GCAD — GIAC Cloud Security Architecture and Design
GIAC's cloud security architecture certification covering the design and architectural aspects of securing cloud environments — threat modeling, network architecture, identity design, and data protection at a strategic level. DoD 8140 approved. Addresses the architectural gap that AWS/Azure specialty certs leave unfilled — those certs test platform operations while GCAD tests how to design secure cloud architectures independent of specific platform implementation details. Most valuable for senior cloud security architects designing multi-cloud or hybrid environments. Paired with GDSA, forms a comprehensive GIAC architecture credential stack.
| Issuer | GIAC / SANS Institute |
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| Level | expert |
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| Domains | Cloud Security, Security Architecture & Engineering |
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| Practical weight | 25% |
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| Cost (USD) | 999 |
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| Renewal | 4 years |
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| DoD 8140 | Yes |
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| Skills | cloud_security_architecture, cloud_network_design, identity_architecture_cloud, data_protection_architecture, cloud_threat_modeling, multi_cloud_security_design, zero_trust_cloud_design |
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Official certification page
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