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GIAC GDAT Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | GIAC (SANS Institute) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | GIAC Defending Advanced Threats |
| Exam Number: | GDAT |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 4 Years |
| Passing Score: | 70% |
| Real Exam Qty: | 115 |
| Exam Format: | Scenario-based Questions, Multiple Choice |
| Exam Price: | $1,299 |
| Related Certifications: | GCFE GCFA GREM |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Exam Duration: | 180 minutes |
| Sample Questions: |  |
| Exam Way: | Proctored Exam at Pearson VUE Centers |
| Pre Condition: | Recommended completion of SANS SEC699 course or equivalent experience |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.giac.org/certifications/defending-advanced-threats |
GIAC GDAT Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Detection and Containment | 15-20% | - Host-Based Detection - Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Tactics - Network-Based Detection - Indicator of Compromise (IOC) Development |
| Host Forensics | 25-30% | - File System Forensics - Memory Forensics - Event Log Analysis - Registry Analysis - Timeline Analysis |
| Advanced Malware Analysis | 30-35% | - Memory Forensics for Malware Detection - Dynamic Analysis and Behavioral Analysis - Assembly Language and Disassembly Fundamentals - Malware Evasion and Anti-Analysis Techniques - Static Analysis Techniques |
| Incident Response and Preparation | 20-25% | - Containment, Eradication, and Recovery - Analysis and Triage - Lessons Learned and Communication - IR Planning and Preparation |
GIAC GDAT Exam: FAQ for Serious Candidates
GIAC Defending Advanced Threats is an official GIAC (SANS Institute) exam, listed under exam code GDAT. A passing result earns you the GIAC Certification certification at the Mid-Level level. It also ties into GCFA, GCFE, GREM, extending its value across your certification roadmap. Employers read this credential as verified competence, which is why it keeps appearing in job requirements.
Expect 115 questions inside 180 minutes on the GIAC Defending Advanced Threats exam. That pace punishes hesitation, so rehearse it: the ActualPDF software engine simulates the real exam scene, reminds you of the questions you got wrong, and pushes you to re-practice them until the clock stops being your enemy.
Passing GIAC Defending Advanced Threats requires 70%, and the official registration fee is $1,299. Retakes charge the full $1,299 again, which is why experienced candidates treat preparation as the cheaper exam fee. Verify your readiness with repeated ActualPDF practice scores above the requirement before you commit to a date.
Recommended completion of SANS SEC699 course or equivalent experience
Requirements evolve, so confirm the current conditions before registering on the official exam page.
Yes. ActualPDF provides a free download demo of the GIAC Defending Advanced Threats material, so you can check the content before choosing a version. After purchase, a one-year warranty covers you: the latest version is sent to you as it releases, free for 365 days, and after expiry you can extend the update service at a 50% discount.
Your purchase is covered by a 100% money-back guarantee with clear conditions. Take the GIAC Defending Advanced Threats exam within 60 days of purchase; if you fail, provide your unqualified result by submitting a scanned enrollment slip and the official Score Report PDF within 2 days of the exam, and the full refund is processed within 7 days. The exam must match your product, candidate and payer names must match, and attempts within 3 days of purchase, unused downloads, free materials, and expired orders are not covered. Alternatively, exchange for two other exam products of equal value, free, or wait for updates while keeping your original product's update service.
Delivery is instant: files unlock for download at payment and are emailed within one minute. If nothing arrives within 2 hours, check spam and contact customer service, which works 7/24 and normally replies within two hours. Installation is unlimited across your computers.
The GIAC Defending Advanced Threats syllabus spans 4 domains, led by Incident Response and Preparation (20-25%), Host Forensics (25-30%), and Detection and Containment (15-20%). The complete topic list is published above; candidates who study the map first rarely get lost later.
GIAC Defending Advanced Threats Sample Questions:
Identify the techniques used to detect domain fronting within an enterprise network.
Response:
- A. Deep packet inspection of HTTP/S traffic
- B. Regular scanning for unauthorized VPN connections
- C. Analyzing patterns of failed authentication attempts
- D. Monitoring for inconsistencies between DNS requests and TLS handshake SNI fields
What is the primary purpose of using the SMB protocol in lateral movement?
Response:
- A. To transfer files between network systems
- B. To execute scripts remotely
- C. To encrypt communications
- D. To bypass network firewalls
What role does role-based access control (RBAC) play in adhering to the least privilege principle?
Response:
- A. It restricts user access based solely on seniority within the company.
- B. It assigns user permissions based on the specific roles within an organization.
- C. It automatically escalates user permissions when systems are underutilized.
- D. It ensures that all users have the same baseline access for simplicity.
Which strategies can help prevent privilege escalation attacks in an Active Directory environment?
(Choose two)
Response:
- A. Conducting regular privilege audits
- B. Disabling PowerShell on user machines
- C. Implementing multi-factor authentication
- D. Using antivirus software
How do attackers use the autostart functionality to maintain persistence?
Response:
- A. By disabling firewall settings
- B. By adding malicious executables to system startup
- C. By periodically clearing event logs
- D. By encrypting network communications
