The GIAC GCFE certification exam is one of the most significant for anyone looking to enter the digital forensics field. The GIAC GCFE certification exam is designed to validate computer forensic analysis knowledge, emphasizing the skills required to collect and analyze Windows computer data from Windows computer systems.
The GIAC GCFE certification exam tests the candidate's knowledge of various topics related to digital forensics, such as digital evidence recovery, analysis, reporting, and many more.
GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certification
The GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certification is a vendor-neutral certification offered by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). By obtaining the GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certification, you can validate your knowledge and skills related to computer forensic analysis, focusing on collecting and analyzing data from Windows-based computers.
With a GCFE certification, you can do typical incident investigations, like e-Discovery, forensic analysis, report writing, evidence collection, browser forensics, and tracing user and application activity on Windows. There are 82-115 multiple-choice questions on the GIAC GCFE exam. Three hours is all you've got for the GICSP exam.
You'll need a 70% or higher to pass the GCFE exam. IT pros with a background in information systems and security should get the GIAC GCFE certification. In addition, information security professionals, incident response team members, law enforcement officers, federal agents, detectives, and media exploitation analysts can also take the GCFE exam.
Here are the topics areas covered in the GIAC GCFE certification exam:
- Windows forensics and data triage
- Windows registry forensics, USB devices, shell items, email forensics, and log analysis
- Advanced web browser forensics (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
Who can take the GIAC GCFE certification?
The GIAC GCFE certification program is intended for professionals in information technology, information security, law enforcement, and legal agents with an understanding of digital forensics analysis.
Here are some examples:
- Anyone who has an interest in information systems, information security, or computers and would like to gain a deeper understanding of Windows forensics
- Information security professionals
- Incident response team members
- Law enforcement officers, federal agents, and detectives
- Media exploitation analysts
What are the prerequisites to take the GCFE certification exam?
The GIAC GCFE certification exam does not require any formal education or training to sit the exam. However, working professionals familiar with computer systems and information security can be the most suitable individuals for the GCFE certification exam.
If a professional needs more computer and information security knowledge, they must find another certification to enhance and consolidate their foundational skills, such as an A+ or similar certification.
What are the GIAC GCFE certification exam objectives?
Take a quick look at the objectives or domains covered in the GIAC GCFE certification exam:
Browser forensic artifacts: Candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the forensic value of browser artifacts.
Browser structure and analysis: Candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of common browser structure and analysis techniques.
Cloud storage analysis: Candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to use artifacts created by cloud storage solutions during forensic investigations.
Digital forensic fundamentals: Candidates will know Windows filesystems and registry structures, forensic methodology, and key concepts.
Email analysis: Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the forensic examination of client, web-based, mobile, and M365 emails.
Event log analysis: Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of Windows event, service, and application logs, as well as their forensic value.
File and program analysis: Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of artifacts created by Windows during program execution or activity associated with files and folders.
Forensic artifact techniques: Candidates will demonstrate their understanding of forensic evidence methods and tools.
System and device analysis: Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the Windows operating system and USB device file access artifacts.
User artifact analysis: Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by user accounts and activity on current Windows systems.
The final words
The GIAC GCFE certification is one of the prestigious intermediate-level credentials, validating advanced forensic analytical skills. Also, the best reason to earn the GIAC GCFE certification is that you will not need any previous experience, computer forensics, or incident-response-related certification.
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