🔥 Specialist Certification · 2025

GIAC iOS and macOS Examiner (GIME)

Master the forensic analysis of Apple devices for investigations and incident response. GIME validates practitioner-level knowledge of Mac and iOS file systems, system triage, application data, timeline analysis, malware examination, and intrusion analysis — for both traditional investigations and compromised Apple device scenarios.

iOS Forensics macOS Analysis Incident Response Malware Examination Timeline Analysis File Systems DFIR Specialist

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File Systems & System TriageAPFS, HFS+, iOS file systems and triage artefacts

Timeline & User Data AnalysisLog correlation, event timelines, and pattern of life

Incident Response & MalwareVolatile artefacts, malicious code, and intrusion analysis

Application & iCloud DataApp data, document versions, and iCloud artefact analysis

Exam Questions

2 hrs

Duration

67%

Passing Score

GIAC

Certified

Why It Matters

Apple Device Forensics Is a Critical DFIR Skill

With Apple devices dominating enterprise and personal use globally, the ability to forensically examine iOS and macOS systems is indispensable for investigators, incident responders, and law enforcement professionals.

Trending

1.4B+

Active Apple Devices Worldwide

The sheer scale of Apple device usage means virtually every major investigation or incident response engagement involves iOS or macOS artefacts.

Specialist

Skill Not Covered by General DFIR Certifications

Apple-specific forensics requires unique knowledge of APFS, iCloud, keychain encryption, and iOS acquisition — skills that generic DFIR certifications do not address.

Trending

Growing

Demand in Law Enforcement & Enterprise IR

From criminal investigations to corporate insider threat cases, validated Apple forensics expertise is increasingly required by digital forensic labs and IR teams.

SANS DFIR

Aligned to Industry Gold Standard

GIME is built on SANS DFIR curriculum — the most respected and operationally proven digital forensics training in the world.

Course Content

Complete GIME Curriculum

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

Apple Systems: Introduction, Triage & Disk Fundamentals

5 Topics

Differentiate between system acquisition methods and data types available for analysis

Prepare system triage with fundamental system artefacts: identifiers, OS dates, network info, and user accounts

Identify key data types associated with Apple systems and mount system images for analysis

Identify basic application data structures and construct SQL queries to examine data

Examine event artefacts created by file system operations, OS use, Spotlight, and removable media

User Data, Pattern of Life & Application Analysis

5 Topics

Identify artefacts created from system configuration and user data on macOS and iOS

Organise system-based artefacts to track user behaviour and habits (pattern of life)

Analyse configurations and data for contacts, notes, wallet, photos, maps, and screen time applications

Analyse configurations and data for mail, Safari, communications, and reminder applications

Distinguish changes across document versions and examine iCloud data artefacts

Log Analysis, Timeline Creation & Encrypted Data

5 Topics

Correlate key log types across macOS and iOS for investigative purposes

Create comprehensive event timelines from multiple data sources

Identify memory acquisition methods for volatile data capture on Apple systems

Use brute force and decryption techniques to access encrypted container data for analysis

Interpret unified logging, diagnostic reports, and crash logs as investigative evidence

Incident Response & Malware Analysis on Apple Platforms

5 Topics

Examine artefacts created by malicious code targeting macOS and iOS systems

Analyse volatile system artefacts during active incident response engagements

Identify indicators of compromise specific to Apple operating system environments

Understand intrusion analysis scenarios for compromised Apple devices

Apply Apple forensics techniques in both traditional investigations and IR contexts

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GIAC iOS and macOS Examiner (GIME) certification?

GIME validates a practitioner's knowledge of Mac and iOS computer forensic analysis and incident response skills. GIME-certified professionals are well-versed in traditional investigations as well as intrusion analysis scenarios for compromised Apple devices.

What are the GIME exam requirements?

The GIME exam consists of 75 questions, is web-based and proctored, has a 2-hour time limit, and requires a minimum passing score of 67%. Proctoring is available via ProctorU (remote) or PearsonVUE (onsite).

What topics does GIME cover?

GIME covers Mac and iOS file systems and system triage, application data analysis (productivity apps, Apple-native apps, iCloud), user data and timeline analysis, log analysis, encrypted container and memory examination, incident response, and malware analysis on Apple platforms.

Who should take the GIME certification?

GIME is designed for experienced digital forensic analysts, law enforcement officers, federal agents and detectives, media exploitation analysts, incident response team members, and information security professionals seeking deep knowledge of macOS and iOS system internals.

Is prior Apple forensics experience required for GIME?

GIME is a practitioner-level certification. Candidates are expected to have foundational digital forensics experience before attempting GIME. It is ideal for SANS DFIR alumni looking to round out their forensics skill set with Apple-specific expertise.

Why is GIME valuable for corporate incident response teams?

Apple devices are pervasive in enterprise environments. When an insider threat, data breach, or device compromise involves a Mac or iPhone, GIME-certified examiners can quickly triage, acquire, and analyse those systems — capabilities that are rare and highly valued in enterprise IR teams.

GIAC iOS and macOS Examiner (GIME)

Apple Device Forensics Is a Critical DFIR Skill

GIME Exam Details

Complete GIME Curriculum

Designed for Digital Forensics & IR Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Certified Apple Forensics Examiner