If you're interested in pursuing a career in information security and looking to validate your skills and knowledge, then the GIAC Information Security Professional (GISP) certification is an excellent choice. GISP is an entry-level certification that validates a candidate's knowledge of security concepts and techniques required to manage, design, and oversee secure information systems.
Exam Objectives:
The GISP exam covers a wide range of topics related to information security. The exam objectives are:
- Access Control Systems and Methodology
- Operations Security
- Cryptography
- Security Architecture and Design
- Telecommunications and Network Security
- Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning
- Legal, Regulations, Compliance, and Investigations
- Software Development Security
- Security Management Practices
The exam consists of 180 questions that must be completed within 5 hours. The passing score for the GISP exam is 68%.
Exam Details:
The cost of the GISP exam is $1,999, and it can be taken online or in-person at a proctored testing center. The exam format is multiple-choice, and candidates will have access to an electronic reference book during the exam.
The GISP certification is intended for professionals who are new to the information security field and looking to establish a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. The prerequisites for taking the GISP exam are:
- Two years of experience in at least one of the GISP exam objectives
- A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Completion of a SANS Institute-approved training course
Related Books:
There are several books that can help candidates prepare for the GISP exam, including:
- "CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition" by Shon Harris and Fernando Maymi
- "CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-501 Study Guide" by Darril Gibson
- "Information Security: Principles and Practices" by Mark S. Merkow and Jim Breithaupt
- "Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK" by Adam Gordon
- "Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems" by Ross J. Anderson
Preparing for the GISP exam requires a combination of self-study and formal training. The SANS Institute offers several training courses that cover the GISP exam objectives in detail, and candidates are encouraged to attend these courses to prepare for the exam. Additionally, candidates should take advantage of practice exams and other study resources to reinforce their knowledge and identify areas that require additional attention.