Did you know that cybercrime damages are expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025? With such staggering statistics, computer security professionals have become more important than ever, and organizations are seeking skilled and qualified professionals who can protect their systems from potential attacks.
This is where certifications like the GIAC GREM come into play.
The GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) GREM certification is a popular option for those specializing in malware analysis and reverse engineering. Ponemon Institute says data breaches cost $3.86 million. In order to mitigate these threats, organizations need trained professionals in identifying them and minimizing their effects.
The GIAC GREM certification exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in malware analysis, reverse engineering, and memory forensics. The GREM certification is a challenging exam that requires candidates to understand these concepts deeply.
However, according to CompTIA, cybersecurity certifications like the GIAC GREM can increase your earning potential and help you advance your career. In fact, CompTIA's research found that individuals who hold computer security certifications earn, on average, 9% more than their non-certified candidates.
Earning the GIAC GREM certification exam is an excellent way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge and could lead to better career opportunities and a higher salary.
What is the GIAC GREM certification exam?
The GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual's skills and knowledge of reverse engineering principles and techniques. The GIAC GREM certification program is designed for technologists (information technology engineers) who protect organizations from malicious code.
GIAC GREM-certified professionals are proficient in reverse-engineering malicious software that targets common platforms, such as Microsoft Windows and web browsers. They are experts in forensic investigations, incident response, and Windows system administration. With the GREM certification, you can showcase your cutting-edge malware analysis skills to your employer or customers.
In order to earn the GIAC GREM certification, you must pass a single exam that tests your skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Analysis of malicious document files, analyzing protected executables, and analyzing web-based malware.
- In-depth analysis of malicious browser scripts and in-depth analysis of malicious executables.
- Malware analysis using memory forensics and malware code and behavioral analysis fundamentals.
- Windows assembly code concepts for reverse-engineering and common Windows malware characteristics in assembly.
The GIAC GREM exam is a 2-3 hour online test with 66-75 multiple-choice questions. To pass the GREM certification exam, candidates must obtain a minimum passing score of 73 percent.
Exam certification objectives and outcome statements
Analyzing malicious office macros
Candidates will be able to identify and analyze the capabilities of macros and scripts embedded in suspicious Microsoft Office files.
Analyzing malicious PDFs
Candidates will analyze suspicious PDF files and embedded scripts to understand the nature of the threat.
Analyzing malicious RTF files
Candidates will be able to analyze suspicious RTF files and embedded shellcodes to understand their capabilities.
Analyzing obfuscated malware
Candidates can identify malicious Windows executables and obfuscated JavaScript and decompile them to see their key capabilities.
Behavioral analysis fundamentals
Candidates will be able to analyze the static properties of a suspected malware sample, develop theories about its nature, and decide what analysis step to take next.
Common malware patterns
The candidate will be able to identify and recognize common API calls used by malware samples and understand the capabilities offered by the APIs. Candidates will also be able to identify code injection, hooking, and hollowing process techniques commonly used by malware.
Core reverse engineering concepts
Candidates will analyze a malware sample using a debugger and use a disassembler to interpret common assembly instructions and patterns in Windows malware.
Identifying and bypassing anti-analysis techniques
Candidates will be able to detect and bypass common debugger detections, data protection measures used in malware, and security tool detections.
Malware analysis fundamentals
Candidates will be able to identify malware analysis lab needs and describe key methods for analyzing malicious software.
Malware flow control and structures
Candidates can analyze loops and conditionals in assembly language, which are common execution flow control mechanisms.
Overcoming misdirection techniques
Candidates can overcome malware's use of misdirecting execution workflows as an anti-analysis technique.
Reversing functions in assembly
Candidates will be able to understand the use of parameters, return values, and other structures in malware functions written in assembly language.
Static analysis fundamentals
Candidates will be able to analyze the static properties of malware samples and develop theories about their nature and subsequent analysis.
Unpacking and debugging packed malware
Candidates will demonstrate the process for unpacking malware with a debugger and repairing it for further analysis.
Who can take the GREM exam?
The GREM certification is among the most highly regarded certifications in the security industry. With GREM certification, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in malware reverse engineering. On top of that, having a GREM-certified badge differentiates you from other security professionals, making you an in-demand security professional.
Here are the roles you can take with GREM:
- System and network administrators
- Auditors
- Security consultants
- Security managers
- Individuals who deal with malware incidents
- Security practitioners
- Forensic investigators
- Those seeking to formalize and expand their expertise in technology
What are the prerequisites to take the GREM certification?
GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (FOR610) candidates should:
- It is necessary to have a computer system that meets the specifications of the laptops; some software needs to be installed before students can attend class.
- Understanding of Windows and Linux operating environments and troubleshooting general issues related to OS connectivity and setup.
- Understand VMware and how virtual machines are imported and configured.
- Having a general understanding of core programming concepts such as variables, loops, and functions will enable you to grasp relevant concepts quickly. Programming experience is not required.
How much money does a GIAC GREM-certified professional make?
GIAC GREM-certified professionals enjoy a lucrative earning potential. According to PayScale, the average salary for GIAC GREM-certified professionals is $104,000 annually. In some cases, such as your location, your hands-on experience --and most importantly-- your organization, the average salary can be different.
However, you can significantly increase your earning potential by holding the GIAC GREM certification. PayScale also reports that individuals with the GIAC certification can earn up to 24% more than non-certified individuals.
Conclusion
The GIAC GREM certification exam is a challenging exam that requires in-depth knowledge and practical skills in malware analysis and reverse engineering. By understanding the exam format, content, difficulty, preparation, and registration process, you can be better prepared to pass and obtain your GREM certification.
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