You may have heard the phrase "new normal" a lot over the last couple of weeks - and it's likely just the beginning of the changes that will take place in our society because of the novel coronavirus. As we begin to navigate what the new normal means for GIAC, we wanted to let you know that we hear you and we're in this together.
Curious about our response or the status of your cert attempt? You can find that information here and we'll be actively updating our website as new policy updates take effect. But we're ready to focus on how to move forward, and even thrive, in these unique circumstances.
It's our belief that the next step is shifting from being reactive to taking action. As a cybersecurity practitioner, the best way to do that is by continuing to ensure career stability and success, especially in the face of bad actors who view tragedy as an opportunity to prey on the weak. Despite the novel coronavirus, it's still a good time - maybe even a better time - to think about getting SANS trained and GIAC certified.
We know it's hard with families at home, as routines are disrupted and we're easily distracted by things competing for our attention. But now that we've all spent several days watching everything Netflix has to offer, you're probably starting to realize that you have a lot of extra time on your hands. There's nothing wrong with indulging in some TV-induced stress relief, but you're likely going to want something to focus on that feels purposeful.
Take that extra time and use it to explore your passion for infosec - whatever particular niche speaks to you. It may have seemed challenging in the past to add a SANS class on top of work and family priorities, but now you're likely saving several hours a day since working from home means no need to commute. It's time to start preparing for that certification you've been hoping to get.
Cybersecurity practitioners are an essential part of global security, and there's already a severe shortage of qualified workers in the industry. That makes focusing on upskilling now critical to your future success. Being highly trained and certified to possess essential skills helps ensure your place in the infosec industry.
The Covid-19 outbreak has already changed our lives in many ways. But something that no pandemic can take away is our ability to learn and improve. Preparing for the next stage of your cyber career with a GIAC certification is a way to prove to yourself and others that you're more than this - that no matter what happens, you haven't lost the ability to grow as a practitioner and, more importantly, as a person.
Thankfully, the fact that we're all likely to be home for awhile doesn't have any bearing on your ability to adequately prepare for your GIAC certification. You can take world-class SANS OnDemand training from the comfort of your own home - with the same top instructors as SANS live training (not to mention with much more flexibility). Courses are self-paced so you can fit in some instruction during your lunch break and pick up where you left off after putting the kids to bed at night. Prefer a more structured schedule? We've also converted many of our live training events to a virtual Live Online format.
Need more inspiration on where to get started? Our new podcast, "Trust Me, I'm Certified," features top cybersecurity practitioners exploring how they got started in the field, along with tips for how to build confidence and skills. Check out DFIR expert Lesley Carhart's episode, featuring thoughtful career guidance and advice about continuous learning, with the added bonus of being thoroughly entertaining.
We're here to support you throughout your career journey. It's our mission to prove that at GIAC, we've got you covered, no matter what life throws at us next.