very strong groundwork for future study in the field."
Instructor explains complex topics clearly and effectively.
"The instructor's explanations were very clear and easy to follow."
"Complex concepts were broken down into digestible parts."
"Really appreciated how the analogies helped simplify difficult subjects."
"The clarity of the lectures made studying much less intimidating."
Covers all domains of the SY0-701 exam thoroughly.
"This course provided comprehensive coverage of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam objectives."
"It really did cover every single domain listed in the SY0-701 blueprint."
"Felt well-prepared for the exam material after going through all the modules."
"The depth of topics covered is impressive and aligns perfectly with the cert."
Highly effective resource for preparing for the exam.
"I feel this course is a highly effective resource for preparing for the Security+ exam."
"Definitely recommend this for anyone aiming to pass the SY0-701."
"This course gave me the confidence I needed going into the test."
"A great resource if you are serious about getting certified."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CompTIA Security+ 701 with these activities:
Review Networking Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of networking concepts, which are foundational to many security topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review the OSI model and TCP/IP suite.
  • Practice subnetting and CIDR notation.
  • Familiarize yourself with common network protocols.
Read 'Security Engineering' by Ross Anderson
Gain a broader understanding of security engineering principles to complement the Security+ exam-focused content.
View Security Engineering: A Guide to Building... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Security Engineering'.
  • Read selected chapters relevant to course topics.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Practice Identifying Attack Types
Reinforce your ability to recognize and differentiate between various cyberattack types covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards with attack names and descriptions.
  • Use online quizzes to test your knowledge.
  • Review real-world attack scenarios and identify the attack type.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Practical Packet Analysis' by Chris Sanders
Improve your network security skills by learning how to analyze network traffic using Wireshark.
View Intrusion Detection Honeypots on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Practical Packet Analysis'.
  • Follow the examples and exercises in the book.
  • Analyze real-world network traffic captures.
Create a Presentation on Incident Response
Solidify your understanding of incident response processes by creating a presentation that explains the key steps and considerations.
Show steps
  • Research the incident response lifecycle.
  • Develop a presentation outline.
  • Create slides with clear and concise information.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.
Set up a Virtualized Security Lab
Gain hands-on experience with security tools and techniques by building a virtualized lab environment.
Show steps
  • Choose a virtualization platform (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware).
  • Install and configure virtual machines.
  • Install security tools (e.g., Nmap, Wireshark).
  • Experiment with different security scenarios.
Contribute to a Security-Related Open Source Project
Deepen your understanding of security concepts by contributing to a real-world open source project.
Show steps
  • Find a security-related open source project on GitHub.
  • Review the project's documentation and code.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete CompTIA Security+ 701 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Security Analyst
A security analyst monitors and protects an organization's systems and networks. This role requires a deep understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and security operations, all of which are covered in this course. This course can help aspiring security analysts understand attack methods, incident response, and how to secure an organization's infrastructure. It is an ideal course for someone who wants to build a foundation in security analysis. The course's focus on practical applications and memory aids will be especially beneficial to learners new to the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Information Security Specialist
An information security specialist focuses on protecting sensitive information and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a broad overview of security operations, data protection, and governance that is vital for this role. An information security specialist must also think about threats, and this course will help them understand how to defend against them. This course is a good starting point for aspiring information security specialists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Specialist
Incident Responder
Incident responders detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents. This course provides a detailed explanation of the incident response process, including identifying, containing, eradicating, recovering from and documenting security incidents. Also covered in the course is digital forensics, a key component of incident response. It is beneficial for this role to also know about threats, vulnerabilities, and security operations, all of which are discussed in this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder
Security Engineer
Security engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing security systems. This course covers important topics for a security engineer, such as security architecture, network security devices, and virtualization. A security engineer should understand organizational security and how to protect data which is covered in this course. Those who wish to work as security engineers may find this course particularly helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for maintaining and securing an organization's network infrastructure. This course helps a network administrator understand network security devices, virtualization, and how to protect against cyberattacks. A network administrator should have an idea of how to implement security measures, as well as how to react to events, and this course covers both. The course material on security operations and network security devices may be particularly relevant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Systems Administrator
Systems administrators manage an organization's computer systems, ensuring they run smoothly and securely. This course can assist a systems administrator by providing fundamental knowledge of identity and access management, vulnerabilities and risk management, and data protection. The course explains a host of security topics that overlap with the responsibilities of a systems administrator, and it also covers how to respond to security incidents. This course is a good fit for learners pursuing a career as a systems administrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Data Security Analyst
A data security analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's data and ensuring its integrity. The course's sections on data protection, secure data management practices, and data management technologies may be particularly useful for this role. A data security analyst should also be familiar with organizational security and governance, both of which are covered in this course. Those wishing to work as data security analysts may benefit from what this course has to offer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Consultant
A cybersecurity consultant advises organizations on how to improve their security posture. This course covers many areas that a cybersecurity consultant would need to know, like risk management, security architecture, and incident response. A cybersecurity consultant should be familiar with security concepts and technologies, and this course will help a learner gain the foundational knowledge they need. The course’s depth and breadth of topics make it a valuable resource for a cybersecurity consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Consultant
Cloud Security Specialist
A cloud security specialist focuses on securing cloud-based systems and data. This course can assist a cloud security specialist by introducing virtualization, cloud computing services, and mobile device management. A cloud security specialist must be familiar with identity and access management, as well as data protection, topics which are also discussed in this course. The course's treatment of many topics relevant to the cloud makes this a valuable resource.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Specialist
IT Risk Manager
An IT risk manager identifies and manages information technology risks. This course addresses organizational security, vulnerabilities and risk management, and data protection which are all vital for an IT risk manager to understand. An IT risk manager should understand how to interpret and apply policy, as well as legal and industry regulations. This course’s discussion of governance is useful for those in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Risk Manager
IT Auditor
An IT auditor evaluates an organization's information technology and security controls. This course helps an IT auditor understand security concepts, threats, and vulnerabilities, as well as how organizations protect their data. An IT auditor should be aware of data protection, governance, and the way an organization structures its processes, all of which are covered in this course. The course's review of legal and industry regulations also makes it a good fit for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
Security Awareness Trainer
A security awareness trainer educates employees about security best practices. This course provides the foundational concepts and terminology used in cybersecurity. A security awareness trainer benefits from knowing about common attacks, social engineering, and data protection. This course can help a security awareness trainer better understand the topics they will be teaching. The course's style of instruction, with analogies and memory aids, may also be of benefit.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Awareness Trainer
Digital Forensics Analyst
A digital forensics analyst recovers and analyzes digital evidence related to security incidents. This course does not teach the specific tools used by a digital forensics analyst but it does provide a basis in incident response and digital forensics. The course also helps a digital forensics analysts understand threats, attacks, and security operations, which will benefit their analysis of incidents. This course may be useful for aspiring digital forensics analysts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensics Analyst
Compliance Analyst
A compliance analyst ensures that an organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. This course will help a compliance analyst understand legal and industry regulations, as well as how organizations create and implement policies. It also covers organizational security, data protection, and governance which will help a compliance analyst understand how to establish proper safeguards for IT infrastructure. This course may be useful for those who wish to become compliance analysts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Analyst
Penetration Tester
A penetration tester simulates cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in an organization's security. While this course does not teach specific penetration testing skills, it provides a foundation in threats, attacks, and risk management. The course can help a penetration tester better understand the mindset of an attacker, as well as the vulnerabilities that they might target. As a result, this course may be useful for those who wish to become penetration testers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in CompTIA Security+ 701.
Cover image
Security Engineering
Save
Provides a broad overview of security principles and practices, covering topics from cryptography to physical security. It offers a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts behind many security technologies. While not directly aligned with the Security+ exam objectives, it provides valuable context and a more comprehensive perspective on security engineering. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building...
Hardcover
$$
Personal Medical Information: Security, Engineering...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building...
Paperback
$$$
Security Engineering, 2ed
Paperback
$$
Security Engineering and Tobias on Locks Two-Book...
Hardcover
$$$$
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building (text...
Unknown Binding
$$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to CompTIA Security+ 701.
Cybersecurity and Its Ten Domains
Most relevant
Cyber Security in Manufacturing
Most relevant
Cybersecurity Policy for Water and Electricity...
Most relevant
Security Architecture & Operations
Most relevant
The Pearson Complete Course for CISM Certification: Unit 4
Most relevant
The Zero Trust Framework
Most relevant
Zero Trust Security Fundamentals for IT Professionals
Most relevant
Oracle Database 12c SQL Certified Associate 1Z0-071
Most relevant
Cybersecurity and Mobility
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Infosec
Instructor
Elizabeth Manar
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Prepares learners to pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification exam, which is an industry-recognized credential for cybersecurity professionals
Covers the five domains of the Security+ exam, providing a comprehensive overview of general security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and security architecture
Explores identity and access management, which are crucial for verifying that the right users have the right access to the tools and technologies needed to do their job
Examines network security devices, which are used to safeguard networks from malicious activity, protect data confidentiality, and reduce potential harmful intrusions
Discusses virtualization and cloud computing services, which are leveraged by most major enterprise solutions to meet their needs
Focuses on incident response, which walks through the phases of incident response, contingency planning, and creating backups, as well as basic concepts related to digital forensics
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to CompTIA Security+ 701.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser