Security Basics: Re: The Value of GIAC/GSEC Certification

[andrews () rbacomm com]

I guess I should add that I have an M.S. in C.S. from Illinois, 20  
years experience (mostly in the software development area, C++, etc.)  
and a fairly senior level position now.  I am just transitioning into  
a full time "Security Guy" working on compliance issues and I want to  
continue enhancing my career.
I want to weight the value of spending the money and study time to get  
the GSEC, especially if I attend the SANS Security Essentials course  
this year.  (I may or may not do that, I haven't decided yet.)
I am doing a lot of reading either way. I also purchased the Shon  
Harris course, so that may ultimately be sufficient.
I am also an overacheiver, but I want to make sure to stay somewhat  
focused. :)
Brad

Quoting Kim Guldberg <kim () bufferzone dk>:

> Ohhhh yes, Big time
>
> CISSP is a broad common body of knowledge certification with no depth
> at all. IMHO anybody with 3 weeks time to spend, a reasonable head, a
> heart for reading and remembering can pass a CISSP.
>
> GIAC certifications requires knowledge, skill and understanding and has
> depth. GIAC certifications are practical as well as theoretical.
>
> A CISSP certification is a foundation certification that will lead to a
> entry level job in the IT security industry or a non technical job,
> i.e. sales or marketing, unless you have other expert level technical
> education in witch case a CISSP will serve as an introduction into an
> IT security job
>
> GIAC will lead you to an expert level job, i.e. firewall analyst,
> forensic analyst and the likes