🔥 In-Demand Certification · 2025

GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA)

Validate your ability to apply basic risk analysis techniques and conduct technical audits of essential information systems. GSNA-certified professionals demonstrate knowledge of network, perimeter, and application auditing alongside risk assessment, continuous monitoring, and reporting across Windows and Unix environments.

Security Auditing Risk Assessment Network Auditing Web App Auditing Windows Auditing Linux/Unix Auditing Continuous Monitoring Compliance Reporting

Enroll Now

Risk Assessment & Audit ProcessBaselines, controls, and audit risk techniques

Network & Perimeter AuditingEnterprise network, cloud, and container auditing

Windows & Linux System AuditingTools, scripts, access controls, and configurations

Web Application AuditingAccess control, data handling, and vulnerability assessment

115

Exam Questions

3 hrs

Duration

72%

Passing Score

GIAC

Certified

Why It's Essential

Technical Auditing Is the Foundation of Every Compliance Programme

Regulations worldwide demand continuous monitoring and technical auditing of IT systems. GSNA-certified professionals provide the hands-on expertise to audit networks, systems, and applications — and demonstrate compliance with confidence.

Trending

+55%

Growth in Audit and Compliance Demand

Regulatory frameworks like GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 are driving explosive demand for professionals who can technically audit information systems.

Hands-On

Technical Auditing That Goes Beyond Checklists

GSNA validates real technical auditing skills — using actual tools, scripts, and techniques to assess systems rather than relying on questionnaire-based approaches.

Trending

Global

Recognised Across Regulated Industries Worldwide

Financial services, healthcare, government, and retail sectors globally rely on GSNA-certified professionals to maintain audit compliance and continuous monitoring.

+28%

Salary Premium for Technical Auditors

The combination of security knowledge and audit methodology expertise places GSNA holders in high demand with above-average compensation in compliance-driven organisations.

Course Content

Complete GSNA Curriculum

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

Audit Process & Risk Assessment

4 Topics

Demonstrate knowledge of basic auditing terms, concepts, and the audit process

Understand baselines, time-based security concepts, and how risk assessments identify and specify controls

Demonstrate knowledge of basic risk auditing terms and concepts

Perform an auditing risk assessment using appropriate methodologies

Network & Enterprise System Auditing

3 Topics

Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, and processes associated with enterprise networks

Audit cloud computing environments, containers, and physical networks

Apply network auditing techniques to identify misconfigurations and security weaknesses

Windows & Linux System Auditing

6 Topics

Audit Windows systems using common techniques, tools, and scripting commands

Determine process information, access controls, and system configurations on Windows

Audit UNIX and Linux systems using common techniques, tools, and scripting commands

Gather and interpret logging information from Windows systems for continuous monitoring

Gather and interpret logging information from UNIX and Linux systems for audit compliance

Use continuous monitoring to achieve ongoing audit compliance on both platforms

Web Application Auditing & Continuous Monitoring

3 Topics

Demonstrate knowledge of auditing web applications for security vulnerabilities

Audit web application access control and data handling mechanisms

Apply continuous monitoring strategies to maintain ongoing audit compliance across the enterprise

Who Is This For

Built for Auditors & Compliance Professionals

GSNA is designed for professionals who perform technical audits, manage audit programmes, or implement continuous monitoring for information systems compliance.

Auditors

Audit Managers

Security Professionals

System Administrators

Network Admins

Continuous Monitoring

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA) certification?

GSNA validates a practitioner's ability to apply basic risk analysis techniques and conduct technical audits of essential information systems. It demonstrates knowledge of network, perimeter, and application auditing as well as risk assessment and reporting.

What are the GSNA exam requirements?

The GSNA exam consists of 115 questions, is web-based and proctored, has a 3-hour time limit, and requires a minimum passing score of 72%. Proctoring is available via ProctorU (remote) or PearsonVUE (onsite).

What topics does GSNA cover?

GSNA covers the audit process, risk assessments and reporting, enterprise network auditing (including cloud and containers), Windows system auditing, UNIX/Linux system auditing, web application auditing, access control auditing, and continuous monitoring for ongoing compliance.

Who should take the GSNA certification?

GSNA is ideal for auditors, managers overseeing an audit or security team, security professionals, system administrators, network administrators, and anyone who wants to implement effective continuous monitoring processes.

Does GSNA cover cloud and modern environments?

Yes — GSNA covers cloud computing, containers, and physical network auditing alongside traditional Windows and Linux system auditing. It addresses modern enterprise environments including the tools and techniques needed to audit them effectively.

How does GSNA support compliance programmes?

GSNA equips professionals with the technical skills to audit controls, assess risk, and implement continuous monitoring — all of which are essential for demonstrating compliance with frameworks such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and NIST. GSNA holders can validate that controls work, not just that they exist on paper.

Become a Certified Systems & Network Auditor

Join Zetlan Technologies' GSNA programme and gain the technical auditing skills to assess, monitor, and report on information systems with confidence. Earn your GIAC certification and advance your career in audit and compliance.