Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, offering unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. However, this digital transformation comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of security. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud services to store and process sensitive data, the need for robust cloud security measures becomes paramount. In this blog, we will explore the Top 10 cloud security certifications to learn in 2023. These certifications not only validate your expertise in securing cloud environments but also equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to safeguard critical data and applications from evolving cyber threats. Whether you are an IT professional looking to enhance your career prospects or an organization aiming to strengthen its cloud security posture, these certifications offer a valuable opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of cloud security.
Join us on this journey as we explore the top cloud security certifications that will shape the year 2023 and beyond! Before looking at the certifications, let us have a look at the ways in which this domain proves to be fastest growing!
Importance of Cloud Computing Industry
Cloud computing has become an integral part of the modern business landscape, offering numerous benefits such as scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. However, as more organizations adopt cloud technologies, the need for robust cloud security measures becomes increasingly critical. Here are some key reasons why cloud security has grown in importance:
- Data Protection: Cloud environments store vast amounts of sensitive data, including personal, financial, and proprietary information. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, ensuring the security and privacy of this data is of paramount importance.
- Compliance and Regulations: Organizations are subject to various industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Cloud security measures are essential for meeting these obligations and avoiding penalties or legal consequences.
- Shared Responsibility: Cloud computing involves a shared responsibility model, where cloud service providers (CSPs) are responsible for securing the underlying infrastructure, while customers are responsible for securing their data and applications. Understanding and implementing effective security measures is crucial to mitigate risks and maintain a secure environment.
- Evolving Threat Landscape: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, with attackers targeting cloud environments due to their potential for large-scale impact. Breaches, data leaks, and unauthorized access can lead to severe financial and reputational damage for organizations. Robust cloud security helps defend against these threats and minimize vulnerabilities.
- Business Continuity: Cloud services enable businesses to operate seamlessly and provide continuous access to critical applications and data. However, any security breach or data loss can disrupt operations and result in significant downtime. By implementing strong security measures, organizations can ensure business continuity and reduce the risk of disruptions.
- Cloud Adoption and Migration: The adoption of cloud services continues to grow rapidly as organizations seek to leverage the benefits of scalability and cost savings. However, during cloud migration, data and applications can be vulnerable to security risks. Proper security measures and certifications are essential to ensure a smooth and secure transition.
By 2026, the market for cloud-based worldwide security might be worth USD 77.5 billion, claims MarketsandMarkets. The need for experts in cloud security will rise along with this rise. Let’s now move on to the Top 10 Cloud Security Certification to Learn in 2023!
#1. Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer
The certification exam focuses on assessing the abilities to plan, set up, and implement secure infrastructure on Google Cloud are recognized by the Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification from Google. A cloud security engineer is knowledgeable about optimal security practices and security needs. Candidates are required to have expertise of identity and access management, utilizing Google technologies for data protection, managing incident responses, and constructing network security defenses are all validated by this certification, among other things.
Skills Evaluated
- Setting up access in a cloud computing environment
- Setting up network security
- Ensure data security
- Ensuring adherence
- Managing activities in a setting using cloud solutions
Exam specifics
- There are around 50–60 multiple-choice questions in the exam. The test lasts for two hours. It is available in both Japanese and English.
- Candidates are suggested to have 2-3 years of experience, but there are no prerequisites.
- For two years, the certification is valid. By retaking the exam before the certification expires, you can renew your certification.
- Engineers for cloud security and cloud architects are anticipated job roles.
#2. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP is an advanced-level certification that is recognized all around the world. It confirms your highly developed technical abilities in developing, managing, and securing data in the cloud and is offered by (ISC)2. Additionally, it demonstrates that you are familiar with the (ISC)2 best practices and guidelines.
According to the qualification Magazine’s 2021 Annual Salary Survey, the CCSP is the qualification that IT workers are most eager to obtain in the next years. Professionals who wish to develop their professions and achieve new heights might consider the CCSP. For cloud architects, engineers, specialists, professional developers, and consultants, it is perfect.
Skills Evaluated
Six security domains are covered in the certification exam. The following are these domains:
- Cloud architecture, design, and concepts (17%)
- Security of cloud data (19%)
- Security of the cloud platform and infrastructure (17%)
- Security for cloud applications (17%)
- Operations for cloud security (17%)
- Compliance, risk, and legal (13%)
Exam Details
- There are 125 multiple-choice questions in the test. The test lasts for three hours. To pass the test, you must receive 700 out of a possible 1,000 points. The certification is offered in both English and Japanese. Having at least five years of paid IT job experience is a must.
- Three years of experience in information security and at least one of the six (ISC)2 CCSP Common Body of Knowledge areas should be included in this experience.
- Product security engineers, cyber integration engineers, senior security analysts, architects of cybersecurity solutions, information security managers, compliance technology specialists, cloud security engineers, auditors of information security, and application security architects are among the job titles.
#3. AWS Certified Security Specialty
The AWS Security Specialty (SCS-C01) exam has been developed to assist the professionals working in cloud security to develop skills to design and execute security solutions for securing the AWS platform. It is a specialty-level certification that verifies your knowledge of the specialist data classifications in AWS as well as your ability to provide a secure environment using AWS security services.
Skills Evaluated
Candidates knowledge is evaluated on the following five topics:
- Response to incidents (12%)
- Monitoring and logging (20%)
- Security of the infrastructure (26%).
- Management of identities and access (20%)
- Data security (22%).
Exam Details
- There are 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions on the test. Out of these 65 questions, 50 have been scored. The remainder are not scored. The test lasts 170 minutes. English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese are all languages that you can take the exam in. No prerequisites exist for this test. A minimum score of 750 out of 1,000 is required to pass the test.
- Candidates should have at least five years of expertise in IT security, according to Amazon. Additionally, you should have two years or more of expertise safeguarding AWS workloads.
- Expected Engineers for cloud security, engineers for security and compliance, and security architects are among the job titles.
#4. Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate
AWS is closely followed in the cloud market by Microsoft Azure. The Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate is the best certification to get if you want to work with Azure. It certifies your proficiency in using Azure security controls. With the certification, you may, among other things, detect vulnerabilities and fix them, put protection against threats in place, and handle escalating security issues.
Skills Evaluated
The following abilities are covered in the AZ-500 exam:
- Managing access and identity
- Putting platform protection in place
- Taking charge of security operations
- Data and application security
Exam Details
- There are 40–60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions on the test. 150 minutes are allotted for the test. There are multiple language options for the exam, including English, French, and Spanish. There are no formal requirements. 700 out of 1,000 is the required passing mark.
- Security engineer, cybersecurity engineer, and security and integration architect are among the job titles.
#5. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
The most widely used platform for container-based applications is Kubernetes. If you are working with Kubernetes and want to demonstrate your proficiency in assuring the security of container-based applications and the Kubernetes infrastructure, Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) is the best option.
Skills Evaluated
The following areas will be assessed in the exam –
- Cluster construction (10%)
- Hardening of clusters (15%)
- Hardening of the system (15%)
- Reduce (20%) micro-service vulnerabilities
- Security in the supply chain (20%)
- Run-time security, logging, and monitoring (20%)
Exam Details
- Candidates will be tested on your knowledge in a real-world simulation during this performance-based exam with exam duration of two hours. To pass the test, you must obtain a score of at least 67%.
- The CKA exam must have been passed, and the certification is valid for two years.
#6. CompTIA Cloud+
A vendor-neutral certification called CompTIA Cloud+ attests to your proficiency in creating and overseeing secure cloud systems. It has a lot of information on cloud security while being more geared toward general cloud certification. It covers application security controls, identity and access management, automation, and cloud architecture.
Skills Evaluated
The following are among the competencies tested on this exam:
- Architecture and design of the cloud
- Operations and assistance
- Cloud safety
- The use of clouds
- Fixing problems
Exam Details
- There are 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in the test. The test lasts 90 minutes. The exam is accessible in English. There are no formal requirements to take the test. You should pass CompTIA Network+ and Server+, according to CompTIA.
- Additionally, having two to three years of systems administration or networking expertise is advised. On a scale of 100–900, a passing score is 750.
- Job roles include Systems engineer, cloud specialist, senior network administrator, cloud project manager, senior cloud engineer, senior systems administrator, vulnerability tester.
#7. Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)
The well-known vendor-neutral certificate known as CCSK is provided by Cloud Security Alliance. It verifies your understanding of cloud incident response, SecaaS, data encryption, and application security. It increases your work prospects and demonstrates your technical expertise. People who desire to acquire CCAK can also benefit from using CCSK.
Skills Evaluated
The exams assess your knowledge across 14 domains –
- Cloud computing architecture and concepts
- Enterprise risk management and governance
- Contracts, laws, and electronic discovery
- Management of compliance and audits
- Information management
- Management strategy and continuity of operations
- Infrastructure protection
- Containers and virtualization
- Incident management
- Security for Applications
- Data encryption and security
- Access, entitlement, and identity management
- Service-based security
- Complementary technologies
Exam Details
- There are 60 multiple-choice questions in the test. The test lasts 90 minutes. No prior knowledge is necessary for CCSK. 80% is the cutoff percentage for passing.
- Job roles include Systems engineers, CISOs, Enterprise architects, Compliance Managers, Threat Analysts, and Security Administrators.
#8. GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA)
If you wish to work in the subject of cloud security, the GCSA certification is less well-known but recognized. You can create secure systems by using the services and contemporary DevSecOps techniques. The certification includes topics including leveraging open-source tools, automating configuration management, and utilizing cloud services while adhering to secure DevOps procedures.
Skills Evaluated
- Foundations of cloud security
- Adherence
- Data security
- DevSecOps controls and basics
Exam Details
- There are 75 questions on the exam with total duration of two hours. There are no requirements for this certification and required passing percentage is 61% and above.
- Security analyst, risk manager, application security analyst, security engineer, cloud security developer, DevSecOps engineer, and software architects are among the anticipated job opportunities.
#9 Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer (PCCSE)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer (PCCSE) assesses an individual’s proficiency in onboarding, deploying, and managing various aspects of Prisma Cloud. PCCSE focuses on Prisma Cloud, Prisma Cloud Enterprise, and Prisma Cloud Compute. This certification demonstrates competence throughout the development lifecycle and across multi- and hybrid cloud environments.
Skills Evaluated
The following are the three domains that are covered by this certification.
- Validating one’s expertise in understanding the applications, data, and the complete cloud native technology stack within the Prisma Cloud platform.
- Anyone interested in demonstrating knowledge, skill, and abilities with Prisma Cloud, including cloud security, customer success, DevOps, cloud support, professional services and Appsec engineers, cybersecurity architects, and team leads.
#10. Alibaba Cloud Security Associate
The certificate is designed for engineers proficient in used Alibaba Cloud Security products. It encompasses several security products offered by Alibaba Cloud, including Server Guard, WAF, Anti-DDoS Basic, and Anti-DDoS Pro.
Skills Evaluated
- Possesses a foundational understanding of Operating Systems, Cloud Computing, and TCP/IP protocols.
- Capable of developing simple solutions and implementing enterprise best practices based on Alibaba Cloud’s security products and business requirements.
- Knowledgeable in the utilization and operation of Alibaba Cloud’s ECS (Elastic Compute Service), VPC (Virtual Private Cloud), Cloud Monitor, and security products such as WAF, Security Center, Anti-DDoS Basic, and Anti-DDoS Premium.
Exam Details
The certificate is designed for engineers proficient in utilizing Alibaba Cloud Security products. It covers several security products offered by Alibaba Cloud, including Server Guard, WAF, Anti-DDoS Basic, and Anti-DDoS Pro.
Value of Cloud Security Certification
Cloud Security Certification holds significant value in today’s technology landscape for various reasons –
- Certification help Demonstrates Expertise: Obtaining a Cloud Security Certification validates your expertise and knowledge in securing cloud environments. It shows that you possess the necessary skills and understanding to implement and maintain secure cloud infrastructures.
- Certification helps get Industry Recognition: Cloud Security Certifications are recognized and respected by employers, industry professionals, and clients. It serves as proof that you have met specific standards and requirements set by reputable certification bodies or cloud service providers.
- Offers Competitive Advantage: In a competitive job market, having a Cloud Security Certification can give you an advantage over other candidates. It showcases your commitment to professional development and demonstrates to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge to secure cloud environments effectively.
- Increases Career Opportunities: Cloud Security Certifications can open doors to new career opportunities. They can qualify you for roles such as Cloud Security Engineer, Cloud Security Architect, or Cloud Security Consultant. These positions often come with greater responsibilities and potentially higher salaries.
- Stay updated with latest Technology: Cloud Security Certifications require ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest security practices, tools, and technologies. This ensures that you remain knowledgeable about emerging threats and can adapt security measures to address evolving risks.
- Build Client Confidence: For organizations and clients seeking cloud security services, a Cloud Security Certification provides assurance that you have the necessary skills and expertise to protect their data and infrastructure. It builds trust and confidence in your ability to implement robust security measures.
- Helps in Continuous Learning and Professional Growth: Pursuing a Cloud Security Certification is a journey of continuous learning and professional growth. It encourages you to expand your knowledge, keep up with industry trends, and deepen your understanding of cloud security best practices.
Ultimately, the value of a Cloud Security Certification lies in the recognition it brings, the opportunities it unlocks, and the confidence it instills in employers and clients regarding your cloud security capabilities. It is a valuable investment in your career that can lead to exciting prospects in the ever-growing field of cloud security.
