GIAC Cloud Security Essentials badge achieved after attending the GCLD Course and Certification
9.00

Fill-starFill-starFill-starFill-starFill-starFill-starFill-starFill-starFill-starunfill-star

325 reviews

GIAC© Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD)

Gain the practical skills to secure cloud environments using foundational cloud security principles and best practices. Learn to protect data and assets across modern cloud-based infrastructures.

course: GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD)

Duration: 5 days

Format: Virtual or Classroom

prepare-exam Prepares for Exam: GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) Exam GCLD

certification-icon Prepares for Certification: GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD)

ktk-icon Attend this and 60+ other Security courses for FREE with Unlimited Security Training

Overview

Advance your expertise in cloud security with this hands-on training course aligned with the Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD™) certification. Delivered by industry-recognized instructors, this program equips you with the skills to protect cloud-based infrastructure, secure data, and manage risks across multiple cloud platforms. It’s an ideal first step for professionals looking to build confidence in cloud security and prepare for the GCLD™ exam.

This course includes
  • intructor-icon Instructor-led training
  • intructor-icon Practice test
  • intructor-icon Pre-reading
  • intructor-icon Personal Learning Path
  • intructor-icon Certification Guarantee
  • intructor-icon Email, chat and phone support

Top companies trust Readynez

Who is this course for?

Who is the GIAC© Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) training course for?

This Cloud Security Essentials training course is designed for IT professionals, security administrators, and auditors working in cloud-based environments. It’s ideal for those looking to strengthen their understanding of core cloud computing concepts, cloud architecture, and security best practices. Participants will explore topics such as infrastructure and application security, data privacy, identity and access management, encryption, incident response, and compliance in cloud ecosystems. The training also covers cloud service models, deployment types, and governance considerations. Whether you’re securing cloud infrastructure or managing compliance in hybrid environments, this course will help build your confidence to implement robust security controls and prepare for the associated Cloud Security Essentials exam.


Disclaimer: Readynez is an independent training provider and is not affiliated with the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) organization. All GIAC® certification names, including GFACT™, GPEN, GICSP, GRID, and others, are trademarks or registered trademarks of GIAC®. Our courses are designed to help learners prepare for GIAC® certification exams, which are administered independently by GIAC®. Certification exam fees are separate and paid directly to GIAC®.

Curriculum

What you will learn during our GIAC© Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) course.

  • Core concepts of cloud security and its challenges
  • Fundamentals of automation in cloud environments
  • Cloud security frameworks and standards (e.g., CSA, NIST)
  • Overview of assessment tools like ScoutSuite and Prowler
  • Introduction to AWS security services and capabilities
  • Best practices for IAM, encryption, and monitoring
  • Automation using tools such as CloudFormation and Terraform
  • Handson strategies for securing AWS workloads
  • Key Azure services and security considerations
  • Identity and rolebased access control (RBAC) in Azure
  • Infrastructure automation with ARM templates and Terraform
  • Using tools like Azure Monitor and Key Vault for protection
  • Overview of GCP’s security and automation features
  • GCP security controls including Cloud IAM and KMS
  • Deployment automation using Deployment Manager and Terraform
  • Monitoring and threat detection with Stackdriver
  • Kubernetes security concepts and common threats
  • Pod security policies, network policies, and runtime tools (e.g., Falco)
  • Deployment automation with Helm and Kustomize
  • Cluster hardening and secure pipeline configurations
  • Compliance requirements in cloud (PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR)
  • Policyascode tools like InSpec and Open Policy Agent
  • DevSecOps practices for secure CI/CD workflows
  • Implementing continuous compliance in cloud environments

Preparation

How to best be prepared for our GIAC© Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) course.

  • Orange-check A basic understanding of cloud computing principles and service models
  • Orange-check Familiarity with command-line tools in Linux and Windows operating systems
  • Orange-check Introductory experience with scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell, or Bash)
  • Orange-check General networking knowledge, including concepts like IP, DNS, and firewalls

Meet our instructors

Meet some of the Readynez Instructors you can meet on your course. They are experts, passionate about what they do, and dedicated to give back to their industry, their field, and those who want to learn, explore, and advance in their careers.

Kevin Henry

Kevin Henry delivers high-impact, LIVE instructor-led cybersecurity training for professionals preparing for certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, and CCSP. With decades of global experience and deep industry insight, he equips learners with practical skills, strong exam readiness, and real-world understanding essential for modern security roles.

Meet the Instructor: Kevin Henry



At Readynez, we’re beyond proud to have Kevin on the instructor team!



With over 30 years of experience in IT security and audit, Kevin has helped thousands achieve certifications like CISSP, CISA, CISM, CCSP, and more.



As the official course writer for ISC2 and ISACA, and a trusted advisor to organizations globally, Kevin brings unmatched expertise, actionable guidance, engaging stories and real-world insight to every course.



Delegates consistently rate him 10/10 - and it’s easy to see why. His passion for teaching, deep knowledge, and genuine care for student success make him one of the most respected instructors in the field.



Excellence starts with instructors like you. Thank you for empowering learners worldwide - and for your unwavering commitment and trust!



Ready to join a session with Kevin? https://www.readynez.com/en/training/courses/vendors/isc2/ 

READ MORE
Read Less

James Rowney

James is recognised for his more than 20 years of contribution to learning and certification within IT Security.

James has worked on many large mission critical environments in some of the largest companies in their industries.

Understanding business requirements and drivers are essential to any strategy and design. Understanding environments are key to any application or infrastructure changes, both the immediate services they interface with and those beyond. A failure to satisfy Non Functional Requirements can not be fixed by a process.

Specialties: CISSP, CCSP, AWS Solution Architect Associate, TOGAF 9 certified 86080 member of The Association of Enterprise Architects (AEA) - 27519830. BCS Solution & Enterprise Architect Certified - AMBCS - 990529878, Linux RHCE V5 expired, RHCVA Unix, Storage, SAN, Netbackup, Clusters, Design and Delivery of Infrastructure.

 

READ MORE
Read Less

Friedhelm Düsterhöft

As one of Europe’s most respected GRC and cybersecurity experts, Friedhelm Düsterhöft brings over 30 years of experience to his LIVE instructor-led training. He equips professionals with practical skills, strong certification readiness, and a clear understanding of complex regulatory frameworks essential for modern security roles.

Meet the Instructor: Friedhelm Düsterhöft

With over 30 years of experience in IT, information security, and data privacy, Friedhelm Düsterhöft is one of the most respected voices in the GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) space - helping professionals build robust, regulation-ready organizations.

As an authorized trainer for ISC2 and an accredited trainer for ISACA & EXIN, Friedhelm’s dedication to excellence has earned him the titles PECB German Trainer of the Year 2022 and PECB Platinum Trainer 2024

  • Founder of msdd.neT GmbH

  • ISO 27001 & ISO 31000 Expert

  • Accredited Certification Auditor
  • Contributor to global whitepapers on cybersecurity and compliance

  • Instructor for GRC courses including CISSP, CISA and NIS2 Lead Implementer

Friedhelm is known for translating complex regulatory demands into clear, actionable strategies - empowering professionals to build strong compliance cultures from the ground up.

If you're training with Friedhelm, you're learning from one of the most trusted minds in the field.

Find your next IT and security course with Friedhelm Düsterhöft here: https://www.readynez.com/en/training/courses/all/  

READ MORE
Read Less

FAQ

FAQs for the GCLD prep course.

The Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD™) certification validates your ability to plan, deploy, and secure cloud environments across various platforms. It focuses on preventive, detective, and responsive techniques for protecting cloud-based workloads. Note: This certification is issued by GIAC®. Readynez is not affiliated with or endorsed by GIAC® or SANS Institute.

The most effective way to prepare is through hands-on, instructor-led training. The Readynez GCLD™ prep course includes real-world labs, exam-aligned modules, and support to help you build the skills you need to succeed on the exam and in your role.

 

There are no mandatory prerequisites, but you’ll benefit from a basic understanding of cloud technologies, Linux/Windows command line usage, and foundational networking and security principles.

 

As of the latest update, the standalone exam fee is approximately €880. Certification renewal is required every four years and can be completed via continuing education or retaking the exam.

What topics are covered in the GCLD™ exam?
The GCLD™ exam focuses on:

  • Evaluating similarities and challenges across cloud platforms
  • Planning and securing multi-cloud environments
  • Implementing preventive and responsive security controls
  • Auditing and responding to incidents in cloud environments

The GCLD exam syllabus includes:

Evaluation of cloud service provider similarities, differences, challenges, and opportunities Planning, deploying, hardening, and securing single and multi-cloud environments Basic cloud resource auditing, security assessment, and incident response

Yes. The GCLD™ credential demonstrates cloud security readiness - making it valuable for roles in cloud security engineering, DevSecOps, and cloud architecture. Many employers seek candidates with verified cloud security skills.

 

Most learners take between 4 to 10 weeks to prepare, depending on prior knowledge and available study time. Readynez’s training helps accelerate this timeline through structured learning and real-world labs.

 

Yes. The GCLD™ exam is proctored and can be taken either online via ProctorU or at a Pearson VUE test center.

 

The difficulty level varies by background. Those with prior cloud and cybersecurity experience typically find the exam manageable after structured preparation. It includes 75 questions and has a passing score of 61%.

 

You need a score of at least 61% to pass the exam. It consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and is timed for 2 hours.

 

You must renew your certification every four years by earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits or retaking the exam. Renewal can be initiated starting two years before expiration.

 

Cloud security professionals with foundational certifications often earn competitive salaries. Compensation depends on your experience, job role, location, and industry—but GCLD™ can be a strong differentiator in a competitive market.

 

Reviews

Feedback from our delegates.

Stephen Ridgway

Readynez is the best training provider I've used for many years. Their customer service is first class, prices are very competitive and instruction excellent.

Johan Andersson

Johan Andersson

Easy to attend over Teams and an excellent instructor gave me great value for the time I invested.

Why Pay More??

Go beyond one certification Achieve Complete Mastery medal-icon

Why settle for just one certification course when you can attend ALL certification courses for the price of less than one single course?

Unlimited Training delegate
  • Orange-check 60+ Courses for the price of less than one
  • Orange-check LIVE Instructor-led courses
  • Orange-check Expert Instructors at your fingertips
  • Orange-check Money-back Guarantee
  • Orange-check Flexible payment options
EXPLORE UNLIMITED TRAINING

A perfect tool to help us develop the skills and competencies we need for success

Its IT Icon Kasper Meyer Christensen


A training solution so good that it pays for itself

50%
MINIMUM SAVINGS

Businesses leveraging Readynez Unlimited save at least 50% on their training and certifications - and many up to 80%

2.4 x
COURSES PER LICENSE

Unlimited license holders attend on average 2.4 courses per year


Get more for less with Unlimited Training

Courses

60+ INSTRUCTOR-LED COURSES

For the price of less than one course.

Quality

SAME HIGH READYNEZ QUALITY

Just cheaper and more flexible.

Flexible

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

The easiest, most flexible and cheapest way to get Certified.

Unlimited

UNLIMITED ACCESS

Attend as many courses you want - no limitations!

Money Gaurantee

MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

Refund provided if license costs surpass the value of your training.

Training

LIVE TRAININGS ONLY

Interact 1-on-1 with 50+ seasoned instructors.

Basket

{{item.CourseTitle}}

Price: {{item.ItemPriceExVatFormatted}} {{item.Currency}}