- Network protocol stacks and how traffic really moves
- Designing a network that can be monitored and controlled
- Firewalls, NIDS and NIPS and where each one fits
GIAC Certification Training Course
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) Certification Training Course
Get ready for the GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) exam with on-demand, self-paced prep that covers the hands-on defense work GSEC tests, from network architecture and access control to Linux, Windows, cloud and cryptography.
Course focus: Defense in depth, access control, networking and protocols, defensible network architecture, Linux and Windows security, cryptography, cloud and AI essentials, SIEM and incident handling, aligned with GIAC's published GSEC objectives.
Course Overview
What the GSEC course covers and who it's for.
Accumentum's GSEC prep course is for people moving into security from IT, and for security staff who want a broad, hands-on credential. GIAC says GSEC holders have shown they are qualified for hands-on IT security roles, so most of the course is spent doing the work.
We built the course around GIAC's published GSEC certification objectives. You'll work through networking and protocols, defensible network architecture, endpoint and network security devices, Linux and Windows hardening, cryptography, cloud and virtualization, logging and SIEM, and incident handling. GSEC includes CyberLive hands-on questions, so labs run through the whole course.
Accumentum is an independent training provider. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or a partner of GIAC or the SANS Institute. GIAC sets the exam rules, fees and scoring, so check giac.org before you register for your attempt.
Course Objectives
Get ready for GSEC the way the exam actually tests.
01
Cover Every GSEC Objective
Work through each certification objective GIAC publishes for GSEC, in an order that builds on itself.
02
Practice Hands-On
GSEC includes CyberLive questions that run in real virtual machines, so labs are part of every module.
03
Build an Open-Book Index
GIAC exams are open book. We help you build and test the index you'll bring into the exam.
04
Know the Exam Before You Sit It
GSEC is 106 questions in 4 hours with a minimum passing score of 72%, per GIAC. We pace practice to match.
Who Should Attend
- IT staff with a networking or systems background who are moving into security.
- Security analysts, administrators and managers who want a broad hands-on credential.
- Operations staff, IT engineers and supervisors.
- Forensic analysts, penetration testers and auditors who need a strong defensive base.
Prerequisites
- There are no Accumentum enrollment prerequisites and GIAC doesn't require any to sit GSEC.
- You'll get more out of the course if you're comfortable with basic networking, the Windows and Linux command line, and core security terms. Security+ or similar experience is a good starting point.
Pathway Map
The GSEC course in 8 modules.
Each module maps to one or more of GIAC's published GSEC certification objectives.
1
Networking, Protocols and Defensible Architecture
2
Defense in Depth, Access Control and Passwords
3
Endpoint, Web and Mobile Security
4
Cryptography and Its Application
5
Linux Security and Hardening
6
Windows Security
7
Cloud, Virtualization and AI Essentials
8
Logging, SIEM, Vulnerability Scanning and Incident Handling
Course Content
- Defense in depth and the key areas of security
- Access control theory and password management
- CIS Controls, NIST CSF and MITRE ATT&CK
- Endpoint firewalls, HIDS and HIPS
- Web application security, cookies, TLS and access control
- Data loss prevention and mobile device security
- Symmetric, asymmetric and hashing systems
- VPNs, GPG and PKI in practice
- Linux structure, permissions and common weaknesses
- Auditing and hardening a Linux system
- Container and macOS security features
- Windows accounts, groups, Active Directory and Group Policy
- NTFS, registry and share permissions and privileges
- Updates, PowerShell auditing and securing Windows services and Azure
- Virtualization and cloud architecture basics
- AWS and Azure security operations
- AI fundamentals for defenders
- Log management and SIEM assisted analysis
- Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing concepts
- Malicious code, exploit mitigation and the incident handling process
Course Features
Built for the hands-on side of GSEC.
On-Demand Format
Self-paced video lessons you can start, pause and replay whenever it fits your schedule.
Hands-On Labs
Lab work in every module so the CyberLive portion of GSEC isn't the first time you've touched the tools.
Objective Mapping
Every lesson is tied to a published GSEC certification objective.
Exam Strategy
Time management, open-book indexing and practice under exam conditions.
Certification Exam
About the GIAC GSEC exam.
GSEC Exam Readiness
Our students pass at a 98.8% rate across Accumentum courses. We'll get you ready for GSEC the same way.
Per GIAC, the GSEC exam is one proctored exam with 106 questions, a 4 hours time limit and a minimum passing score of 72%. It's web based and proctored online through ProctorU or onsite at Pearson VUE.
GIAC can update exam specs, so confirm the details for your attempt in your GIAC account. Full details are on GIAC's GSEC page.
Accumentum is an independent training provider. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or a partner of GIAC or the SANS Institute. GIAC sets the exam rules, fees and scoring, so check giac.org before you register for your attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Accumentum's GSEC prep course.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) is a practitioner certification from GIAC. Per GIAC, the exam is 106 questions, 4 hours, with a minimum passing score of 72%, and it's proctored online through ProctorU or at a Pearson VUE center.
No. SANS course names and materials belong to the SANS Institute and only SANS teaches them. This is Accumentum's own on-demand prep for the GIAC exam, built from GIAC's published certification objectives.
Ask us when you request a quote. GIAC sells certification attempts and practice tests directly, and we'll walk you through what you need to buy from GIAC and when.
GIAC GSEC is listed on Air Force COOL. Contact us about funding options.
There are no Accumentum enrollment prerequisites and GIAC doesn't require any to sit GSEC. You'll get more out of the course if you're comfortable with basic networking, the Windows and Linux command line, and core security terms. Security+ or similar experience is a good starting point.
Yes. GSEC includes CyberLive hands-on questions, so every module has labs with the same kinds of tools you'll use on the job.
On-demand and self-paced. You get video lessons, hands-on labs and practice questions, and you work through them on your own schedule.
Use the registration page linked below, or email info@accumentum.net and an advisor will follow up with access details and next steps.
Enrollment
Enroll in GSEC training with Accumentum.
Enroll in Accumentum's GSEC prep course to get ready for the GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) exam with on-demand lessons and hands-on labs.
For access details and next steps, use the registration page linked below or email info@accumentum.net.
Ready to start on GSEC?
Start on your own schedule and work toward the test date you pick.