Cyber Security Certification: GCFE

The GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certification validates a practitioner's knowledge of computer forensic analysis, with an emphasis on core skills required to collect and analyze data from Windows computer systems. GCFE certification holders have the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct typical incident investigations including e-Discovery, forensic analysis and reporting, evidence acquisition, browser forensics and tracing user and application activities on Windows systems.

Areas Covered

• Windows Forensics and Data Triage
• Windows Registry Forensics, USB Devices, Shell Items, Email Forensics and Log Analysis
• Advanced Web Browser Forensics (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer)

Who is GCFE for?

• Anyone interested in a deep understanding of Windows forensics who has a background in information systems, information security, and computers
• Information security professionals
• Incident response team members
• Law enforcement officers, federal agents, and detectives
• Media exploitation analysts

Requirements

• 1 proctored exam
• 115 questions
• Time limit of 3 hours
• Minimum Passing Score of 71%

Delivery

NOTE: All GIAC Certification exams are web-based and required to be proctored. There are two proctoring options: remote proctoring through ProctorU, and onsite proctoring through PearsonVUE. Click here for more information.

GIAC certification attempts will be activated in your GIAC account after your application has been approved and according to the terms of your purchase. Details on delivery will be provided along with your registration confirmation upon payment. You will receive an email notification when your certification attempt has been activated in your account. You will have 120 days from the date of activation to complete your certification attempt.

Exam Certification Objectives & Outcome Statements

The topic areas for each exam part follow:

Analysis and Profiling of Systems and Devices

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by the Windows operating system during the execution of programs, system start up and use of removable devices.

Analysis of File and Program Activity

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of file access artifacts created by the Windows operating system.

Analysis of User Communications

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the forensic examination of user communication applications and methods, including host-based and mobile email applications, instant messaging, and other software and Internet-based user communication applications.

Analysis of Windows System User Artifacts

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by user activity on current Windows operating systems.

Cloud Storage Fundamentals

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by the installation and use of cloud storage solutions and how they can be used during forensic examinations.

Foundations of Digital Forensics Acquisition

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies and tools used to collect and process digital forensic evidence.

Fundamental Digital Forensics

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of forensic methodology, key forensic concepts, identifying types of evidence on current Windows operating systems and be familiar with the structure and composition of modern Windows file systems.

Host and Application Event Log Analysis

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of the various types of Windows event, service and application logs, and the forensic value that they can provide.

Microsoft Browser Forensics

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by Microsoft browsers during user activity.

Third Party Browser Forensics and Browser Artifact Analysis

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by third party browsers and when privacy settings are applied during user activity.

Windows Registry Artifact Analysis

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the registry artifacts created by system and user activity.

Windows Registry Fundamentals

The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and purpose of the Windows registry and the types of tools used to analyze and parse the data.

*No Specific training is required for any GIAC certification. There are many sources of information available regarding the certification objectives' knowledge areas. Practical experience is an option; there are also numerous books on the market covering Computer Information Security. Another option is any relevant courses from training providers, including SANS.*

Other Resources

• Training is available in a variety of modalities including live conference training, online, and self study.
• Practical work experience can help ensure that you have mastered the skills necessary for certification
• College level courses or study through another program may meet the needs for mastery.
• The procedure to contest exam results can be found athttps://www.giac.org/about/procedures/grievance.