CySA+: CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst

CySA+ is an intermediate "Blue Team" certification that applies behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect, and combat cybersecurity threats. It sits between Security+ and CASP+, focusing heavily on the practical interpretation of data from vulnerability scanners, intrusion detection systems, and SIEMs. The exam includes performance-based questions that require you to analyze log outputs and identify the type of attack occurring (e.g., SQL injection, XSS, or buffer overflow). It is compliant with ISO 17024 and DoD directives, making it a standard requirement for government SOC analysts and threat hunters. It validates the ability to not just configure tools, but to understand what they are saying.