GDSAGIAC Defensible Security Architecture
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What is GDSA?
The GDSA certifies skills in designing defensible security architectures. The exam covers network and data-centric security strategies for layered defence, assessing existing technology implementations to improve prevention, detection, and response, and understanding and applying zero trust principles. It is aligned with the SANS course SEC530. According to GIAC it addresses security architects, network engineers and architects, security analysts, senior security engineers, system administrators, technical security managers, monitoring specialists, and cyber threat investigators.
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
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