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Exam Information
Official specifications published by GIAC
Exam Format
240 min
106
73
Practitioner
Registration
$949 USD
Pearson VUE, ProctorU, or online proctoring
Validity
4 years
Earn 36 CPEs during certification period; Retake the exam; Pass another GIAC exam at same or higher level
GSEC Exam Topics and Domains
GSEC is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Active Directory, Certificate Services, Docker, Group Policy, and more.
1
Network Security and Cloud Essentials
17%
Defensible Network Architecture
Network Segmentation and IsolationNetwork Monitoring and Visibility
- Design and implement defensible network architectures
- Understand network security monitoring principles
- Apply defense-in-depth strategies to network design
Protocols and Packet Analysis
TCP/IP Protocol SuiteApplication Layer Protocols
- Analyze network traffic using packet capture tools
- Identify protocol vulnerabilities and attacks
- Implement secure protocol configurations
Virtualization, Cloud, and AI Essentials
Cloud Security FundamentalsVirtualization SecurityAI Security Considerations
- Understand cloud service models and security implications
- Implement virtualization security best practices
- Identify AI/ML security considerations
Securing Wireless Networks
Wireless Security ProtocolsWireless Attack Vectors
- Configure secure wireless networks
- Identify and mitigate wireless threats
- Implement enterprise wireless security
2
Defense in Depth
17%
Defense-In-Depth Strategy
Layered Security Model
- Design multi-layered security architectures
- Understand control interactions and dependencies
- Apply defense-in-depth principles
IAM, Authentication, and Password Security
Identity and Access ManagementPassword Security and Management
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms
- Design IAM solutions
- Configure password security controls
Security Frameworks
Critical Security Controls
- Apply security frameworks to organizational needs
- Prioritize control implementation
- Assess compliance requirements
Data Loss Prevention
DLP Technologies
- Configure DLP policies
- Identify data exfiltration attempts
- Implement data protection controls
Mobile Device Security
Mobile Device Management
- Implement mobile device security policies
- Configure MDM solutions
- Protect corporate data on mobile devices
3
Vulnerability Management and Response
16%
Vulnerability Assessments
Vulnerability Scanning
- Conduct vulnerability assessments
- Analyze scan results
- Prioritize remediation efforts
Penetration Testing
Penetration Testing Methodology
- Understand penetration testing methodologies
- Identify appropriate testing tools
- Interpret penetration test results
Attacks and Malicious Software
Malware Types and Analysis
- Identify malware types and behaviors
- Implement malware prevention controls
- Perform basic malware analysis
Web Application Security
Web Application Vulnerabilities
- Identify web application vulnerabilities
- Implement secure coding practices
- Configure web application security controls
Security Operations and Log Management
SIEM and Log Analysis
- Configure log management systems
- Create correlation rules
- Investigate security incidents
4
Data Security Technologies
17%
Cryptography Fundamentals
Cryptographic Concepts
- Understand cryptographic principles
- Select appropriate cryptographic controls
- Implement key management practices
Cryptography Algorithms and Deployment
Symmetric and Asymmetric CryptographyHashing and Digital Certificates
- Implement encryption solutions
- Configure PKI infrastructure
- Validate cryptographic implementations
Applying Cryptography
Transport and Storage Encryption
- Implement transport layer security
- Configure storage encryption
- Manage encrypted communications
Network Security Devices
Firewall and IDS/IPS
- Configure network security devices
- Create detection rules
- Analyze security device logs
Endpoint Security
Endpoint Protection Platforms
- Deploy endpoint protection solutions
- Configure host-based security controls
- Respond to endpoint threats
5
Windows and Azure Security
16%
Windows Security Infrastructure
Windows Security Architecture
- Understand Windows security architecture
- Configure Windows security features
- Implement domain security
Windows as a Service
Windows Update and Patch Management
- Implement Windows update strategies
- Configure patch management systems
- Plan update deployments
Windows Access Controls
NTFS Permissions and ACLs
- Configure NTFS permissions
- Implement access control lists
- Audit file system access
Enforcing Security Configurations
Group Policy and AppLocker
- Create and apply Group Policy
- Configure application control
- Implement security baselines
Microsoft Cloud Computing
Azure Security Services
- Configure Azure security services
- Implement cloud identity management
- Monitor Azure security posture
6
Containers, Linux, and Mac Security
17%
Linux Fundamentals
Linux Security Architecture
- Configure Linux security settings
- Implement access controls
- Harden Linux systems
Containerized Security
Container Security
- Secure container deployments
- Implement container scanning
- Configure Kubernetes security
Linux Security Enhancements and Infrastructure
Linux Hardening
- Implement Linux hardening measures
- Configure system auditing
- Analyze Linux security logs
macOS Security
macOS Security Features
- Configure macOS security features
- Implement Mac enterprise security
- Manage Mac endpoints
How do I earn this certification?
Passing GSEC earns the GIAC Security Essentials certification. It sits in the Core Security track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- GDAT - GIAC Defending Advanced Threats Advanced defensive security skills
- GPCS - GIAC Public Cloud Security Cloud-specific security expertise
- GMON - GIAC Continuous Monitoring SOC and monitoring focus
- GDSA - GIAC Defensible Security Architecture Security architecture specialization
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for GSEC.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-01-15
- Announcement date: 2024-01-15
Updates
- Kubernetes Security 1.29 Container orchestration security added to Linux section • Release date: 2024-01-01
- Zero Trust Architecture NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust principles integrated across all domains • Release date: 2023-08-01
- AI/ML Security NIST AI RMF 1.0 New topic area in cloud and virtualization section • Release date: 2024-01-26
Who should take this exam?
- Background in information systems and networking
- Basic understanding of IT security concepts
- Some hands-on experience with IT systems
- Familiarity with operating systems (Windows and Linux)