Demonstrate that you are an adaptable defender, capable of navigating diverse, evolving real-world threats with agility and depth.
The GIAC Experienced Cybersecurity Specialist (GX-CS) certification demonstrates that a practitioner is qualified for advanced hands-on IT systems roles across the full picture of cybersecurity. GX-CS certification holders are ready to solve complex multifaceted problems, leveraging proficiency in new and diversified security practices and tasks.
Areas Covered
- Network security analysis and tools
- Evaluation of Windows and Linux OS security
- Advanced security tools and techniques
- Common attacks and defenses
- Implementing overall cybersecurity and information security
Who is GX-CS for?
- Well-rounded professionals with a general understanding of all areas of cyber security
- Practitioners with a strong desire to demonstrate superior hands-on capabilities and expand their professional portfolios
- GSEC certification holders who have gained additional experience
CyberLive: Real labs. Real tools. Real skills.
CyberLive is a hands-on exam format that replaces traditional multiple-choice testing with performance-based challenges in realistic lab environments to validate real-world capability.
Virtual Machines:
Full-scale lab systems that behave like physical computers: install, attack, defend, and run services.
Real Security Tools:
Exact tools used by professionals every day including all the quirks and challenges
Authentic Code:
Real code, real exploits, real impacts
Exam Format
- 1 proctored exam
- Open book, open notes
- Time limit 4 hour
- 25 CyberLive - hands-on, real-world practical testing. CyberLive testing creates a lab environment where cyber practitioners prove their knowledge, understanding, and skill using:
- Actual programs
- Actual code
- Virtual machines
Find out more about CyberLive here.
NOTE: GIAC reserves the right to change the specifications for each certification without notice.To verify the format read the Certification Information found in your account at 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
- Advanced Network AnalysisThe candidate will be able to extract information from datastreams and pcaps using tools such as tcpdump and Wireshark, and leverage network administration tools.
- Evaluating Linux SystemsThe candidate will be able to respond to different scenarios and tasks on a Linux system including evaluating settings, permissions, and logs.
- Evaluating Windows SystemsThe candidate will be able to evaluate vulnerable processes and exploit them to gain access to secure information. They will also evaluate Windows firewall configurations and use PowerShell to perform complex Windows administration tasks.
- File AnalysisThe candidate will be able to analyze files, including identifying malicious file characteristics, evaluating metadata, and performing file searches on systems.
- Malicious Program Execution & ExploitationThe candidate will be able to evaluate executables using the strings tool and other methods, use a trojan executable to gain privileged access to another computer and perform a task, or utilize a command injection attack to gain privileged access.
- Network SecurityThe candidate will be able to perform activities related to securing a network including identifying suspicious traffic, evaluating logs, and using tools such as Snort, Zeek, and Elasticsearch.
- Password CrackingThe candidate will be able to crack passwords using tools such as Hashcat and John the Ripper.
Demo Questions
- These questions allow a candidate to experience the exam style and complexity in the environment used during the certification exam.
- Demo questions are never included in the actual certification exam.
- The demo question set includes 3 questions, and the student has 45 minutes to complete. Note that the average time per question is not as fast paced as the actual exam attempt.
- Limited demo questions per exam are available so you will receive repetitive questions if multiple Demo Questions are purchased.
- Demo questions are nontransferable.
- Purchase GX-CS demo questions here.
Other Resources
- Affiliate Training - SEC401 (Primary fit course*), SEC503, FOR508, SEC560, SEC542, SEC599, SEC501, FOR500, SEC660
- Practical work experience can help ensure that you have mastered the skills necessary for certification.
- Get information about the procedure to contest exam results.
*Courses that include a "primary fit course" designation have the most closely aligned content but do not include all of the content, tools, and platforms that could be included in testing on the Applied Knowledge exam.