GCSAGIAC Cloud Security Automation
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What is GCSA?
The GCSA certifies knowledge of the cloud native toolchain, DevSecOps methodology, and security controls throughout CI/CD pipelines. The exam covers DevOps and DevSecOps fundamentals, secure infrastructure and configuration management, securing cloud architecture, continuous security monitoring, data protection and secrets protection, ensuring compliance, and security and automation aspects of deployment, runtime, and content delivery. It is aligned with the SANS course SEC540. According to GIAC it addresses people working in public cloud and DevOps environments, developers, software architects, operations engineers, system administrators, security analysts and consultants, auditors, and risk managers.
Quick facts
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Cost over 5 years
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. Associated SANS course strongly recommended.
Exam format
Renewal & maintenance
Valid for 4 years. Renewal via 36 CPE credits or renewal exam (499 USD). Each GIAC cert separate.
CertMap score and matching roles
Rating
Matching NICE roles
More certifications
From GIAC
GAIPSGIAC AI Platform SecurityGAIPTGIAC AI Penetration TesterGASAEGIAC AI Security Automation EngineerGASFGIAC Advanced Smartphone ForensicsGAWNGIAC Assessing Wireless NetworksGBFAGIAC Battlefield Forensics and AcquisitionIn Cloud Security
CCSP(ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security ProfessionalCSA CCSKCloud Security Alliance Certificate of Cloud Security KnowledgeGCLDGIAC Cloud Security EssentialsGCTDGIAC Cloud Threat DetectionGPCSGIAC Public Cloud SecurityPECB Lead Cloud Security ManagerPECB Certified Lead Cloud Security Manager
Personal consulting
Not sure what's next? Ask someone who knows.
Personal strategy instead of weeks of self-research. Vendor-independent, with auditable recommendations and transparent sources.
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