GIAC path advice needed

securitytech123

Hello Everyone:

I'm trying to obtain an Information Assurance position and I'm trying to decide which certs to pursue (In order) I have an Associates in IT/Network+/Security+/and CEH Certs.... I'm thinking of starting with GISF, then GSEC.... (Self Study) Any ideas/advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance!!!
Michael

docrice

If you already have Security+, go for the GSEC. "Information Assurance" could be mean different things to different organizations. If you're looking for a technical role (intrusion detection, etc.), your ability to obtain one will depend greatly on your existing work experience.

JDMurray

If you don't have any prior information security experience, and you can afford it, the GIAC GSEC is a good choice. However, there will be a lot of information in the related SANS course that you are not familiar with, and the bootcamp-style class may be overwhelming with all the new knowledge that will be thrown at you. Therefore, prior to taking the GSEC course (SANS 401), you should do a lot of pre-studying to make sure you have a grasp of the material you will be learning.

ptilsen

I have also been thinking about the GSEC as an eventual path to take, but the cost and time commitment to taking the training course make it impractical. I am curious as to how reasonable it is to take a "challenge" with just self-study and experience. For $900 plus training materials, it would be expensive to fail, but at least it's not the nearly $4,000 the course and certification attempt cost.

ptilsen

With than in mind, if OP has some experience, SSCP might be a better in-between, or perhaps CASP. The GIAC certs are sought-after and valuable, but the cost is really hard to justify as an individual.