Top 10 Free Security+ Practice Resources for 2024

Essential Free Resources for Security+ Success

While paid resources have their place, free study materials can significantly enhance your Security+ preparation. We've evaluated dozens of resources against strict criteria, including accuracy, coverage of exam objectives, and user feedback. Here are the top 10 free resources that meet our quality standards for 2024.

1. Professor Messer's Security+ Course

• Resource Overview:
  • Format: Video lectures and study notes
    - 120+ video lessons
    - Comprehensive PDF course notes
    - Weekly study group recordings
    - Active YouTube community
  • Key Features:
    - Structured by exam objectives
    - Regular content updates
    - Practice question examples
    - Real-world explanations
  • Best Used For:
    - Primary video course
    - Concept clarification
    - Visual learning
    - Community support
• Access Details:
  • Where to Find:
    - YouTube channel: "Professor Messer"
    - Website: professormesser.com
    - Discord community
    - Weekly live streams
  • Navigation Tips:
    - Use playlists for organized viewing
    - Download course objectives as guide
    - Join live Q&A sessions
    - Participate in study groups

2. CompTIA Security+ Certification Mobile App

• App Features:
  • Core Functionality:
    - 300+ practice questions
    - Flashcard system
    - Performance tracking
    - Custom quiz creation
  • Study Modes:
    - Quick practice sessions
    - Full-length practice tests
    - Topic-specific quizzes
    - Timed exam simulation
  • Learning Tools:
    - Detailed explanations
    - Progress statistics
    - Weak area identification
    - Study reminders
• Usage Tips:
  • Optimal Study Strategy:
    - 15-minute daily practice sessions
    - Focus on missed questions
    - Review explanations thoroughly
    - Track progress weekly
  • Integration with Other Resources:
    - Supplement video courses
    - Verify knowledge retention
    - Quick reference tool
    - Mobile learning solution

3. Reddit r/CompTIA Community

• Community Resources:
  • Key Content:
    - Success stories and tips
    - Study material reviews
    - Practice question discussions
    - Exam experience sharing
  • Valuable Sections:
    - Pinned resource guides
    - Weekly discussion threads
    - Study group formation
    - Tool recommendations
• Engagement Strategy:
  • How to Participate:
    - Read success stories first
    - Join study groups
    - Share your progress
    - Ask specific questions
  • Finding Resources:
    - Use search function effectively
    - Follow active contributors
    - Check weekly threads
    - Save useful posts

4. Free Online Practice Labs

• Available Platforms:
  • Web-Based Labs:
    - TryHackMe free rooms
    - HackTheBox starting point
    - CyberDefenders blue team labs
    - PortSwigger Web Security Academy
  • Virtual Machine Labs:
    - VirtualBox configurations
    - Pre-built security VMs
    - Network simulation tools
    - Security tool collections
• Hands-On Practice:
  • Key Skills Coverage:
    - Network security setup
    - Security tool usage
    - Vulnerability scanning
    - Incident response simulation
  • Learning Approach:
    - Guided tutorials
    - Progressive difficulty
    - Practical scenarios
    - Real-world applications

5. GitHub Security+ Resources

• Available Materials:
  • Study Materials:
    - Markdown study guides
    - Practice scripts
    - Lab setup guides
    - Command references
  • Community Contributions:
    - Study note collections
    - Practice scenarios
    - Tool documentation
    - Exam preparation tips

6. Official CompTIA CertMaster Practice Demo

• Features Available in Demo:
  • Practice Content:
    - Sample question bank
    - Performance-based questions
    - Adaptive learning system
    - Progress tracking tools
  • Learning Tools:
    - Detailed explanations
    - Knowledge assessments
    - Performance metrics
    - Study planning features
• Best Practices:
  • Usage Strategy:
    - Take initial assessment
    - Review all explanations
    - Focus on weak areas
    - Track improvement
  • Integration Tips:
    - Combine with study guides
    - Use for final review
    - Validate knowledge
    - Identify gaps

7. Security+ Discord Study Groups

• Community Benefits:
  • Study Resources:
    - Real-time discussion channels
    - Resource sharing
    - Study partner matching
    - Expert advice access
  • Group Activities:
    - Weekly study sessions
    - Practice question reviews
    - Topic discussions
    - Mock exam events
• Participation Guidelines:
  • Engagement Tips:
    - Introduce yourself
    - Join study channels
    - Participate regularly
    - Share your progress
  • Resource Access:
    - Check pinned messages
    - Use search function
    - Follow topic channels
    - Save useful resources

8. YouTube Security Channels

• Top Channels:
  • Educational Content:
    - Professor Messer (comprehensive course)
    - Network Chuck (networking concepts)
    - John Hammond (practical demos)
    - David Bombal (hands-on labs)
  • Content Types:
    - Topic explanations
    - Tool demonstrations
    - Practice questions
    - Study strategies
• Viewing Strategy:
  • Organization Tips:
    - Create topic playlists
    - Follow exam objectives
    - Take detailed notes
    - Practice alongside videos
  • Supplementary Use:
    - Clarify difficult concepts
    - Visual learning aids
    - Real-world examples
    - Tool walkthroughs

9. Security Tool Documentation

• Essential Resources:
  • Tool Documentation:
    - Wireshark user guide
    - Nmap reference guide
    - Metasploit documentation
    - OpenVAS user manual
  • Learning Materials:
    - Tutorial sections
    - Example uses
    - Best practices
    - Configuration guides
• Application Strategy:
  • Study Approach:
    - Read getting started guides
    - Follow basic tutorials
    - Practice common tasks
    - Explore advanced features
  • Practical Integration:
    - Lab exercises
    - Tool mastery
    - Scenario practice
    - PBQ preparation

10. Open Security Training Materials

• Available Resources:
  • Course Materials:
    - Security fundamentals
    - Network security basics
    - Cryptography essentials
    - System hardening guides
  • Learning Aids:
    - Presentation slides
    - Lab exercises
    - Practice scenarios
    - Assessment tools
• Implementation Tips:
  • Study Strategy:
    - Follow course structure
    - Complete all exercises
    - Take detailed notes
    - Practice regularly
  • Resource Integration:
    - Supplement main study
    - Fill knowledge gaps
    - Reinforce concepts
    - Practical application

Making the Most of Free Resources

Follow these strategies to maximize the value of free study materials:

1. Structured Approach

• Daily Study Plan:
  • Morning:
    - Video lectures
    - Reading materials
    - Note-taking
    - Concept review
  • Evening:
    - Practice questions
    - Hands-on labs
    - Community discussions
    - Progress tracking

2. Resource Combination

• Integration Strategy:
  • Primary Learning:
    - Video courses
    - Documentation
    - Study guides
    - Practice labs
  • Reinforcement:
    - Practice questions
    - Discussion groups
    - Tool practice
    - Peer review