GIAC's Information Security Fundamentals is a certification that provides an overview of information assurance. It is the introductory-level certification offered by Global Information Assurance Certification.
Target Audience:
GIAC says the Information Security Fundamentals or GISF certification can be beneficial to managers, information security officers and system administrators, as it provides an overview of risk management and defense in-depth techniques. People who who write, implement or otherwise have to adhere to policy, disaster recovery or business continuity requirements can also benefit from obtaining this certification.
According to GIAC, the goal of GISF is to ensure candidates can:
- understand the threats and risks to information resources;
- identify best practices that can be used to protect these resources; and
- learn to diversify an organization's protection strategy.
Requirements:
According to GIAC's website, candidates can gain the knowledge required for this certification through practical experience, or by reading books about computer information security. They can also opt for training from the SANS Institute or other relevant courses.
Taking the Exam:
The exam consists of 150 questions and you have four hours to complete it. You need to get 70 percent or 105 questions correct in order to pass.
Costs:
Standard registration is $899, but the price is reduced to $499 if you take the SANS Security Essentials 401 course first. Keep in mind, however, that the SANS course can run upwards of $3,000.
Renewal:
GIAC's Information Security Fundamentals certification can be renewed every four years.