🧩 Mile2 C)SA – Cyber Security Analyst

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Type: Technical

πŸ“œ 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Threat detection, incident response, behavioral analysis, vulnerability assessment, and security monitoring

  • Target roles or profiles:
    SOC Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst, Blue Team Operator, IT Security Technician

  • Practical applications:
    Working with SIEMs, performing forensic analysis, malware reverse engineering basics, and incident triage

πŸŽ“ 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    Mile2 C)HT (Certified Hacking Technician), CompTIA Security+, or equivalent knowledge

  • Suggested experience:
    1–2 years in IT or cybersecurity support roles

  • Required technical knowledge:
    Understanding of TCP/IP, operating systems (Windows/Linux), firewalls, basic scripting

πŸ“š 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Cyber Threat Intelligence

    2. SIEM and Log Analysis

    3. Malware Analysis Basics

    4. Packet Capture and Network Analysis

    5. Host-Based Security

    6. Vulnerability Management

    7. Threat Detection and Hunting

    8. Incident Response Process

  • Technologies/tools:
    Wireshark, Splunk, Snort, Nessus, OSINT tools, firewalls, Windows Event Logs

  • Framework mapping:
    NIST CSF, NICE Workforce Framework, partial alignment to MITRE ATT&CK

πŸ§ͺ 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Mixed (theoretical + practical)

  • Labs/environments: Hands-on labs included with courseware (via Mile2 Lab Portal)

  • Materials: Official Mile2 Course Manual, e-learning videos, lab guide, exam prep

  • Recommended platforms: Mile2 LMS, optional practice on TryHackMe or CyberDefenders (supplemental)

πŸ“ 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Mode: Online proctored (via Mile2 exam portal)

  • Duration: 2 hours

  • Questions: 100 multiple choice

  • Languages: English

  • Retake policy: 2 free retakes included if taken via official training

  • Certification validity: 3 years

πŸ’° 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam fee: $500 USD (standalone exam)

  • Training cost: ~$1,000–$1,500 USD (includes courseware + labs + exam voucher)

  • Renewal cost: $250 USD every 3 years (or earn another Mile2 cert to waive it)

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: More niche than CompTIA or GIAC, but accepted in private sector and some government settings

  • Organizations that value it: Contractors, MSSPs, small-to-mid-sized companies, organizations using Mile2 frameworks

  • Comparison: Similar to CompTIA CySA+, but more flexible on prerequisites and often more cost-effective

πŸ’Ό 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Cybersecurity Analyst, SOC Level I/II, Security Technician, Incident Response Analyst

  • Suggested paths:
    β†’ C)SA β†’ C)ISSO (Information Systems Security Officer)
    β†’ C)SA β†’ C)PTC (Pen Testing Consultant) or C)DFE (Digital Forensics Examiner)

πŸ’΅ 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $70,000–$90,000/year

  • Europe: €40,000–€65,000/year

  • Salary impact: Useful stepping stone for better roles; respected by employers who recognize Mile2

  • (Sources: Mile2 alumni, PayScale, niche job boards)

πŸ“… 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 3 years

  • Renewal:

    • Retake the exam, or

    • Earn a higher-level Mile2 certification, or

    • Submit proof of 40 CPEs and pay a renewal fee (~$250 USD)

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    Cybersecurity professionals in early to mid-career stages, especially those seeking a Blue Team role with practical foundations

  • When to pursue:
    After foundational certs like Security+ or Mile2 C)HT, before going for GCIH, CySA+, or more advanced certs

  • Tips:
    Use the Mile2 lab portal to gain hands-on experience; review log analysis, packet capture, and incident response workflows thoroughly