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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
Prepares for Exam:
GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) Exam GCLD
Prepares for Certification:
GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD)
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.
Who is this 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
Preparation
To get the most out of your Cloud Security Essentials course at Readynez, we recommend a basic technical foundation before enrolling. Our instructor-led course is designed to equip learners with practical skills to secure cloud environments, but a few key concepts will help you hit the ground running.
We’ve trained thousands of learners - many of whom have gone on to earn industry-recognized certifications in cloud security. While there are no formal prerequisites for the training itself, here’s what we recommend you know before getting started:
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 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/
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.
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.
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/
FAQ
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:
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
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.
Easy to attend over Teams and an excellent instructor gave me great value for the time I invested.
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