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SEC504 Exam Topics and Domains
SEC504 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with PowerShell, Active Directory, Web applications, WMI, and more.
Incident Response and Cyber Investigations
Incident Response Process
- Understand and apply the PICERL and DAIR incident handling processes
- Navigate incident response challenges effectively
Digital Investigations
- Perform basic memory forensics and malware analysis
- Conduct effective investigations of network and log data
Linux Olympics
Master Linux shell commands and Windows PowerShell cmdlets for GCIH exam
Recon, Scanning, and Enumeration Attacks
MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Apply MITRE ATT&CK Framework to incident response
Reconnaissance Techniques
- Identify and defend against scanning attacks
- Discover and map networks and hosts
Network and Host Scanning
- Reveal services and vulnerabilities through scanning
- Enumerate shadow cloud targets
SMB Security
Understand SMB features, vulnerabilities, and security measures
Defense Spotlight
Use DeepBlueCLI for Windows log analysis and threat detection
Password and Access Attacks
Password Attacks
- Demonstrate understanding of password cracking attacks and defenses
- Identify common password weaknesses
Defense Tools
Use DPAT for domain password auditing
Cloud Security
Identify and remediate insecure cloud storage configurations
Covert Communications
Identify and defend against covert tools such as netcat
Public-Facing and Drive-By Attacks
Metasploit Framework
Identify and defend against the use of exploit tools such as Metasploit
Drive-By Attacks
Identify and defend against drive-by attacks in modern environments
Web Application Attacks
Identify and defend against common web application attacks
Cloud Attacks
Understand and defend against cloud-specific attacks
Defense Monitoring
Use system monitoring for attack detection
Evasion and Post-Exploitation Attacks
Endpoint Security Bypass
Identify methods attackers use to evade endpoint detection tools
Post-Exploitation
- Understand how attackers maintain persistence and collect data
- Identify and defend against post-exploitation attacks
Data Collection
Identify data collection and exfiltration techniques
Cloud Post-Exploitation
Understand cloud-specific post-exploitation techniques
Defense Intelligence
Apply threat intelligence to detect advanced attacks
Capture-the-Flag Event
Practical Application
- Apply all learned techniques in a realistic scenario
- Practice incident response in a controlled environment
How do I earn this certification?
Passing SEC504 earns the GIAC Certified Incident Handler certification. It sits in the Digital Forensics and Incident Response track.
- GCIH - GIAC Certified Incident Handler
- GCFA - GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst
- GNFA - GIAC Network Forensic Analyst
- GCDA - GIAC Certified Detection Analyst
- GX-IH - GIAC Experienced Incident Handler
- GCIL - GIAC Cyber Incident Leader
- GSE - GIAC Security Expert
- GCFE - GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner Deep forensics expertise
- GMON - GIAC Continuous Monitoring SOC and monitoring skills
- GREM - GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware Advanced malware analysis
- GLIR - GIAC Linux Incident Responder Linux-specific IR skills
- GCLD - GIAC Cloud Security Defender Cloud incident response
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 SEC504 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025 (CyberLive integration)
- MITRE ATT&CK Framework Latest Core framework for understanding adversary TTPs • Release date: Ongoing updates
- Cloud Platforms AWS, Azure, GCP Increased focus on cloud-specific attacks and defenses • Release date: 2024
- Container Security Docker, Kubernetes Container escape and persistence techniques • Release date: 2024
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Incident handlers and Incident handling team leads.
- Networking protocols knowledge
- Windows Command Line familiarity
- Basic computer networking and security understanding
- CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ helpful but not required