Unlock In-Demand Cybersecurity Expertise: CompTIA’s Operational Skills Certification

Key Points

• New Certification Alert: CompTIA is developing a new certification, SecOT+, focusing on cybersecurity skills for operational technology (OT) professionals, set to launch in late 2026. This relates to Microsoft as it highlights the growing need for cybersecurity expertise, which is crucial for secure Azure and Windows Server environments.
• Cybersecurity Demand: The U.S. had 470,000 cybersecurity-related job openings between May 2023 and April 2024, emphasizing the broad demand for these skills across various roles. Microsoft’s Azure security services are in high demand, making this certification relevant for professionals working with Microsoft technologies.
• OT Security Concerns: 93% of OT organizations experienced intrusions in 2024, with 73% impacting OT systems, up from 49% in 2023, underscoring the need for specialized OT security training. This is particularly important for industries relying on Windows Server for operational systems.

CompTIA Launches New OT Cybersecurity Certification to Address Growing Concerns

In a move to combat the escalating threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, IT training and certification provider CompTIA has announced the development of a new certification program, SecOT+. This initiative focuses on equipping operational technology (OT) professionals with the necessary cybersecurity skills to manage, mitigate, and remediate security risks in manufacturing and critical infrastructure environments. This development is especially relevant for Microsoft’s Azure and Windows Server users, as it highlights the importance of securing operational systems that often rely on these technologies.

According to CompTIA, the demand for cybersecurity skills remains high, with approximately 470,000 U.S.-based job openings requiring cybersecurity-related skills between May 2023 and April 2024. This demand directly impacts Microsoft’s ecosystem, as Azure security services and Windows Server hardening are critical components of modern infrastructure. Furthermore, a recent Fortinet report revealed that a staggering 93% of OT organizations experienced an intrusion in 2024, with 73% of those intrusions impacting OT systems, a significant increase from 49% in 2023. This uptick in OT-targeted attacks emphasizes the need for specialized training, particularly for those working with Windows Server in industrial settings.

James Stanger, chief technology evangelist at CompTIA, emphasized the urgency of addressing the human and economic impact of critical infrastructure attacks. "It’s time to streamline these efforts by creating a scalable, cutting-edge, and cost-effective program," Stanger said. "That’s the best way to counter the emergence of AI-powered cyberattacks on our global infrastructure." This concern resonates with Microsoft’s efforts to secure Azure and Windows Server against increasingly sophisticated threats.

The SecOT+ certification aims to bridge the gap between IT and OT professionals by providing a common skill set. This program will cater to OT positions, such as floor technicians and industrial engineers, as well as cybersecurity engineers and network architects on the IT side. For Microsoft-centric professionals, this certification could enhance their ability to secure Azure-connected OT systems and Windows Server-based industrial systems.

Katie Hoenicke, senior vice president of product development at CompTIA, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "As the industry-recognized leader in building and validating security skills, CompTIA is eager to bring this rigor and dedication to the OT space." This commitment to OT security aligns with Microsoft’s focus on end-to-end security solutions for hybrid environments.

The SecOT+ certification will focus on key areas, including:

• Risk Assessment-Driven Approaches: Emphasizing proactive security strategies, crucial for Windows Server and Azure environments.
• Compliance and Regulatory Frameworks for OT: Ensuring adherence to industry standards, many of which are integrated into Microsoft’s compliance offerings.
• Hardening Techniques and Secure Configurations: Teaching professionals how to secure systems, a skill directly applicable to Windows Server hardening.
• Managing Third-Party Risks and Supply Chain Security: Addressing vulnerabilities in the supply chain, a growing concern for Azure and Windows Server users.
• Integrating and Securing Legacy Systems: A critical skill for industries with outdated infrastructure, often reliant on older Windows Server versions.

CompTIA anticipates the SecOT+ certification to be available in the second half of 2026. As the OT landscape continues to evolve and intersect with IT, this certification is poised to play a vital role in enhancing the security posture of critical infrastructure. For the Microsoft community, this development underscores the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats in Azure and Windows Server ecosystems. With the ever-increasing reliance on connected technologies, initiatives like SecOT+ are crucial for safeguarding the future of global infrastructure.

Read the rest: Source Link

Don’t forget to check our list of Cheap Windows VPS Hosting providers, How to get Windows Server 2022, Try Windows 11 Pro for Workstations & browse Windows Azure content.

Remember to like our facebook and follow us on twitter @WindowsMode.