Question 1

How many questions are on the CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ consists of 90 questions. You are given 90 minutes to complete the exam.

Question 2

What is the passing score for the CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ exam reports a scaled score from 100 to 900, and you need at least 750 to pass. A scaled score is not the percentage of questions you answered correctly. Our practice exams use 83% as their pass mark.

Question 3

How long do I have to complete the CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

You have 90 minutes to complete the CompTIA Security+. That works out to roughly 60 seconds per question, so time management is important during your preparation.

Question 4

What topics does the CompTIA Security+ cover?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ covers the following domains: General Security Concepts, Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations, Security Architecture, Security Operations, Security Program Management and Oversight. Each domain carries a different weight on the exam, so focus your study time on the areas that count most.

Question 5

What level is the CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ is rated Intermediate. This means candidates should have hands-on experience and foundational knowledge before attempting this exam.

Question 6

What career paths include the CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA Security+ is part of 2 career paths:
• Cybersecurity Path: Network+ → Security+ → CISSP
• CompTIA IT Professional Journey: A+ Core 1 → A+ Core 2 → Network+ → Security+
After passing, the recommended next step is CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional.

Question 7

What study modes are available for the CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

MindMesh Academy provides multiple study modes to match your preparation style. Timed Practice simulates real exam conditions with a countdown timer. Review Mode shows detailed explanations after every question so you can learn as you go. Section-Based Practice lets you focus on specific exam domains to target weak areas. Flashcards support spaced repetition (SRS) for long-term retention, plus burst, deep study, and cram modes for flexible review. A guided Learning Journey ties everything together into a structured study path. All modes are fully mobile-friendly, so you can study on any device.

Question 8

How does MindMesh Academy compare to the official CompTIA Security+ practice test?

Accepted Answer

Official vendor practice tests typically offer a limited number of questions with minimal explanations. MindMesh Academy provides a comprehensive question bank with detailed explanations for every answer choice — both correct and incorrect — so you understand the reasoning behind each answer. You also get flashcards with spaced repetition, a complete study guide covering every exam domain, section-based practice, progress analytics that identify your weakest topics, and a guided learning journey. All study materials are accessible on desktop and mobile.

Question 9

Are the CompTIA Security+ practice questions regularly updated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team reviews and updates the question bank to reflect the latest exam objectives and real-world scenarios. When exam versions change or new topics are added, we update our practice questions, flashcards, and study guide to ensure you are always studying current material.

Question 10

How can I prepare for the CompTIA Security+?

Accepted Answer

MindMesh Academy offers practice exams that simulate real test conditions, flashcards with spaced repetition to strengthen long-term retention, and an integrated study guide covering every exam domain. You can also track your progress with analytics that pinpoint your weak areas so you know exactly where to focus.

Formula	Equation	Example
SLE	Asset Value × Exposure Factor	$500,000 × 0.4 = $200,000
ALE	SLE × ARO	$200,000 × 0.5 = $100,000/year

Algorithm	Type	Key Size	Status
AES	Symmetric	128/192/256-bit	✅ Current standard
DES	Symmetric	56-bit	❌ Deprecated
3DES	Symmetric	168-bit	❌ Phasing out
RSA	Asymmetric	2048/4096-bit	✅ Current
ECC	Asymmetric	256/384-bit	✅ Current (smaller keys)
Diffie-Hellman	Key exchange	Varies	✅ Key exchange only
SHA-256	Hashing	256-bit output	✅ Current
MD5	Hashing	128-bit output	❌ Deprecated
SHA-1	Hashing	160-bit output	❌ Deprecated

Port	Protocol	Service
20/21	TCP	FTP (data/control)
22	TCP	SSH/SFTP/SCP
23	TCP	Telnet (insecure)
25	TCP	SMTP
53	TCP/UDP	DNS
67/68	UDP	DHCP (server/client)
80	TCP	HTTP
88	TCP/UDP	Kerberos
110	TCP	POP3
143	TCP	IMAP
389	TCP/UDP	LDAP
443	TCP	HTTPS
445	TCP	SMB
636	TCP	LDAPS
993	TCP	IMAPS
995	TCP	POP3S
1433	TCP	MSSQL
3306	TCP	MySQL
3389	TCP/UDP	RDP

Protocol	Use	Key Feature
RADIUS	Network access (Wi-Fi, VPN)	Encrypts password only
TACACS+	Device administration	Encrypts entire payload, separates AAA
Kerberos	Windows domain auth	Ticket-based, SSO, requires NTP
SAML	Web-based SSO (enterprise)	XML-based, IdP and SP
OAuth	Authorization (API access)	Token-based, NOT authentication
OIDC	Authentication on top of OAuth	Adds identity token to OAuth

Model	Who Decides	Best For
MAC	System (labels)	Military/government
DAC	Resource owner	General file systems
RBAC	Role assignment	Enterprise (most common)
ABAC	Policy engine (attributes)	Complex/granular requirements

7.2. Quick Reference

Risk Calculation Formulas

Cryptographic Algorithm Quick Reference

Port Numbers

Authentication Protocols

Incident Response Order

Preparation → Detection → Analysis → Containment → Eradication → Recovery → Lessons Learned

Access Control Models

Shared Responsibility Model

Backup Comparison

Agreement Types

Layer	IaaS	PaaS	SaaS
Data	You	You	You
Applications	You	You	Provider
Runtime/OS	You	Provider	Provider
Infrastructure	Provider	Provider	Provider

Type	Backs Up	Create Speed	Restore Speed
Full	Everything	Slowest	Fastest
Incremental	Since last any backup	Fastest	Slowest
Differential	Since last full	Medium	Medium

Agreement	Purpose	Binding?
SLA	Measurable performance requirements	Yes
NDA	Confidentiality protection	Yes
MOU	Mutual understanding/intent	Usually no
MOA	More formal mutual agreement	Usually yes
MSA	Overarching relationship terms	Yes
BPA	Business partner responsibilities	Yes