What MS certs would you do to get into a security role in an Enterprise environment?

quinnyfly

Curious what people might think about what MS certs to take for a security role in an Enterprise-based environment?

Still researching and head-scratching, also checking jobs on seek.com etc, to see what quals employers want.

rwmidl

I would say start with the 70-640 (AD). For Windows, security starts with implementing good Group Policies and the 640 will get you a good base. It will also deal with configuring and securing DNS in a Windows/AD environment. From there, look at the 642 (Network Infra) and then finish with the 646 to get the MCITP:SA.

ajs1976

Start with a good understanding of Networks and Systems --> CCNA and MCITP:SA. Then build your security knowledge both vendor neutral and vendor specific --> Sec+, SSCP, CISSP, CCNA:Security, CCSP, others. Get experience with security products and work your way into that role.

quinnyfly

Thank you guys, your input is valued and very much appreciated, more and more it's looking like Active Directory is the way to go.
Massive help in decision making, thanks heaps fellas.

powerfool

You may want to check out the 2003 track, as well, which has a security specialization. It may seem out of date, but many of the concepts are still the same, as well. If you don't have any existing tests on the 2003 track (or even the 2000 track), it would probably be a bit of an undertaking unless you have tons of experience which would allow you to just cram and test.

JDMurray

Microsoft does recognize the CompTIA Security+ certification has having information pertinent to Microsoft products and systems.

I agree that understanding how AD operates, is configured, and its limitations is an important part of enterprise network security.

And if you get interested in Microsoft application security, there is a .NET security cert track too.

N2IT

rwmidl wrote: »

I would say start with the 70-640 (AD). For Windows, security starts with implementing good Group Policies and the 640 will get you a good base. It will also deal with configuring and securing DNS in a Windows/AD environment. From there, look at the 642 (Network Infra) and then finish with the 646 to get the MCITP:SA.

+1 on 640

quinnyfly

N2IT, you are spot on Mate, did some further research and ringing around, found that almost all admin positions want AD or Cisco, but most want MS certs with AD topping the server admin list.

Thanks again fellas, very much appreciated