🔥 Trending Certification · 2025

GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT)

Build the core technology and security knowledge every cybersecurity professional needs. GFACT validates foundational competency across computer hardware, virtualisation, networking, operating systems, web technologies, cloud, Linux, Windows, programming logic, and security concepts — the essential baseline for any cybersecurity career.

Networking Fundamentals Linux Foundations Windows Foundations Security Concepts Programming Logic Cloud Basics Industry Recognised

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Core Computing ComponentsHardware, virtualisation, networking, OS, web & cloud

IT FundamentalsProgramming logic, Windows foundations & Linux essentials

Security FoundationsSecurity concepts, exploitation basics & forensics fundamentals

Career Launch ReadyIdeal starting point for all cybersecurity career paths

Exam Questions

2 hrs

Duration

71%

Passing Score

GIAC

Certified

Why It's Trending

Every Cybersecurity Career Starts with the Right Foundations

The cybersecurity skills shortage is most acute at the entry level. Employers need candidates who can demonstrate validated foundational knowledge — not just a training certificate — and GFACT provides exactly that proof of competency.

Trending

3.5M+

Unfilled Cybersecurity Roles Worldwide

The global talent gap is growing — entry-level practitioners with validated foundational knowledge are highly sought after by employers across every sector.

Ideal

Starting Point for Any Cyber Role

Whether pursuing SOC analysis, penetration testing, digital forensics, or cloud security — GFACT establishes the common technology foundation you need for all of them.

Trending

9 Topics

Networking, OS, Linux, Windows, Security & More

GFACT covers the broadest foundational curriculum of any GIAC certification — making it the most complete career-launch credential available.

+25%

Starting Salary Advantage with GIAC Certification

GIAC-certified candidates consistently outperform non-certified peers in hiring processes and starting salary negotiations.

Course Content

Complete GFACT Curriculum

Click any module to expand and explore the topics covered in detail.

Core Computing & Networking Fundamentals

5 Topics

Computer hardware components: CPU, memory, storage, and peripheral devices

Virtualisation concepts: hypervisors, VMs, and container fundamentals

Networking fundamentals: protocols, OSI model, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and routing

Servers and network services: web servers, email servers, and common enterprise services

Web fundamentals: HTTP/HTTPS, web application components, and client-server architecture

Operating Systems & Data Storage

5 Topics

Core operating system concepts: processes, memory management, and file systems

Web technologies and data storage: databases, file storage, and data access patterns

Cloud computing fundamentals: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and common cloud service models

Comparing on-premises and cloud storage architectures for enterprise use cases

Understanding how OS-level concepts relate to security vulnerabilities and defences

Windows & Linux Foundations

5 Topics

Windows foundations: architecture, user and group management, registry, and core tools

Windows security: permissions, audit policies, and common Windows attack surfaces

Linux foundations: file system hierarchy, shell commands, process management, and scripting

Linux security: user permissions, sudo, file ownership, and common Linux attack surfaces

Cross-platform comparison: navigating and operating in both Windows and Linux environments

Logic, Programming & Scripting Basics

5 Topics

Logic fundamentals: boolean logic, binary, hexadecimal, and bitwise operations

Programming concepts: variables, data types, control flow, loops, and functions

Introduction to scripting for automation and security task execution

Understanding how software is built, compiled, and executed on modern systems

Practical programming logic for reading and understanding security tool output and scripts

Security Concepts, Exploitation & Forensics

5 Topics

Core security concepts: CIA triad, access control, authentication, and encryption basics

Security exploitation fundamentals: common vulnerability classes and attack techniques

Exploitation mitigation: understanding how defences like ASLR, DEP, and sandboxing work

Forensics and post-exploitation fundamentals: artefact types and evidence collection basics

Applying foundational security knowledge as a baseline for advanced certifications

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) certification?

GFACT validates foundational cybersecurity and IT knowledge across core computing components, networking, operating systems, Linux, Windows, programming logic, and security concepts. It is the ideal starting certification for anyone new to cybersecurity — whether a career changer, student, or self-driven learner.

What are the GFACT exam requirements?

The GFACT exam consists of 75 questions, is web-based and proctored, has a 2-hour time limit, and requires a minimum passing score of 71%. Proctoring is available via ProctorU (remote) or PearsonVUE (onsite).

Do I need any prior experience to take GFACT?

GFACT is specifically designed for those new to cybersecurity — including career changers, college and university students, online self-driven learners, business professionals, new hires in IT, and participants in re-skilling programmes. No prior security experience is required.

What topics does GFACT cover?

GFACT covers 9 topic areas: Computer Hardware & Virtualisation, Networking & Servers, Operating Systems/Web/Data Storage, Linux Foundations, Windows Foundations, Logic & Programming, Security Concepts, Exploitation & Mitigation, and Forensics & Post-Exploitation.

What cybersecurity careers does GFACT prepare me for?

GFACT establishes the foundational knowledge common to all cybersecurity career paths — including SOC analysis, penetration testing, digital forensics, incident response, vulnerability assessment, and cloud security. It is the recommended starting point before pursuing more advanced GIAC certifications.

Is GFACT a recognised certification?

Yes — GFACT is issued by GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification), a subsidiary of SANS Institute and one of the most respected certification bodies in the cybersecurity industry. GIAC certifications are recognised and valued by employers worldwide.

Launch Your Cybersecurity Career with GFACT

Join Zetlan Technologies' GFACT programme and build the foundational technology and security knowledge that every cybersecurity career depends on. Earn your GIAC certification and take your first confident step into the cybersecurity industry.

GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT)

Every Cybersecurity Career Starts with the Right Foundations

GFACT Exam Details

Complete GFACT Curriculum

Designed for Anyone Starting a Cybersecurity Career

Frequently Asked Questions

Launch Your Cybersecurity Career with GFACT