GIAC Security Essentials badge achieved after attending the GSEC Course and Certification
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GIAC© Security Essentials (GSEC) Course

Learn the essential principles of cybersecurity and build real-world skills to protect systems, detect threats, and respond to security incidents across IT environments. This course helps prepare for the GSEC™ certification exam.

course: GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Duration: 5 days

Format: Virtual or Classroom

prepare-exam Prepares for Exam: GIAC Security Essentials GSEC

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

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Overview

The GIAC© Security Essentials (GSEC) course provides a comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will gain hands-on skills in protecting systems, monitoring networks, detecting threats, and responding to security incidents. This instructor-led training prepares you for the GSEC exam and the GIAC Security Essentials certification, a globally recognized credential for cybersecurity professionals.

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

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Who is this course for?

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

The GIAC® Security Essentials (GSEC) certification training is ideal for IT professionals, system administrators, and entry- to mid-level cybersecurity practitioners who want to build a solid foundation in security. This course is well-suited for individuals looking to gain hands-on skills and a deep understanding of essential security topics including: - Network and system security - Security policies and risk management - Access controls and authentication - Vulnerability assessment - Incident response - Cryptography By completing the training and passing the GSEC certification exam, participants validate their capabilities in core cybersecurity functions and demonstrate their readiness to protect digital environments. The certification supports career advancement by showcasing a strong grasp of real-world information security skills in today’s threat landscape.


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© Security Essentials (GSEC) course.

  • Learn the fundamentals of business continuity and disaster recovery planning for organizational resilience.
  • Explore the implementation and objectives of industryrecommended security controls to reduce risk.
  • Gain a foundational overview of cryptographic principles, system types, and steganography.
  • Learn about the mathematics behind encryption and identify common symmetric, asymmetric, and hashing systems.
  • Examine how cryptographic tools like VPNs, PKI, and GPG are applied in realworld environments.
  • Understand layered security strategies and how to implement effective defense mechanisms.
  • Learn how to design networks that support threat detection, control, and containment.
  • Understand the function of endpoint protection tools like hostbased firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
  • Discover how to use Group Policy and security templates to enforce consistent security configurations.
  • Study the phases and best practices of effective incident management and response.
  • Understand threat assessment frameworks and how to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
  • Learn to configure file permissions and secure Linux systems across different distributions.
  • Explore methods to secure Linux services and reduce attack surfaces.
  • Learn how to detect threats using logs, baselining, and monitoring tools within Linux environments.
  • Gain experience with essential Linux utilities and scripts used for system security.
  • Understand how to configure and analyze logs, and how SIEM tools aid in detection and investigation.
  • Examine common attack methods and how to defend against them using mitigation strategies.
  • Learn about common vulnerabilities in routers, switches, and other network hardware and how to secure them.
  • Understand the purpose and use of firewalls, networkbased IDS/IPS, and other security devices.
  • Review foundational networking principles and how protocol behavior affects security.
  • Learn how to secure services like Remote Desktop, IIS, and IPSec in Windows environments.
  • Study the components of a strong security policy and how it aligns with organizational goals.
  • Gain awareness of risks and protection strategies for virtual environments and cloud deployments.
  • Learn how to identify threats using basic scanning tools and penetration testing methodologies.
  • Understand web vulnerabilities and protections including SSL/TLS, cookies, and common CGI flaws.
  • Learn to manage permissions for files, printers, registry entries, and directory services in Windows systems.
  • Understand the strategies for maintaining secure Windows environments through effective updates.
  • Explore techniques for system auditing and gathering forensic data during investigations.
  • Learn about wireless threats and how to secure WiFi networks against common attacks.

Preparation

How to best prepare for the GIAC® Security Essentials (GSEC) certification training course.

  • Orange-check A basic understanding of core cybersecurity principles and practices
  • Orange-check Familiarity with networking protocols, topologies, and technologies
  • Orange-check Exposure to multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS
  • Orange-check Foundational knowledge of cryptographic concepts
  • Orange-check Experience using security tools, utilities, or scripts
  • Orange-check Practical understanding of security incident handling and response procedures
  • Orange-check Awareness of access control models and organizational security policies
  • Orange-check Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
  • Orange-check Effective communication and documentation skills
  • Orange-check Prior completion of introductory cybersecurity training or certifications (recommended, but not required)

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/ 

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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.

 

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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/  

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FAQ

FAQs for the GSEC prep course.

The GIAC® Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) validates a professional’s knowledge of information security concepts and their ability to apply practical security skills in real-world IT environments.

 

Enroll in a structured training program like the one offered by Readynez. Our GSEC course is designed to help individuals and teams develop the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to succeed in the exam and in real-world cybersecurity roles

There are no formal prerequisites to take the GIAC GSEC exam. However, a basic understanding of networking, operating systems, and security principles is recommended.

 

As of now, the GSEC certification exam costs approximately €2318 (EUR). This fee includes access to the exam through GIAC and the ability to attempt it once.

The exam covers a broad range of cybersecurity topics, including access controls, cryptography, network protocols, incident handling, system security, wireless security, cloud and virtualization security, and risk management.

 

Yes. GSEC is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates your ability to handle practical security tasks. It’s highly regarded by employers for roles such as security analyst, network administrator, and cybersecurity consultant.

 

Most learners prepare over a span of 4–12 weeks, depending on their prior experience and study habits. Guided training programs can help shorten the learning curve.

 

Yes. GIAC exams are web-based and must be proctored. You can choose either remote proctoring via ProctorU or an in-person session at a Pearson VUE test center.

 

The GSEC exam is considered challenging but manageable with proper preparation. It tests not just theoretical knowledge, but also your ability to apply it in practical scenarios.

 

To pass the GSEC certification exam, you need a minimum score of 73%. The exam consists of 106 questions and lasts up to 4 hours.

 

The GSEC certification must be renewed every four years. Renewal involves submitting Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits or retaking the exam.

 

Salaries vary based on location and experience, but professionals holding the GSEC certification typically earn an average of $94,000 per year.

 

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.

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