Cloud security certification has become increasingly important as more and more organizations are moving their operations to the cloud. Cloud security professionals need to be knowledgeable about cloud security threats, risks, and best practices to ensure that their organization’s data and applications are secure in the cloud environment. The Certified Cloud Security Knowledge V.4 (CCSK) certification is one of the most recognized and respected cloud security certifications available. CCSK is offered by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting best practices for cloud security.
The CCSK certification is a valuable credential for cloud security professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of cloud security best practices. It can help professionals advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and gain industry recognition as experts in cloud security.
About Certified Cloud Security Knowledge V.4 (CCSK)
The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) is a knowledge-based certification developed by the world’s thought leaders to ensure that the certificate holder, or CCSK professional, is credible to face cloud security challenges. As a result, no formal experience in the domain is required for the certification exam. Not to mention, the only prerequisite for this exam is knowledge of the cloud security topics covered in the CCSK exam certification guideline.
Skills Measured
The exam objectives are clearly stated by CSA, and they outline the topics you are expected to understand before taking the Microsoft exam. In addition, the CCSK exam provides a learning path designed specifically for professionals looking to build a career in the Cloud industry. As the name implies, this is a fundamental exam that covers general CCSK concepts.
- Cloud Architecture
- Infrastructure Security for Cloud
- Managing Cloud Security and Risk
- Data Security for Cloud Computing
- Application Security and Identity Management for Cloud Computing
- Cloud Security Operations
Organizations that are migrating to the cloud require cloud-savvy information security professionals. By passing the CCSK exam, you will be able to evaluate all of the skills listed above.
Prerequisites
Different exams have different eligibility requirements that the potential candidate must meet. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the CCSK Certification Requirements for your convenience:
- One must have good cloud security and technical knowledge.
- Candidates must have expertise with a cloud security program that is universal in nature.
- Also, good knowledge of cloud computing is a must.
Target Audience
The CCSK is committed to educating people about security issues and best practises in a variety of cloud computing domains. As a result, it is best suited to the following candidates:
- strongly recommended for IT auditors, and CSA Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR) program.
- Information Security
- IT Consultants, IT Engineers, IT architects, Security Architects, Security Analysts, Solution Architects, SR cloud.
CCSK Exam Format
The CCSK exam consists of 60 questions that must be answered in 90 minutes. The CCSK Exam Questions are in multiple-choice and multiple-response format, and you can take them online. Furthermore, in order to pass the exam, you must score at least 80%. The exam is only available in English. Above all, the CCSK exam will set you back $395 USD.
Course Outline
Let us now have a look at the course outline to know deeply about the exam –
Module 1. Cloud Architecture
Definitions, architectures, and the role of virtualization are all part of the fundamentals of cloud computing. Cloud computing service models, delivery models, and fundamental characteristics are all important topics to cover. It also includes a framework for approaching cloud security and the Shared Responsibilities Model.
Topics Covered:
Unit 1 – Introduction to Cloud Computing (Reference: The Definition of Cloud Computing)
also, Unit 2- Introduction & Cloud Architecture (Reference: Cloud Architecture)
moreover, Unit 3 – Cloud Essential Characteristics (Reference: Cloud Computing: A Little Less Cloudy)
furthermore, Unit 4 – Cloud Service Models (Reference: Enterprise Architecture Cloud Delivery Model – CCM Mapping)
Unit 5 – Cloud Deployment Models
moreover, Unit 6 – Shared Responsibilities (Reference: Shared Responsibilities for Security in the Cloud)
Module 2. Infrastructure Security for Cloud
This module goes over the specifics of securing cloud computing’s core infrastructure, such as cloud components, networks, management interfaces, and administrator credentials. It also covers virtual networking and workload security, as well as the fundamentals of containers and serverless computing.
Topics Covered:
Unit 1 – Module Intro
Unit 2 – Intro to Infrastructure Security for Cloud Computing (Reference: SECURITY GUIDANCE FOR CRITICAL AREAS OF FOCUS IN CLOUD COMPUTING)
Unit 3 – Software Defined Networks (Reference: Software Defined Perimeter)
Unit 4 – Cloud Network Security
Unit 5 – Securing Compute Workloads
Unit 6 – Management Plane Security (Reference: Weak Control Plane and DoS)
Unit 7 – BCDR
Module 3. Managing Cloud Security and Risk
The third module discusses key considerations for managing cloud computing security. It starts with risk assessment and governance and then moves on to legal and compliance issues like cloud discovery requirements. It also contains critical CSA risk tools such as the CAIQ, CCM, and STAR registry.
Topics Covered:
Unit 1 – Module Introduction
Unit 2 – Governance
Unit 3 – Managing Cloud Security Risk (Reference: Managing Cloud Security Risk)
Unit 4 – Legal
Unit 5 – Legal Issues In Cloud (Reference: Legal Issues: Contracts and Electronic Discovery)
Unit 6 – Compliance
Unit 7 – Audit
Unit 8 – CSA Tools (Reference: Introduction to CSA Tools)
Module 4. Data Security for Cloud Computing
The following module covers information lifecycle management for the cloud as well as how to use security controls, with a focus on the public cloud. The Data Security Lifecycle, cloud storage models, data security issues among different delivery models, and managing encryption in and for the cloud, including customer-managed keys, are among the topics covered (BYOK).
Topics Covered:
Unit 1 – Module Introduction
Unit 2 – Cloud Data Storage
Unit 3 – Securing Data In The Cloud
Unit 4 – Encryption For IaaS (Reference: The Three Essential Requirements for Securing IaaS)
Unit 5 – Encryption For PaaS & SaaS (Reference: Encryption)
Unit 6 – Encryption Key Management (Reference: Cloud Key Management)
Unit 7 – Other Data Security Options
Unit 8 – Data Security Lifecycle
Module 5. Application Security and Identity Management for Cloud Computing
Identity management and application security for cloud deployments are included in Module 5. Federated identity and various IAM applications, secure development, and managing application security in and for the cloud are among the topics covered.
Topics Covered:
Unit 1 – Module Introduction
Unit 2 – Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC)
Unit 3 – Testing & Assessment
Unit 4 – DevOps
Unit 5 – Secure Operations
Unit 6 – Identity & Access Management Definitions (Reference: Identity & Access Management)
Unit 7 – IAM Standards Unit 8 – IAM In Practice
Module 6. Cloud Security Operations
Considerations to make when evaluating, selecting, and managing cloud computing providers. Consider the role of Security as a Service provider as well as the cloud’s impact on Incident Response.
Topics Covered:
Unit 1 – Module Introduction
Unit 2 – Selecting A Cloud Provider
Unit 3 – SECaaS Fundamentals (Reference: SECaaS Fundamentals)
Unit 4 – SECaaS Categories
Unit 5 – Incident Response
Unit 6 – Considerations
Unit 7 – CCSK Exam Preparation
Preparing and understanding all the six modules mentioned above will help you qualify for the CCSK exam.
Exam Reference: For all the domains
Value of Certified Cloud Security Knowledge V.4 (CCSK) Exam
When comparing CCSK certification with other cloud security certifications, it is important to note that CCSK is vendor-neutral, meaning that it covers cloud security best practices across different cloud service providers. On the other hand, vendor-specific certifications like AWS Security and Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Security Engineer focus on securing specific cloud service providers.
CCSK certification is also unique in that it is based on the CSA’s Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing, a comprehensive guide to cloud security best practices. This means that CCSK certification covers a broader range of cloud security topics than other certifications.
CCSK certification has gained global recognition as a valuable credential for cloud security professionals. The certification is recognized by several organizations and government agencies worldwide, including the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The CCSK certification has also been adopted by several industries, including finance, healthcare, and government. In the finance industry, for example, CCSK certification is often required for cloud security professionals working with financial institutions, such as banks and credit card companies. The healthcare industry has also recognized the importance of CCSK certification, with several healthcare organizations requiring it for their cloud security professionals.
The benefits of industry acceptance of CCSK certification are numerous. Firstly, it helps establish a common standard for cloud security professionals across different industries, ensuring that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to secure cloud environments. Secondly, it promotes consistency in cloud security practices, making it easier for organizations to assess and compare the cloud security expertise of their employees and potential hires.
Let us now look at some of the resources that will help you ace the exam –
CCSK Certification Training Programs
Certification exams are not the same as regular exams. They necessitate both investment and hardship. They also require hands-on experience. Training programmes are required to obtain all of the information and expertise in the field. Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) offers three types of training programmes for candidates to choose from. These are some examples:
- Self-Placed
- In-Person
- Instructor-led online training
CCSK Prep Kit
The CCSK v4 Exam Preparation Kit contains everything candidates need to study for the CCSK Exam. The most important aspect is that it includes sample questions. Aside from that, the CCSK Certification Study Guide Pdf covers an outline of the domains and topics covered in the exam, as well as the documents you will be tested on, such as the Security Guidance v4, Cloud Controls Matrix, and ENISA risk recommendations. This kit will undoubtedly assist you in preparing for the CCSK exam.
Join an Online Forum/Community
Online forums and study groups are excellent resources for preparing for the CCSK exam. As a result, feel free to contact other candidates via study forums or online groups to ask a question about a topic you’re struggling with. However, you are not required to participate. It’s just something very personal. Not to mention, these online groups help you stay connected with others who are walking the same path as you. You can also ask a question about the topic you’re having difficulty with.
Practice Sets
After completing all of the aforementioned training courses and documentation, your final step in preparation should be to take the CCSK Mock Exam. As a result, we at Testprep Training are pleased to announce that we offer free practise tests for your convenience. Yes, we’ve got everything you’ve ever wanted. Because practise tests are one of the most important steps you must take before taking the exam. We recommend taking as many practise tests as possible. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PRACTICE TESTS.
Career Scope
Having CCSK certification can increase the chances of getting hired for cloud security roles in various organizations. Some job postings may require or prefer CCSK certification, indicating the value placed on the certification by the organization.
Salary expectations with CCSK certification also vary depending on the job role, industry, and location. According to Payscale, the average salary for a Cloud Security Architect with CCSK certification is around $127,000 per year in the United States. The salary for other job roles such as Cloud Security Engineer, Analyst, or Consultant can range from $90,000 to $120,000 per year in the United States.
CCSK certification can also open up opportunities for career growth. With the certification, cloud security professionals can demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of cloud security best practices, making them more attractive to employers. This can lead to promotions, better job opportunities, and higher salaries.
In addition to career growth, CCSK certification can also provide opportunities for professional development. Certified professionals can participate in events and activities organized by the Cloud Security Alliance, connect with other cloud security professionals, and stay up-to-date with the latest cloud security trends and practices.
However, some of the common job roles that require CCSK certification are:
- Cloud Security Architect
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Cloud Security Consultant
- Cloud Security Manager
Conclusion
In conclusion, CCSK certification is a valuable credential for cloud security professionals who are looking to establish themselves as experts in the field. The certification demonstrates a broad knowledge of cloud security best practices across different cloud service providers, making it a vendor-neutral certification.
CCSK certification has gained global recognition and has been adopted by several industries, indicating its importance in promoting best practices in cloud security. It can also open up job opportunities and lead to higher salaries for certified professionals.
Moreover, CCSK certification can provide opportunities for professional development and career growth. Certified professionals can stay up-to-date with the latest cloud security trends and practices, connect with other cloud security professionals, and participate in events and activities organized by the Cloud Security Alliance.
