SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security

You'll need the current version of any modern web browser (like Chrome or Firefox).

Everything is provided in the online learning platform, and no additional software is required to participate in the course, you'll find it all on the platform. You can also change between devices and pick up where you left off at any time.

Yes. The Course Preview gives you 14 days of free access to select modules, labs, and quizzes from SEC275. It’s a no-cost way to experience the teaching style, course structure, and platform before committing to the full course. Sign up here for your free Course Preview.

The GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) certification validates a practitioner's knowledge of essential foundational cybersecurity concepts. GFACT-certified professionals are familiar with practical skills in computers, technology, and security fundamentals that are needed to kickstart a career in cybersecurity.

• Core Computing Components: Hardware and Virtualization, Networking, Operating Systems, Web, Cloud, and Data Storage
• IT Fundamentals and Concepts: Logic and Programming, Windows, and Linux
• Security Foundations and Threat Landscape: Concepts, Exploitation and Mitigation, Forensics and Post Exploitation

More Certification Details

SEC275 training provides exactly what students need to go from zero technical and security knowledge to a level of sufficient understanding and applied practical skills that will enable students to speak the same language as industry professionals. This course is designed for:

• Career changers
• Online, self-driven learners seeking new skills
• College and university students
• Business professionals without a deep cybersecurity background
• New hires in IT/cybersecurity
• Participants in reskilling program

• Everything is provided in the online learning platform, and no additional software is required to participate in the course. Everything is done online. You can also change between devices and pick up where you left off at any time.
• When taking the GFACT exam, students will receive a book to aid their learning.

• There are no prerequisites.
• No prior security knowledge is needed.

The SEC275 course is part of the “New to Cybersecurity” Learning Path, which aims to cover a wide spectrum of security topics with a balanced mix of technical and managerial issues.

Depending on your current role or career goals, one of these courses is a great next step in your cybersecurity journey

• SEC401: Security Essentials - Network, Endpoint and Cloud
• SEC450: SOC Analyst Training – Applied Skills for Cyber Defense Operations
• SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling

SEC275 and the GFACT certification constitute the initial course for these career-launching programs at the SANS Technology Institute:

• Applied Cybersecurity Certificate
• Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, or damage. In today’s world, where personal, financial, and business information is constantly shared and stored online, cybersecurity is essential to safeguard privacy, maintain trust, and ensure the smooth operation of technology. Threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware continue to grow more sophisticated, making strong cybersecurity skills more critical than ever.

For those new to the field, SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security provides an ideal starting point. This course builds a solid understanding of core cybersecurity concepts, including networking, system architecture, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. It’s designed for beginners and equips students with real-world skills through hands-on labs and expert instruction. By learning the fundamentals through SEC275, students gain the confidence and knowledge needed to begin a successful career in cybersecurity and contribute meaningfully to protecting digital environments.

SANS created SEC275 for students who are new to cyber and looking to take their first step into a technical, cybersecurity career. It is also ideal for IT professionals looking to change their focus to cybersecurity or those who have been working in cybersecurity for a while and would like to refresh their foundational knowledge.

The course content can be completed in 50 to 60 hours. To maximize learning outcomes, most students review course content multiple times, repeat labs and quizzes, or do extra exercises.

Students have access to the course for 4 months, providing plenty of time to go over the material.

The learning platform for SEC275 has an online labs system where students can interact with security tools, get their hands on the Linux command line, and use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to write and test code.

The quizzes benchmark a student's knowledge and measure if they understand each module's key concepts and topics. Quizzes are based on course content and can be taken multiple times.

All reading materials are electronic and available online. When a student takes the GFACT exam, they'll be provided with a book to aid their learning.

We strongly advise that all students take the GFACT exam to fully master the SANS Foundations course.

Even if you're not working directly in cybersecurity, SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security can significantly benefit your career. In today’s tech-driven world, almost every role interacts with digital systems. Understanding how they work and how to keep them secure makes you a more informed and valuable team member.

Here’s how the course can help:

• Boosts Technical Confidence: You’ll understand systems, networks, and security terminology, helping you communicate more effectively with IT and cybersecurity teams.
• Enhances Problem-Solving: Learning how attackers think and how systems can be protected sharpens your analytical thinking.
• Improves Job Security: As cyber threats grow, employers value employees who understand the importance of digital safety, even outside IT roles.
• Opens New Opportunities: A foundation in cybersecurity can lead to career pivots into IT, risk management, compliance, or tech leadership roles.

SEC275 builds digital literacy that’s relevant across industries.