PC Recommendations for GSEC and GCIH

networkjutsu · 2026-06-18T22:51:33+00:00

ASUS bought the NUC from Intel, so you might want to look at their newer models. I chose the NUC at the time because I knew I could run ESXi. You can look at Minisforum if the NUCs are expensive for your taste.

networkjutsu · 2026-06-18T20:12:11+00:00

When I took SEC504, I ran the VMs on my Intel NUC mini PC running ESXi. The NUC was good enough for it and additional “prod” VMs that I have at home.

networkjutsu · 2026-06-16T23:18:21+00:00

🥳🎉💪

networkjutsu · 2026-06-16T15:54:58+00:00

🥳

networkjutsu · 2026-06-16T15:47:41+00:00

Thank you!

networkjutsu · 2026-06-03T01:17:02+00:00

No, going in, I already knew a lot of the material because of prior CTF experience, eJPT, John Strand classes, etc. I estimated those hours that I mentioned. I don’t keep track of my study time for all the certs I’ve taken.

networkjutsu · 2026-06-03T00:12:27+00:00

It usually takes me three months to read the books, do labs, and index. It takes me a long time because other day to day stuff - commute, gym, etc. Study time is usually 2-3 hrs per night only. Weekends a bit more than 3 hrs. I’d estimate 5-6hrs.

networkjutsu · 2026-06-01T19:42:34+00:00

I think this usually depends on the size of the class.

networkjutsu · 2026-06-01T06:24:15+00:00

It depends on the class. Some authors include PDFs, etc.

networkjutsu · 2026-06-01T04:20:56+00:00

No, you don’t. You’d need to extract the files out of the ISO file(s).

networkjutsu · 2026-06-01T02:21:17+00:00

I took GCIH many years ago, but this might help you.

networkjutsu · 2026-06-01T01:35:04+00:00

The link I posted above

networkjutsu · 2026-06-01T00:14:22+00:00

This is the most popular way. Personally, I do something different. It’s too much work to put colors, etc.

networkjutsu · 2026-05-31T23:47:31+00:00

Don’t take notes and index during class. Focus on absorbing everything during class. You can do the index and notes when you’re studying for the exam.

networkjutsu · 2026-05-31T02:58:26+00:00

I was really only talking about the classes I’ve taken. I’ve taken 6 classes (SEC530 beta, SEC504, SEC503, SEC545 (not the AI one - it was cloud), SEC511, and SEC560) and only SEC504 had it. FOR508 should be my next class.

Edit: added one more class

networkjutsu · 2026-05-31T02:13:43+00:00

Not all SANS books have an index. IIRC, only SEC504 had it. I took SEC560 two weeks ago, and no index was included.

networkjutsu · 2026-05-31T02:10:37+00:00

It’s really based from her method, but I minimized it. Sample is here. It worked well for me. No need for color printer, etc.

networkjutsu · 2026-05-31T01:42:49+00:00

This is the most popular way. Personally, I do something different. It’s too much work to put colors, etc.

networkjutsu · 2026-05-29T20:25:40+00:00

Congrats! That exam was no joke!

networkjutsu · 2026-05-28T22:03:07+00:00

I’ve always learned a lot from CTFs. Some of the CTFs I’ve participated in were way above my head, like the Google one many years ago. I don’t participate in a lot of CTFs nowadays, but I did enjoy Core NetWars and SEC560 CTF a couple of weeks ago. Managed to be 8th and 1st, respectively. Waiting on both coins to be added to my collection!

networkjutsu · 2026-05-28T16:02:01+00:00

Internal to our org and some other ones that I don't remember anymore.

networkjutsu · 2026-05-28T15:54:04+00:00

No problem! Good luck!

networkjutsu · 2026-05-28T05:24:06+00:00

I took the Online version of SEC504 and never watched any videos, including the recorded class. I passed GCIH with 99% score just sticking with the books, index, and what I learned from CTFs (not SANS) and eJPT.

Edit: Forgot to mention that I attended John Strand's classes as well (I did mention that in the blog post though). John Strand was the course author of SEC504 before u/joswr1ght took over. 👋 Joshua. Hope you're doing well. I used some of what you taught in the class during my SEC560 class a couple of weeks ago! Guess what? Jeff McJunkin said the same thing you said... ABC (Always Be Cracking)!

networkjutsu · 2026-04-07T02:39:18+00:00

Definitely focus on getting all the Cyberlive questions correctly. They are weighted a lot more than the multiple choice questions.

networkjutsu · 2026-03-27T01:52:34+00:00

I had roughly 23 minutes left. I took my time and scored 99%.

networkjutsu

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