Additional resources for studying for GSEC

When I took the SANS long course a few months ago online, they provided several books of course, but I found them all hard to digest. Are there any additional resources out there, a bit more condensed, that could help me understand the concepts I need to learn? I've looked on Amazon for resources but oddly, all of the books on the GSEC exam and how to study are quite outdated.
What about the Network Security Bible? That one at least had good reviews.

Oh, why oh why can't someone create an Exam Cram for this cert?

I'm finding it invaluable for studying for the A+ along with the Messer videos.

I just received my 60-day warning that I have to schedule my exam so I have to get cracking on that as soon as I get A+ under my belt in a few weeks. Ugh...

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Comments

docrice

Why were they hard to digest? What's your IT background? The book you mention is the same author as the one who wrote SANS SEC-401. The GSEC exam is not an introductory level exam in the hierarchy of IT technology certifications.

If you're still new to information technology (which seems to be indicated if you're trying to attain the A+), then you should understand that 401 was something you probably should've taken after some years working in the field.

razz2525

Hi, I have 10 years in the IT field, but in IT Finance and Compliance. I have been working as a Cyber Security Specialist in the CIP field since last November. I say that it was hard to digest because there were about 6 different books to study from, not in terms of content, but in terms of volume. I was looking for a resource that was somewhat more consolidated like that Network Security Bible.

I'm taking the A+ since I'm getting my IT Security degree from WGU since I decided to switch careers and move to the technical side of the house. I just started in May with my degree so although I'm familiar with many of the concepts and components, I've never done any hands-on work with any devices.

401 was actually suggested by my manager after I had taken the CISSP boot camp at work, and much of it I understood, but there were still concepts that went over my head because I didn't have hands-on experience.

JDMurray

Well, the hands-on experience comes form doing th labs at the back of the books. If you are having difficulty understanding the SANS 401 books then the detail in Dr. Cole's Network Security Bible would be even worse for you. I would suggest hitting the Security for Dummies book series for a while and then start back at the 401 books. Start building an index for the 401 books to help you focus on the material. Also read through my GSEC blog articles.

YFZblu

SEC401 is one of the most rigorous classes SANS offers - The Network Security Bible will help, but in the end there is no shortcut.

If you have years of experience in the field and a SANS education, what benefit is the A+ going to net you at this point?

ITforyears

I purchased Dr. Cole's Network Security book and brought it with me during the exam. It helped immensely. I passed my GSEC test last week. I got my A+ cert (when it was lifetime) and because the government provided a free voucher. Like some of the poster's stated; if you are doing IT and working on your GSEC; I will forego the A+ cert unless your employer pays for the training and tests.

Earned thus far.

A+, N+, Sec+, CCNA, CASP, GSEC, MCSA - BS & MS in IT.

kanecain

ITforyears wrote: »

I purchased Dr. Cole's Network Security book and brought it with me during the exam. It helped immensely. I passed my GSEC test last week. I got my A+ cert (when it was lifetime) and because the government provided a free voucher. Like some of the poster's stated; if you are doing IT and working on your GSEC; I will forego the A+ cert unless your employer pays for the training and tests.

Did you only use Dr. Cole's book for study? Or did you also take the classes?