xi How to Use this Text The Security Essentials text and accompanying resources will help you prepare for the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam. You will learn the skills and knowl- edge for managing and mitigating security risks, detect- ing and preventing network intrusion, and managing and responding to threats. In addition to learning about security, the last chapter of the text helps identify quali- ties employers seek in job candidates. These are concepts you will need to understand for not only the certification exam but also your career as an IT security professional. Each chapter in Security Essentials begins with a set of Learning Outcomes. These are the goals you should focus on accomplishing by the time you complete each chapter. For each outcome, there is a corresponding top-level heading in the content, chapter summary bul- let point, and end-of-chapter review questions to help ensure you comprehend material covered in the chapter. There is also a list of CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives at the beginning of each chapter that identify CompTIA concepts that will be discussed. In addition to Learning Outcomes, the chapter- opening material lists a set of key terms discussed throughout the material. These terms are in boldface when they appear in the content, which makes them easily distinguishable. There are also important words or phrases printed in italic text to which you should pay special attention and consideration. Studying these key terms and italicized words will help you understand the material and better prepare you for taking the certifica- tion exam. Each chapter concludes with a summary of impor- tant points to remember, organized by level-one head- ings. This summary will help you review important topics from each section of the chapter. Following the suggested guidelines will help you make the most of your introduction to security. ■ ■ Read the Learning Outcomes listed in the chapter opener. Each outcome is tied directly to a heading within the content. In addition, these objectives are repeated in the chapter summary and applied in end-of-chapter review questions. The connection of Learning Outcomes throughout the content helps you focus and apply important information as you read each chapter. ■ ■ Read the list of CompTIA Security+ Objectives in the chapter-opening material. These objectives are also noted in the margin with an icon where the material is covered. Use the list of objectives in the chapter opener as a checklist to take inventory of CompTIA standards you understand as well as information you need to review. The icons in the margins are there to direct you to the coverage of each objective for review. ■ ■ Pay attention to the illustrations. Each illustration is strategically created to highlight important in- formation. By studying these, you will extend your learning and improve retention and application of the content. ■ ■ Read all Security+ Note and Tech Tip features as you progress through the material. This in- formation supplements your learning by high- lighting study tips and providing useful industry information. ■ ■ Review the summary at the end of each chapter. This will help you retain important information from the chapter. ■ ■ Answer the review questions and sample Secu- rity+ questions in the end-of-chapter material. These questions provide exposure to the types of questions likely to be on the CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam. By practicing these questions, you increase your chances of successfully earning CompTIA Security+ certification. ■ ■ Complete the lab exercises provided at the end of each chapter. These exercises provide an opportu- nity to apply the chapter content through hands-on activities in real, meaningful ways. ■ ■ Read the case study at the end of each chapter and answer the questions that accompany each case. Each case provides a real-world scenario related to the chapter in which it appears.