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Exam Information
Official specifications published by GIAC
Exam Format
180 min
82
74%
Practitioner
Registration
$999 USD
ProctorU Remote, PearsonVUE Onsite, or online proctoring
Validity
4 years
Earn 36 CPE credits over 4 years (recommended method); SANS training courses: Up to 36 CPEs (12 CPEs per 3-5 credit hour course); Other InfoSec training: Up to 18 CPEs per renewal
GMON Exam Topics and Domains
GMON is organized into 17 weighted domains. Expect to work with Threat intelligence platforms, Ansible, AppLocker, Chef, and more.
1
Account & Privilege Monitoring & Authentication
5%
Account Privilege Control
Account privilege level managementApplication privilege management
- Control the privilege levels of accounts and applications
- Implement least privilege principles
- Monitor and detect privilege escalation attempts
Authentication Mechanisms
Multi-factor authentication
- Ensure strong authentication methods are in place
- Monitor authentication events for anomalies
2
Attack Techniques
5%
Traditional Attack Methods
Legacy exploit techniques
- Distinguish between traditional and modern attack methods
- Identify indicators of traditional exploitation techniques
Modern Attack Vectors
Advanced persistent threatsCloud and modern infrastructure attacks
- Identify modern attack techniques and tactics
- Understand the evolution from traditional to modern attacks
3
Configuration Monitoring
5%
Configuration Change Detection
Configuration baseline managementInfrastructure as Code monitoring
- Implement tools and techniques for configuration change monitoring
- Detect and respond to unauthorized configuration modifications
4
Cyber Defense Principles
5%
Traditional Defense Frameworks
Defense in depth
- Understand traditional defense frameworks and architectures
- Apply defense in depth principles
Modern Defense Frameworks
Zero Trust ArchitectureThreat-informed defense
- Understand modern security frameworks including Zero Trust
- Apply threat-informed defense principles using MITRE ATT&CK
5
Device Monitoring
5%
Endpoint Monitoring Tools
EDR/EPP solutionsSystem monitoring utilities
- Implement tools and techniques for endpoint monitoring
- Detect and respond to endpoint-based threats
6
Discovery and Vulnerability Scanning
5%
Network Discovery
Asset discovery techniques
- Perform network and endpoint discovery
- Maintain accurate asset inventory
Vulnerability Assessment
Vulnerability scanning methods
- Conduct vulnerability scanning across network and endpoints
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk
7
Exploit Methodology and Analysis
5%
Network Traffic Analysis
Packet analysis techniquesIntrusion detection analysis
- Analyze network traffic for intrusion detection
- Identify exploit attempts in network communications
8
HIDS/HIPS/Endpoint Firewalls
5%
Host-based Intrusion Detection
HIDS implementation
- Deploy and configure host-based intrusion detection systems
- Detect host-level security events
Host-based Intrusion Prevention
HIPS and endpoint firewalls
- Implement host-based intrusion prevention capabilities
- Configure endpoint firewalls effectively
9
Network Data Encryption
5%
Encrypted Traffic Analysis
TLS/SSL inspectionDNS encryption
- Detect intrusions in encrypted network communications
- Implement TLS/SSL inspection where appropriate
10
Network Security Monitoring Tools
5%
NSM Tool Suite
Zeek (Bro) Network Security MonitorFull packet capture analysis
- Deploy and use network security monitoring tools
- Detect intrusions using NSM platforms
11
NIDS/NIPS/NGFW
5%
Network Intrusion Detection Systems
NIDS deployment and tuning
- Deploy and configure network intrusion detection systems
- Tune NIDS for optimal detection with minimal false positives
Network Intrusion Prevention and Next-Gen Firewalls
NIPS implementationNext-Generation Firewall capabilities
- Implement network intrusion prevention systems
- Configure and manage next-generation firewalls
12
Patching & Secure Baseline Configurations
5%
Patch Management
Vulnerability patching processes
- Implement effective patch management processes
- Prioritize and deploy security patches
Configuration Hardening
Secure baseline configurationConfiguration resilience
- Establish and maintain secure baseline configurations
- Monitor and audit configuration compliance
13
Perimeter Protection Devices
5%
Perimeter Access Control
Perimeter security architectureRemote access security
- Design and implement perimeter protection mechanisms
- Secure remote access to internal resources
14
Proxies & SIEM
5%
Proxy Services
Web proxy deployment
- Deploy and configure proxy services
- Monitor and filter web traffic
Security Information and Event Management
SIEM architecture and deploymentSIEM use case development
- Deploy and configure SIEM platforms
- Develop effective detection use cases and correlation rules
15
Security Architecture Overview
5%
Security Architecture Frameworks
Traditional security architectureModern security architecture
- Understand traditional and modern security architecture frameworks
- Design defensible security architectures
Security Operations Center (SOC)
SOC roles and responsibilitiesSOC processes and workflows
- Understand SOC roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure
- Implement effective SOC processes and workflows
16
Software Inventories and Application Control
5%
Software Inventory Management
Asset and software discovery
- Maintain comprehensive software inventories
- Detect and manage unauthorized software
Application Control
Allow/deny list management
- Implement application control using allow/deny lists
- Prevent execution of unauthorized applications
17
Threat Informed Defense
20%
Adversary Tactics and Techniques
MITRE ATT&CK FrameworkThreat intelligence integration
- Apply the MITRE ATT&CK framework to defensive operations
- Integrate threat intelligence into security monitoring
Cloud Defense
Cloud security monitoringGenAI and LLM security
- Defend cloud and hybrid environments effectively
- Understand and mitigate GenAI and LLM security risks
How do I earn this certification?
Passing GMON earns the GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification certification. It sits in the Cyber Defense track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- GREM - GIAC Reverse Engineering MalwareDeep malware analysis complements continuous monitoring
- GNFA - GIAC Network Forensic AnalystAdvanced network forensics builds on monitoring skills
- GIAC Advisory Board - GIAC Advisory Board Certification Demonstrates mastery across multiple GIAC domains
Alternative Paths
- GPEN - GIAC Penetration TesterUnderstanding offensive techniques enhances defensive monitoring capabilities
- GWAPT - GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester Web application attack knowledge improves web traffic monitoring
- GCSA - GIAC Cloud Security Automation Cloud monitoring and automation skills are increasingly important
- GPCS - GIAC Public Cloud Security Cloud-specific security monitoring extends continuous monitoring to cloud environments
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for GMON is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024
Updates
- GenAI and LLM Security New domain emphasis in Threat Informed Defense
- Cloud-Native Security Platforms (CNAPP) Increased emphasis on cloud monitoring techniques
- Zero Trust Architecture Foundational concept in modern defense frameworks domain
- XDR (Extended Detection and Response) Modern detection and response platform understanding
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Continuous monitoring practitioners and Network security monitoring professionals.
- Understanding of network security concepts
- Familiarity with security monitoring tools
- Experience with intrusion detection systems
- Knowledge of security operations center (SOC) operations
- Basic understanding of threat intelligence