Secure Impact Ltd

GIAC Certification in Cybersecurity

The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) was created by the SANS Institute in 1999 to provide vendor-neutral certification for information security professionals. SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, and Security) established GIAC to validate that cybersecurity practitioners possess the practical, hands-on skills needed to perform technical security roles effectively. The certification program was developed in response to the growing need for standardized measures of cybersecurity competency, particularly as organizations struggled to identify qualified professionals who could defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

GIAC certifications are highly valued in the penetration testing and cybersecurity industry because they focus on practical, real-world skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge. Each GIAC certification requires candidates to demonstrate technical proficiency through challenging exams that test their ability to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios. Certifications like the GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) and GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) are particularly respected among penetration testing professionals and employers because they validate specific offensive security capabilities. Organizations seeking penetration testing services often look for teams with GIAC-certified professionals as assurance that the testers have been rigorously evaluated and possess current, applicable skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities.

CREST Cybersecurity Certification

Origin

CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) was established in 2006 in the United Kingdom by a group of cybersecurity professionals and industry representatives. It was created to address the growing need for standardized, recognized qualifications in penetration testing and cybersecurity services. The organization emerged from concerns about the quality and professionalism of security testing services, aiming to provide a framework that would certify both individual practitioners and the companies that employ them.

Industry Value

CREST certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because they demonstrate a practitioner's technical competence and adherence to professional ethical standards. Many government agencies, financial institutions, and large corporations specifically require CREST-certified professionals when procuring penetration testing or security assessment services. The certification provides assurance to employers and clients that certified individuals have been independently verified to possess the necessary skills and knowledge, and that they follow established codes of conduct. This makes CREST credentials particularly important for cybersecurity professionals working in regulated industries or seeking to work with organizations that have stringent security requirements.