The world is constantly facing security threats, including data breaches and malware. As a result, cybersecurity jobs are always in demand. This is where GIAC's Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) comes into play.
Organizations highly recognize the GIAC GSEC certification as it requires deep technical knowledge. The GSEC exam covers many security topics, such as cryptography, network security, cyber security, cloud, incident handling and response, and many more.
This blog discusses the job roles and salary potential you can enjoy with the GIAC GSEC certification.
What is the GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) Certification?
The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is an entry-level cybersecurity certification offered by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). The GIAC GSEC certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills required to implement effective security measures and protect sensitive information.
The GIAC GSEC validates your knowledge and skills of information security beyond simple terminology and concepts. To earn the GIAC GSEC certification, you must pass an exam that covers information security, including access control, cryptography, network security, risk management, and security policies and procedures.
Here are the topics covered in the GIAC GSEC certification:
- Defense in depth, access control, and password management
- Cryptography: basic concepts, algorithms and deployment, and application
- Cloud: AWS fundamentals, Microsoft cloud
- Defensible network architecture, networking and protocols, and network security
- Incident handling and response, data loss prevention, mobile device security, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing
- Linux: Fundamentals, hardening and securing
- SIEM, critical controls, and exploit mitigation
- Web communication security, virtualization and cloud security, and endpoint security
- Windows: access controls, automation, auditing, forensics, security infrastructure, and services
Who can take the GIAC GSEC certification?
Here are the job roles that you can take with the GIAC GSEC certification:
- Security professionals
- Security managers
- Operations personnel
- IT engineers and supervisors
- Security administrators
- Forensic analysts
- Penetration testers
- Auditors
Salary potential
The GIAC GSEC certification can significantly increase your earning potential in the cybersecurity industry. According to PayScale, the average salary of a GIAC GSEC-certified professional is around $84,000 per year. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as job role, experience, and location.
Here are some of the job roles and their average salaries:
- Security professionals: $82,000
- Security managers: $102,000
- Operations personnel: $68,000
- IT engineers and supervisors: $92,000
- Security administrators: $74,000
- Forensic analysts: $76,000
- Penetration testers: $87,000
- Auditors: $70,000
The final words
The GIAC GSEC certification validates a professional's qualifications, skills, and expertise in integrating and utilizing information security practices in any enterprise. With the GSEC certification, you can test your skills and knowledge of security in an enterprise IT setting. To remain familiar with cutting-edge technologies and the latest tech trends, you must renew your GSEC certification every four years.
If you want to take the GIAC GSEC certification exam, CBT Proxy can help you pass your exam on the first attempt. To learn more, click the chat button below, and one of our consultants will get in touch with you.
