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SANS-GCFA Training & Certification

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bobby1041
(@bobby1041)
Posts: 20
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

I would like to hear opinions on the SANS-GCFA Training & Certification. The 6 day training bootcamp is coming to Orlando in January.

Thanks in advance!

 
Posted : 10/11/2006 9:12 am
 ddow
(@ddow)
Posts: 278
Reputable Member
 

SANS Training is widely respected. Be prepared to do nothing but the bootcamp for the 6 days. Read the hardware requirements for the specific class and make sure you meet them before attending.

 
Posted : 25/11/2006 10:40 pm
az_gcfa
(@az_gcfa)
Posts: 116
Estimable Member
 

In order to make the best of the week - be prepared to work late hours on the exercises. This depends a lot upon you laptop computer's speed and memory. Plus, utilize the instructors and knowledge of other attendee's.
The week course lays the ground work for using current Open Source tools in windows and Linux and how to use linux to perform analysis of windows and linux systems.
Do not think you can attend the course and then pass the test. You will need to study the manual and tools. Passing the test will only get you a Silver certificate. You then have the option of paying for and doing a Gold project [reviewed and approved by your Gold sponsor and Advisory Board].
Personally, I think it is the most practical of programs around! The only subjects missing is report creation and expert testimony. I do not think those topics can be effectively taught in a large group envirnoment.

 
Posted : 29/11/2006 6:58 am
(@d1spat3r)
Posts: 11
Active Member
 

I have gone through three of the SANS courses and loved every one of them. Your head feels like it is going to explode on the third day. lol

On that note I will be down in Orlando for the 508 course this Jan. If anyone is interested in meeting up and working together during the conference let me know. Maybe we can coordinate some type of meeting.

d1spat3r

 
Posted : 20/12/2006 2:54 am
(@elmurado)
Posts: 29
Eminent Member
 

Hi Bobby-I can only echo what the others have said-SANS is very good and yes, your brain may hurt but it's a good, Nietszche kind of pain. I did the Bootcamp last year and will be doing the Forensics track this year in Brisbane and am really looking forward to it.

 
Posted : 22/12/2006 10:31 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Guest
 

Following up on Bobby's note, I am planning to go through the boot camp too. Is there an external reference which I can get? something to study prior to the bootcamp?

I am not sure if I have sufficient background in some of the areas, and would like to beef up, before I pluck down the fees.

What resources can I use? Are there books, sites, etc. to read?

 
Posted : 13/02/2007 2:51 am
(@elmurado)
Posts: 29
Eminent Member
 

Hey lib,
Good place to start is the SANS website and especially the reading room.
Some of main focus is the 'basics' of networking(but it gets to an advanced level quite quickly). Read up about TCP/IP etc if you can-the best resource IMO is still W.Richard Stevens' TCP/IP Illustrated book. Very solid-also the TCP/IP guide on line(just google it).
The other days branch out to policy and physical security through to risk calculations, legal, hardware etc.
If you check the course syllabus at SANS then you can do a fair bit of google-fu to find some basics on other topics.
I'm not sure what level you're at already so you may know some of this stuff anyway.
Another thing might be to download a copy of knoppix std 0.1 and play with it. I think they'll still be using it as the de facto standard for a live security cd that you can use for a host of tasks on systems. Download the doc on setting up your machine for a dual boot from SANS and just play(esp if you don't know linux that much).

 
Posted : 13/02/2007 6:16 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Guest
 

I am a CISSP with about 20 years of IT security background in a whole range of areas.

My concern is what I had trouble with at the CISSP. Acronyms, and specific methodologies, sequence, naming conventions, etc. - GIAC will consider the de facto standard.

So there are no GCFA books I can purchase? I seen one by ePlanet Labs, though it looks like a rip off.

I just need some structure around what I know, so I can apply my knowledge at the tests.

Did you take the test Bobby?

 
Posted : 13/02/2007 10:35 pm
(@elmurado)
Posts: 29
Eminent Member
 

Which areas are you not sure of? With your experience, to be honest, I think you'd breeze it. Also, I think I'm getting confused here. Are you doing the 508 Forensics track, or the 401 bootcamp essentials course?
I'm going to be doing the 508 next week so can't help you with that but the bootcamp course is a great basic starter course(very intense though).
I didn't think people were allowed to sell or on-sell the course materials-so I'd probably advise against buying it anyway. as far as I know, you only get them when signing on for a course. IMO, they are well worth it.(No I don't work for SANS!Well, not in a paid manner-I'm a volunteer next week in Brisbane.)

 
Posted : 15/02/2007 6:39 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Guest
 

What were the result of your 508 track (which is what I am interested in)?

 
Posted : 28/03/2007 1:42 am
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