Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Author: Lukasz Nasiadka
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an information security certification body.
GIAC's purpose is to provide assurance that a certified individual has practical awareness,
knowledge and skills in key areas of computer and network security. [1]
Overview
GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) was founded in 1999 to validate the skills of
computer security professionals. These certifications include different skill levels ranging
from entry level information security to advanced specific subject matters such as forensics,
hacker techniques such as phishing or hijacking ,
and Windows and
Unix OS security. GIAC was the first true technical computer security certification and has certified over 16,000 professionals.
Exams
Exams for the GIAC courses are taken online through their website via an account. They are multiple choice, open book, with
a time limit to complete them. This time limit is usually 2 hours or 90 minutes with the results
given immediately after completing the exam.
Retakes are available to be purchased if an exam is failed. If an examination is being retaken, only
the component of the certification that was failed needs to be redone. Up to three retakes can be
attempted. A third failed or incomplete portion of your certification means the attempt is over.
Certifications
There are 5 subject areas that GIAC certifies:
- Security Administration
- Management
- Operations
- Legal
- Audit
Benefits
For Individuals:
- Added confidence that you know what tasks need to be done to protect systems and networks and that you possess the skills needed to carry out those tasks.
- Certified professionals can keep their skills and knowledge current through periodic recertification and access to the latest, most up-to-date information.
- Many large private companies and government agencies now request or require GIAC certification for new job candidates.
For Employers:
- Confidence that certified individuals who are securing systems and networks actually know how to do the job.
- Provides system and network administrators with the technical skills needed to meet their security responsibilities.
- Many organizations such as governments are asking contractors and consultants to have workers certified before winning new contracts.
See also
802.11 Wireless Security
WiFi Security
Web Server Security
Tools for Linux security
References
[1] http://www.giac.org/
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Information_Assurance_Certification
[3] http://www.sans.org/
External Links
Last Revised: Mar 28, 2007