Demonstrate understanding and application of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) principles and tools.
The GIAC Certified Detection Analyst (GCDA) certification validates a practitioner’s aptitude in leveraging SIEM tools and techniques. GCDA certification holders understand how to collect, analyze, and tactically use modern network, endpoint, and cloud data sources to detect malicious or unauthorized activity.
Areas Covered
- SIEM Fundamentals
- Service Profiling, Advanced Endpoint Analytics, Baselining and User Behavior Monitoring
- Cloud Logging Solutions in AWS and Azure, SIEM Solutions in Azure
- Tactical SIEM Detection and Post-Mortem Analysis
Who is GCDA for?
- Security Analysts and Architects
- Senior Security Engineers
- Technical Security Managers and Security Monitoring Specialists
- SOC Analysts, Engineers, and Managers
- CND Analysts
- System Administrators
- Cyber Threat Investigators
- Individuals working to implement Continuous Security Monitoring, or working in a hunt team capacity
“Instructor Testimonial
The GIAC Certified Detection Analyst (GCDA) is an industry certification that proves an individual knows how to collect, analyze, and tactically use modern network and endpoint data sources to detect malicious or unauthorized activity. This certification shows individuals not only know how to wield tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) but that they know how to use tools to turn attacker strengths into attacker weaknesses.”
Exam Format
- 1 proctored exam
- 2 hours
- Minimum passing score of 79%
- 75 questions
Note: GIAC periodically reviews and may update certification specifications to ensure fairness, validity, and reliability. Using a psychometric standard-setting study, GIAC has set the passing score for the GCDA exam at 79% for all candidates who receive the exam version released on or after May 25, 2018.
To confirm the exam format and passing score that apply to your specific attempt, please refer to the Certification Information section of your GIAC account: https://exams.giac.org/pages/attempts.
Certification Delivery
GIAC certification attempts will be activated in your GIAC account after your application has been approved and according to the terms of your purchase. Details on delivery will be provided along with your registration confirmation upon payment. You will receive an email notification when your certification attempt has been activated in your account. You will have 120 days from the date of activation to complete your certification attempt.
NOTE: All GIAC Certification exams are web-based and required to be proctored. There are two proctoring options: remote proctoring through ProctorU, and onsite proctoring through PearsonVUE. Click here for more information.
Exam Certification Objectives & Outcome Statements
- Application and User Monitoring AnalyticsThe candidate will understand the value of application and user baselines.
- Application Protocol AnalyticsThe candidate will understand some common protocols and how they can be leveraged.
- Asset and Network AnalyticsThe candidate will understand the basics of asset discovery and the value of flow logs.
- Azure and AWS Logging OverviewThe candidate will understand cloud-native logging solutions within Azure and AWS.
- Defender and Sentinel OverviewThe candidate will understand Azure-native solutions for enriching logs and alert-response actions.
- Endpoint AnalyticsThe candidate will understand host-specific logs and how they can be leveraged.
- Log Analysis and AlertingThe candidate will understand common aggregation and analysis approaches.
- Log Collection and EnrichmentThe candidate will understand common log types and collection strategies.
- SIEM OverviewThe candidate will understand the purpose and value of SIEM systems.
Practice Tests
- Practice exams are a simulation of the real exam, allowing you to become familiar with the test engine and style of questions
- Practice exams can serve as a gauge to determine if your preparation methods are sufficient
- The bank of practice questions is limited, so you may encounter the same question on multiple practice tests
- Practice exams never include actual exam questions
- Purchase a GCDA practice test here
Other Resources
- Training is available in a variety of modalities including live training and OnDemand
- Practical work experience can help ensure that you have mastered the skills necessary for certification
- College level courses or self-paced study through other programs or materials may meet the needs for mastery
- Understand the procedure to contest exam results
- Use this justification letter to share key details of this certification opportunity with your boss