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CBT
Nuggets Newsletter - March 2003 In this issue: D. Introducing the Nugget Archive Server Everyone's talking about security these days. Homeland security. Financial Security. Network security. CompTIA has recognized the growing need for comprehensive computer and network security knowledge, and has developed the Security+ certification to address it. "Even before 9-11 drove the point home, threats to government and commercial computer networks were myriad," says Gerard Kane, director of Trust Marks for CompTIA. The FBI, U.S. Customs, and the Secret Service all had input into the development of Security+. "Last year, computer viruses cost American businesses over $12 billion," says Kane. A 2002 CSI/FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey showed 90% of respondents had security breaches in the last year, and 80% said they had financial losses because of them. CompTIA says the Security+ cert will help separate those candidates with specific training in network security, from those without it. "People are scanning resumes for certifications and tossing aside ones that don't have any," says eWeek columnist David Foote (searchdatabase.com, December 2003). "[Employers] have to start somewhere." The Security+ exam will cover a wide range of security concepts, including access control, authentication, and external attacks. Candidates must also master operational and organizational security, and the basics of cryptography. "There's a huge information security job boom ahead. There's going to be a land rush for talent starting in the first half of 2004," says Foote. Susan Farago of IBM Tivoli Software Group says a Security+ certification shows a job candidate understands the importance of security issues. "Employers will be willing to pay more for employees who have the Security+ certification," she says (Monster.com, March 2003). CBT Nuggets is set to release a Security+ certification series on April 9th. Cisco trainer Emilio Valdez has completed the videos, and we will offer them (retail $199) at a special introductory $99 price. Since we're on a security theme this week, we've put together some Security+ complimentary and prerequisite videos for our 3-day sale (see below). Referenced: Specialty certifications carry clout in 2003 CompTIA's New Security+ Credential Offers "Benchmark" for Security Knowledge Security Experts Say Workforce Training Combats Cyber-Threats Why get tech certifications? The feeling of accomplishment? The respect of your peers? The simple joy of learning and the elevation of human experience? Naaah. You want the money. Cabbage. Benjamins. Do-re-mi. There's only one type of investment that guarantees a return, and that's an investment in your education and your future. Using this "dip" in the tech economy to sharpen your skills means you'll be prepared and marketable when the sector rebounds. Despite the "sky-is-falling" news on some business pages, there's plenty of future growth in the tech sector and explosive growth in tech wages on the horizon. A recent Dice.com survey charted higher IT salaries last year in Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, San Diego and Detroit. The survey also found impressive average IT salaries in various industries around the country: $93,000 for workers in finance in the North Atlantic; $69,400 for government workers in the Mid Atlantic; and $85,800, on average, for computer software pros in California. Bad news on the front page has had an unintended effect in some sectors; government and defense IT salaries spiked 7 percent in 2002. Janco, a Utah consulting company, says mean compensation at large companies they surveyed rose over 6 percent in 2002 (eWeek, January 2003). Janco also noted higher 2002 salaries in data security, voice/wireless, object programming and data warehousing. So stay informed, get educated, and get yourself certified. Money is nice, but the security and the options that come with it can be the best reason to make that investment now. It's a sure thing. Referenced: IT Salaries Recovering, Survey Says Please
direct any comments or questions about this newsletter to For 3 days only (through March 31st) CBT Nuggets is offering special pricing for the following products. Remember that you'll never pay too much with the CBT Nuggets Low Price Guarantee. Use the add to cart buttons below or phone in your order to 888-507-6283 or 541-284-5522 and use the following discount code: 3LTR3
*Prices above are valid through midnight on 31 March 2003. Introducing the New Nugget Archive Server!
* Includes the videos from the Security+ series due out on April 9th CBT
Nuggets New Releases: MCDBA SQL Implementation and Design Instructor Jeff Abbott is making good progress; the series is set for release in late spring. MOS Word Instructor Troy Fowler has completed one-half of the much anticipated Word series, and it is due for an early summer release. Click on Videos in Development to always have the latest info on upcoming series and timelines. |
