Top 15 Cloud Security Certifications to Grow Your Career in Cloud Security

Top 15 Cloud Security Certifications to Grow Your Career
Master the art of cloud security with this list of cloud security certifications. Boost your career and become an expert in protecting your organization’s data in the cloud. Explore the article now!

Cloud security certifications like Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) and Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) showcase expertise in securing online data storage platforms. The CCSP validates protection skills against threats through experience and an exam. CCSK is vendor-neutral, based on an online test, and serves as a foundation for other cloud credentials. Employers highly value these certifications, opening long-term career opportunities in secure cloud environments for enterprise professionals.
 

Comprehensive List of 15 Certifications in Cloud Security

Cloud security has become crucial as more businesses migrate to cloud platforms for a 360-degree digital transformation. The demand for skilled professionals with cloud security expertise is on the rise, making cloud security certifications vital credentials for cloud security careers. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, exploring the top 15 cloud security certifications in 2023 will help you choose a program to learn from the experts and excel at the qualifying examinations while earning your certification. In this article, explore these certifications and how they can equip you to navigate cloud computing security effectively and ensure a successful career in the industry.
 

1.    AWS Cloud Security: Learn to Protect and Defend your resources

AWS Cloud Security and How to Protect and Defend your resources is one of the best cloud security certifications offered by Udemy. It helps explore security domains in AWS and discover how to scale security through standardization and automation tools. This course covers essential topics, including the need for cloud security, AWS security services, compliance with frameworks like NIST, and automation of cloud security using AWS services. Gain valuable knowledge to apply in your everyday job. Achieve the AWS Certified Security: Specialty certification to demonstrate your proficiency in creating and implementing security solutions within the AWS Cloud. This certification confirms your expertise in specialized data classifications, data protection mechanisms, data encryption methods, and secure internet protocols. The exam is a 170-minute multiple-choice, multiple-answer format, covering identity and access management, network infrastructure, monitoring and logging, data protection, and infrastructure security. Widely recognized across the industry, this certification is in high demand. No specific AWS training is mandated for exam preparation, but on-demand courses are available to develop critical security skills, streamline organizations transition to the AWS Cloud, and ensure data and application protection with confidence. Utilize learning plans to prepare for the AWS Certified Security: Specialty certification exam.
 

2.    Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate is responsible for implementing, managing, and monitoring security for resources in Azure, multi-cloud, and hybrid environments as part of an end-to-end infrastructure. Their role involves recommending security components and configurations to safeguard identity and access, data, applications, and networks. Responsibilities include managing the security posture, identifying and remediating vulnerabilities, performing threat modeling, and implementing threat protection. Azure security engineers may also participate in responding to security incidents. Collaboration with architects, administrators, and developers is essential to planning and implementing solutions that meet security and compliance requirements. Practical experience in the administration of Microsoft Azure and hybrid environments, along with a strong familiarity with compute, network, and storage in Azure, including Azure Active Directory, part of Microsoft Entra, is expected for the role of an Azure security engineer.
 

3.    Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)

The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) is an online exam that validates students' proficiency in cloud security topics. Established in 2010 by the Cloud Security Alliance, it serves as a widely recognized industry standard for measuring cloud security skills. The CCSK exam imparts a cohesive and vendor-neutral understanding of cloud data security, covering essential areas such as IAM best practices, cloud incident response, application security, data encryption, SecaaS, securing emerging technologies, and more. This open-book, online exam comprises 60 multiple-choice questions randomly selected from the CCSK question pool, to be completed within 90 minutes. The exam allows for two test attempts within a 2-year period, with a minimum passing score of 80%.
 

4.    Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) V4

The CCSK V4 is widely recognized as the industry standard for cloud security expertise. It offers a comprehensive and impartial understanding of cloud data security. CCSK serves as a foundational credential, laying the groundwork for further cloud certifications tailored to specific vendors or job roles. The CCSK exam is an open-book, online test comprising 60 randomly selected multiple-choice questions from the CCSK question pool. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The exam includes two attempts that can be utilized within a two-year period with a minimum passing score of 80%. CCSK covers various key areas, such as IAM best practices, cloud incident response, application security, data encryption, SecaaS, securing emerging technologies, and more. This certification is recommended for professionals in roles like cybersecurity analysts, security engineers, security architects, enterprise architects, security administrators, compliance managers, security consultants, systems engineers, and CISOs. Candidates can prepare for the exam through self-study using the free prep kit provided by CSA or opt for training courses, including those available on platforms like Udemy.
 

5.    Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge (CCAK)

The Certificate of Cloud Auditing Knowledge (CCAK) is the first credential available for industry professionals to demonstrate expertise in auditing cloud computing systems. This credential fills the market gap for technical education in cloud IT auditing. It leverages CSA's cloud expertise and ISACA's traditional audit expertise, combining their know-how to deliver the best cloud auditing education solution. The CCAK complements and enhances skills and knowledge in other credentials like the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), FedRAMP 3PAO Assessor, PCI/DSS Qualified Security Assessor, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Credentials. It prepares IT professionals to address the unique challenges of auditing the cloud, ensuring the right controls for confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility, and mitigating the risks and costs of audit management and non-compliance. The CCAK benefits both CSA and ISACA members and certification holders. It is designed to help auditors get greater insight into cloud environments and design and build compliance programs that can be deployed across cloud and hybrid environments. The CCAK is suitable for internal and external assessors and auditors, compliance managers, security analysts and architects, procurement officers, and more.
 

6.    Certified Cloud Security Specialist

Arcitura offers the Certified Cloud Security Specialist certification, providing detailed knowledge of common security threats, security controls, and associated technologies and practices for securing cloud platforms, services, and resources. Another available certification is the Certified Cloud Security Professional by (ISC)², a nonprofit focused on training and certifying cybersecurity professionals. The CCSP demonstrates advanced technical skills and knowledge in designing, managing, and securing data, applications, and cloud infrastructure using best practices, policies, and procedures. To earn the CCSP, candidates need experience in information technology (IT) and security and must pass the CCSP exam based on the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
 

7.    Cloud Security Course: Cloud Compliance, Audits, and Legal Issues

The Cloud Security Course: Cloud Compliance, Audits, and Legal Issues offers a comprehensive understanding of the security and compliance requirements associated with cloud computing. It addresses the legal and regulatory issues organizations must consider while using cloud services. Concepts covered include contracts management, strong cloud fundamentals, legal issues related to the cloud, cloud security shared responsibility model, DevSecOps, and incident response in the cloud. Additionally, the cloud security certification path covers auditing and compliance requirements such as SOC2, ISO27001, and PCI-DSS, which organizations must adhere to when using cloud services.
 
The course is divided into five sections:
  1. Understanding cloud agreements and contracts
  2. Cloud assets and secure configuration management
  3. Protecting data from unauthorized access
  4. Handling security incidents with cloud service providers
  5. Legal and compliance
 
Cloud security professionals gain a deeper understanding of the security and compliance challenges associated with cloud computing and learn best practices for addressing these challenges. This knowledge can help better protect organizational data and applications in the cloud and ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
 

8.    Introduction to Cloud Security with Microsoft Azure

The Introduction to Cloud Security course explores the range of security features available on the Azure platform. Azure offers an extensive set of security tools and capabilities, making it an ideal choice for developing secure solutions. It is a versatile public cloud service platform supporting various operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, tools, databases, and devices. It enables the use of Linux containers with Docker integration and facilitates app development with JavaScript, Python, .NET, PHP, Java, and Node.js. Additionally, it provides back-end support for iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Azure's infrastructure is specifically designed to host numerous customers simultaneously, ensuring a reliable foundation for businesses to meet their security requirements. Moreover, Azure presents a wide range of configurable security options, allowing organizations to customize security for their deployments. This cloud security certification path focuses on customer-facing controls that enhance security for applications and services. For information about how Microsoft secures the Azure platform itself, refer to Azure infrastructure security.
 

9.    IT Security Gumbo: Cloud Security Fundamentals

The course "IT Security Gumbo: Cloud Security Fundamentals" is available on Udemy and was created for IT security and networking professionals, including those interested in transitioning into cloud security. This cloud computing security certification covers the fundamentals of AWS Cloud Security, assuming students have a basic understanding of network and web-based security as well as security architecture. The course discusses cloud security in relation to various cloud models, such as software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS). It has a rating of 4.2 from 555 students. Gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a rewarding career in cloud security. It can also help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and make you a more competitive candidate for job opportunities in cloud security.
 

10.  Managing Security in Google Cloud

The intermediate-level course Managing Security in Google Cloud by Google Cloud offers a thorough examination of security measures and procedures on the Google Cloud Platform. The course, taught by top instructors on Coursera, is part of multiple programs. Topics covered in the course include managing administration identities, implementing user administration with Identity and Access Management (IAM), and configuring Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) for isolation, security, and logging. To obtain the certificate, completing all online video lectures and graded module quizzes and assignments is necessary. Upon completion, a certificate will be awarded, which can be shared on LinkedIn profiles, CVs, and resumes. Candidates are expected to have completed either the GCP Fundamentals: core infrastructure or GCP and hybrid networking deep dive or possess equivalent experience. Additionally, knowledge of information security fundamentals, Linux OS environments, and command-line tools is required.
 

11.  Master Course in Cloud Security 3.0

The Master Course in Cloud Security 3.0 is available on Udemy. It covers topics such as
 
  • The introduction and importance of cloud security controls and infrastructure
  • Cloud application architecture
  • Monitoring and security
  • Data permissions and access analysis
  • Threat intelligence
  • Patch management
  • Cloud security automation
  • Configuration management
  • Compliance
  • Cloud security for multi- and hybrid cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud security
 
11,299 students have taken the course, and it has a 4.0 rating out of 65. It requires basic programming skills and secure data storage skills on any platform. This course can help cloud security professionals in their career growth by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with cloud-based data, applications, and infrastructure. The course covers industry best practices for cloud security and teaches students how to implement appropriate security measures to protect their customers’ privacy and data. By completing this course, professionals can gain a competitive edge in the job market and increase their earning potential.
 

12.  Mitigating Security Vulnerabilities on Google Cloud

One of the best cloud security certifications in 2023 offered by Google Cloud is the course ’Mitigating Security Vulnerabilities on Google Cloud,’ which is available on Coursera as a self-paced training program. Participants will learn about various mitigations for attacks within a Google Cloud-based infrastructure, including Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks, phishing attacks, and threats related to content classification and usage. Additionally, the course covers topics like the security command center, cloud logging and audit logging, and utilizing Forseti for monitoring overall compliance with an organization's security policies. In this course, participants learn mitigations for attacks at many points in a Google Cloud-based infrastructure, including Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, phishing attacks, and threats involving content classification and use. The course has received positive feedback, with a rating of 4.7 from 698 reviews, and has been completed by 16,063 students. It requires approximately 6 hours to complete.
 

13.  Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Security Engineer Professional Certificate

Prepare for the Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Security Engineer Professional Certificate, which targets individuals enabling organizations to create and manage secure workloads and infrastructure on Google Cloud. This certification requires knowledge of security best practices and industry requirements, enabling the design, development, and management of secure solutions using Google security technologies. The exam evaluates candidates' skills in configuring access, managing operations, configuring network security, ensuring compliance, and protecting data. The exam duration is 2 hours. For exam preparation, complete the Coursera Google Cloud Security Professional Certificate, an 8-course series that equips candidates with the necessary skills to advance their careers as security engineers. Additionally, consider reviewing other recommended learning resources for the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer exam.
 

14.  Professional Cloud Security Engineer

The Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification equips organizations to create and deploy secure workloads and infrastructure on Google Cloud. It is one of the top cloud security certifications, specifically designed for cloud security engineers. It covers topics like identity and access management, organizational structure and policies, data protection using Google Cloud technologies, network security defenses, threat detection and incident response monitoring, security policy as code, the secure software development lifecycle, and enforcing regulatory controls. The exam duration is 2 hours and consists of 50–60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, available for online or in-person testing. No prerequisites are required, but candidates are recommended to have 3+ years of industry experience, with at least 1 year in designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud. The certification remains valid for two years from the certification date. Recertification involves retaking the exam within the recertification eligibility time period and achieving a passing score.
 

15.  Security Best Practices in Google Cloud

Security Best Practices in Google Cloud is an intermediate-level course on Google Cloud Platform and one of the top cloud security certifications to pursue. It offers a comprehensive understanding of techniques and security controls on the Google Cloud Platform. The candidate should have prior certification in Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure or equivalent experience; prior experience in GCP and hybrid networking deep dive or equivalent experience; basic expertise in Linux operating system environments and command-line tools; and reading knowledge of code in Javascript or Python. The Professional Cloud Security Engineer Certification enables organizations to design and implement secure workloads and infrastructure on Google Cloud. A cloud security engineer should be proficient in all aspects of cloud security, including identity and access management, defining organizational structure and policies, using Google Cloud technologies to provide data protection, configuring network security defenses, monitoring environments for threat detection and incident response, security policy as code, the secure software development lifecycle, and enforcing regulatory controls. The exam is 2 hours long.
 

Final Note

Cloud security is a crucial skill for IT professionals who want to master in their careers. Cloud security certifications help them demonstrate their competence and credibility in securing cloud environments from various threats and challenges.
 

According to MarketsandMarkets, the global cloud security market size is expected to grow from USD 40.8 billion in 2022 to USD 77.5 billion by 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.7%.

 
The major factors driving this growth include the growing sophistication of cybercrimes, cyber espionage campaigns, and the generation of new cyberattacks, the upthrust in the use of cloud security tools; and the upsurge in BYOD and CYOD cloud security trends, and the increasing government initiatives to support smart infrastructure projects. The knowledge acquired from participating in the major cloud security conferences, reading cloud security books, and obtaining certifications in cloud security helps IT professionals enhance their skills and advance their career prospects in an evolving cloud security industry.

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Avanade Releases Avanade Cloud Impact to Save Up to 50% on Cloud Costs

Avanade | November 06, 2023

Avanade launches an AI-based platform, "Avanade Cloud Impact", to unlock up to 50% of cloud spend. The platform generates insights on IT estate risks and opportunities by analyzing cloud consumption patterns. Avanade offers a free cost optimization workshop to clients interested in adopting an AI-first approach. Avanade, a leading Microsoft solutions provider, launches a new platform, ‘Avanade Cloud Impact’, designed to help businesses establish an AI-ready digital core and unlock funding for innovation. The platform uses AI and machine learning to analyze industry, business, and technical data sources, providing tailored modernization insights for companies on their cloud journey. It has already saved Avanade clients up to 50% of their cloud spend. The platform works by analyzing cloud consumption patterns and comparing them with various data sources to generate insights on a wide range of risks and opportunities across an IT estate. These insights can include modernization recommendations and cost-benefit analyses. Avanade Cloud Impact can deliver information about data egress cost spikes, application redesign options, and achieve up to 50% cloud cost savings while quantifying sustainability benefits, all without the need to make any code changes. Andrew Stahel, Regional Applications and Infrastructure Solution Area Lead, Avanade Australia, emphasized the importance of AI in today's business environment and the need for businesses to rethink what the cloud can do for them. He expressed excitement about the potential of the Avanade Cloud Impact platform to help Australian businesses harness the true potential of AI by strengthening their digital core. Merrie Williamson, CVP, Azure Infrastructure, Digital and App Innovation, Microsoft, also expressed enthusiasm about the new platform and its ability to provide deep insights and recommendations that accelerate value for Azure customers. While Avanade's new platform, ‘Avanade Cloud Impact’, promises to unlock up to 50% of a business's cloud spend and provide tailored modernization insights, it does come with potential drawbacks. The platform's effectiveness is heavily dependent on the quality and accuracy of the data it analyzes, and incorrect or incomplete data could lead to misleading insights. Additionally, there may be a learning curve associated with understanding and effectively utilizing the insights generated by the platform. Furthermore, the platform might not be suitable for all types of businesses, particularly those with unique or complex cloud consumption patterns. However, the benefits of the platform are significant. It can lead to substantial cost savings and help businesses make informed decisions on their cloud journey. The use of AI and machine learning allows the platform to handle large amounts of data and provide comprehensive insights. Plus, Avanade offers a free introductory cost optimization workshop, providing additional support for businesses adopting an AI-first approach.

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