HackTheBox CDSA vs BTL1: Which One You Should Pursue?

Introduction

Two prominent certifications for aspiring blue teamers are the Certified Defensive Security Analyst (CDSA) and Blue Team Labs 1 (BTL1). While both are tailored toward defensive cybersecurity, they differ in scope, depth, and target audience. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you choose the best fit for your goals.

Overview of HackTheBox CDSA

HackTheBox CDSA is an intermediate-level certification designed for individuals looking to deepen their knowledge of defensive cybersecurity practices. It focuses on practical and theoretical skills needed to identify, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents.

The target audience usually covers Entry level Security Analysts, Entry level Forensics Analysts and even IT Administrators.

HackTheBox CDSA cover SIEM Operations, Log Analysis, Malware Analysis and other domains such as Network Traffic Analysis.

The official course content contains Hands-on labs that simulate defensive cybersecurity challenges and is structured to build Security Operations Center analyst skills

Overview of Blue Team Level 1

Blue Team Level 1, offered by Security Blue Team is a certification focused on practical, hands-on skills required for defensive cybersecurity roles. It is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and techniques to detect, analyze, and mitigate cyber threats.

BTL1 covers Threat detection and analysis, Incident response and ractical skills for a Security Operations Center analyst role.

Its ideal for Individuals aspiring to work in blue team roles, such as security operations center analysts or cybersecurity analysts. Its also good certificate for those looking for hands-on, practical experience in cybersecurity defense.

2. Exam Format

HTB CDSA Exam

HackTheBox CDSA exam lasts for 7 days, so be sure to take detailed notes throughout. Document every step carefully, as you’ll need to explain everything in your final report. You are required to create two reports. It’s advisable not to work on both simultaneously,complete one before starting the other.

Make sure you thoroughly understand all the modules in the course material. Go through the final assessments for each module and attempt to solve them without referring to the solutions or explanations beforehand.

I strongly recommend exploring TryHackMe’s Security Operations Center Level 1 path. It provides an opportunity to analyze security incidents involving a substantial volume of logs, helping you refine your methodology,an essential skill for the exam. If you encounter difficulties, you can also refer to the walkthrough videos linked in the video descriptions.

BTL1 Exam

the BTL1 exam is a 24-hour practical incident response exam, providing ample time to complete it successfully. However, this is not a traditional exam with single or multiple-choice questions. Instead, it requires intense focus and significant mental energy over a prolonged period.

The exam involves handling a real-world incident response scenario where an employee’s machine has been compromised. You will need to perform a forensic investigation, use RDP to access other infected machines, collect and analyze artifacts from various sources, and answer the exam’s questions in a specified format.

Since this is a fully hands-on exam, it’s crucial to practice and familiarize yourself with the tools used in the exam environment, such as Wireshark. Spend time exploring and mastering its functionalities, especially for analyzing network traffic and extracting relevant information and artifacts.

Building confidence is essential, and Blue Team Labs Online is a great resource for this. Dedicate a week or two to completing the labs available on the platform, as they provide excellent practice and preparation for the exam.

Career Impact and Industry Recognition

HackTheBox CDSA is more challenging than BTL1 and is becoming widely recognized as an intermediate-level certification, CDSA is highly regarded for its focus on real-world defensive scenarios. It positions candidates for higher-level roles, including security operations center analysts and threat hunters, and provides the tools necessary to work in complex cybersecurity environments.

However, BTL1 is considered quite easier and is ideal for those starting their careers in cybersecurity. It provides a stepping stone to more advanced certifications and is an excellent introduction to the challenges faced in blue team roles.

Both BTL1 and CDSA are recognised and respected certifications to pursue bearing in mind that CDSA is more challenging and requires more in-depth preparation.

Ultimately you can first build practical foundational skills with BTL1 then you can pursue CDSA when you are ready for more challenges.

Skill Comparison

Certified Defensive Security Analyst (CDSA) Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of threat detection tools and techniques.
• Advanced incident response procedures, including triaging complex security events.
• Deeper understanding of malware analysis and how to mitigate advanced persistent threats (APTs).
• Ability to implement and optimize defensive measures in enterprise environments.

Blue Team Labs 1 (BTL1) Skills:

• Foundational understanding of log analysis and anomaly detection.
• Introduction to forensics, enabling participants to investigate security incidents.
• Basic skills for monitoring and analyzing network and endpoint activity.
• Development of analytical thinking for identifying and mitigating threats.

Which Certification to Pursue?

Choose CDSA if:

• You have prior experience or foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.
• You’re aiming for mid-level or specialized defensive roles like incident responder or threat hunter.
• You want to tackle more advanced and realistic challenges that reflect complex cybersecurity environments.

Choose BTL1 if:

• You’re new to the field of cybersecurity or the blue team domain.
• You want to build foundational skills in threat detection and response.
• You’re exploring career options in defensive cybersecurity and need a beginner-friendly introduction.

Conclusion

Both the Certified Defensive Security Analyst (CDSA) and Blue Team Labs 1 (BTL1) certifications reflect HackTheBox’s commitment to high-quality, hands-on training for cybersecurity professionals.

• BTL1 is ideal for beginners or those exploring blue team careers, offering foundational skills and a gateway to more advanced certifications.
• CDSA is a step up for professionals ready to deepen their expertise and tackle advanced challenges in defensive cybersecurity.

Your choice ultimately depends on your current knowledge, career aspirations, and the level of expertise you wish to achieve. Either way, these certifications provide a strong foundation for thriving in the dynamic world of cybersecurity.

Video Walkthrough