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GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT)

Cyber Defense Certification Overview

Validates core cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills in computers, technology, and security fundamentals, signaling readiness to contribute on day one.

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What Is the GFACT Certification?

The GFACT certification validates a practitioner's expertise in foundational cybersecurity concepts, covering the practical computer, technology, and security skills needed to contribute on day one in a cybersecurity role.

By the numbers

2 hrs

Exam duration

75

Questions

71%

Min. passing score

What GFACT Covers

GFACT's 9 published exam objectives group into five practical areas, which map to the modules of SEC275.

Computing Foundations

Covers Computer Hardware & Virtualization and Operating Systems, The Web, & Data Storage.

Networking & Systems Administration

Covers Networking & Servers, Linux Foundations, and Windows Foundations.

Programming & Logic

Covers Logic & Programming.

Security Concepts

Covers Security Concepts.

Offense, Forensics & Incident Response

Covers Exploitation & Mitigation and Forensics & Post-Exploitation.

Prepare With This Course

SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security

Course Details

How SEC275 Prepares You for GFACT

SEC275 is built around the exam objectives that make up the GFACT certification: 

  • Computing Foundations (Computer Components and Concepts, Advanced Computer Hardware, The Web, Servers and Services, SQL) builds skills tested under Computer Hardware & Virtualization and Operating Systems, The Web, & Data Storage.
  • Networking & Systems Administration (Networking Fundamentals, Linux, Windows Foundations) aligns with Networking & Servers, Linux Foundations, and Windows Foundations.
  • Programming & Logic (Practical Programming and Concepts, Assembly) builds skills tested under Logic & Programming.
  • Security Concepts (Security Concepts) aligns with Security Concepts.
  • Offense, Forensics & Incident Response (Offensive Security Concepts, Network and Computer Infiltration) builds skills tested under Exploitation & Mitigation and Forensics & Post-Exploitation.

Across the course's 13 modules, 90 hands-on labs give you a chance to apply each skill directly, from Linux command-line work to packet analysis, before a final review module consolidates everything ahead of the GFACT exam. 

Read the full GFACT certification overview 

SEC275 Authors

James Lyne

James Lyne

Chief Executive Officer at SANS Institute

James has spent the past 20 years of his life chasing cybercriminals around the Internet and, as a self-professed “massive geek”, has been involved in most cyber security disciplines.

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Rich Greene

Rich Greene

Senior Solutions Engineer at SANS Institute

Rich Greene, SANS Senior Solutions Engineer and SEC301 author, brings 20+ years of cyber operations and teaching experience to the classroom. With 15+ GIAC certifications and a passion for mentorship, he equips defenders with real-world confidence and skill.

Learn more

Who Should Pursue GFACT

Anyone New to Cybersecurity

Career Changers and Re-Skilling Program Participants

Self-Driven Online Learners

College and University Students

Business Professionals Building Cybersecurity Skills

New Hires in IT or Cybersecurity

Frequently Asked Questions

The GFACT certification validates a practitioner's expertise in foundational cybersecurity concepts, covering the practical computer, technology, and security skills needed to contribute on day one in a cybersecurity role. 

The GFACT exam is a single proctored, 2-hour exam with 75 questions and a minimum passing score of 71%.

GIAC certifications are renewed on a recurring cycle through continuing education credits and a maintenance fee. For the current renewal requirements, see GIAC’s renewal page. 

GFACT is built for anyone new to cybersecurity, career changers, college and university students, business professionals building cybersecurity knowledge, and new hires in IT or cybersecurity.

SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security prepares you for it through 90 hands-on labs across 13 modules covering everything from Linux and Windows administration to exploitation, forensics, and incident response.

SANS Institute is a training organization. GIAC LLC is an independent certification body accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under ISO/IEC 17024:2012. Completion of SANS training is not required for GIAC certification, nor does it guarantee a passing exam result. 

Ready to earn your GFACT certification?

Add the GFACT exam attempt when you register for SEC275.

Register for SEC275

Already trained? Register for the exam directly through GIAC here.