The new method of managing IT is cloud computing. Although it offers many advantages, there are new governance and security risks. Cloud providers offer their own security specialist certifications in the area of cloud security, but if you’re interested in obtaining a vendor-neutral understanding of cloud security as a whole, you might consider taking the trending Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) exam.
Organizations that are moving to the cloud want information security specialists that are familiar with it. The CCSK certificate provides you a comprehensive and vendor-neutral knowledge of how to secure data in the cloud and is widely regarded as the standard of competence for cloud security. The CCSK credential serves as the starting point for you to obtain additional cloud credentials that are relevant to particular suppliers or work roles.
Therefore, in order to assist you in passing the CCSK exam, we’ll be looking at how to obtain this certification, unique study materials, preparation tips, and exam specifics, including basics.
Pathway to Earn CCSK Certification
By earning the CCSK, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to establish a comprehensive cloud security program that aligns with widely recognized standards. It covers important topics including SecaaS, safeguarding new technologies, application security, data encryption, cloud incident response, IAM best practices, and more.
Everyone, from CEOs and information security specialists to department managers and technical sales teams, is now able to use cloud services more securely and discuss cloud security issues with confidence with the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK). You can learn vital information about topics like data security, key management, and identity and access management by taking the CCSK, which provides a thorough review of cloud security.
Further, it might be beneficial for participants to have at least a fundamental grasp of security concepts, such as firewalls, secure development, encryption, and identity and access management, even though prior work experience is not necessary.
Moving on, the first step of this pathway is to know the basics of the exam!
Step 1: Understand the Exam Details
Like any other exam, the CCSK certification exam could be a test for anyone based on their experience and set of skills. You must resolve to meet the requirements for and pass the certification exam. To receive the most accurate information about the test, you must figure out the exam specifics that are available on the certification exam’s official website before you start your preparation. The format and details covered by the CCSK exam include:
The format and details covered by the CCSK exam include:
- The CCSK is a 90-minute, open-book, online test that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions selected at random from the CCSK question bank.
- You get two test attempts after paying $395 for the exam, and you have two years to use them.
- Lastly, 80% is the cutoff percentage for passing.
Step 2: Explore the Exam Modules
The European Union Agency for Network & Information Security (ENISA) guidelines, an introduction of the Cloud Controls Matrix, and all 16 areas of the CSA Security Guidance are covered in the CCSK exam, which starts with the basics and gets more difficult as it progresses. This has a number of modules with pre-provided topics in the sections to aid in test success. The modules are:
Module 1. Cloud Architecture
This covers the definitions, architectures, the function of virtualization, and the basics of cloud computing.
Cloud computing service models, delivery mechanisms, and basic properties are important subjects. Additionally, it presents a framework for handling cloud security as well as the Shared Responsibilities Model.
Topics Covered:
- Introduction to Cloud Computing (Reference: The Definition of Cloud Computing)
- Introduction & Cloud Architecture (Reference: Cloud Architecture)
- Cloud Essential Characteristics (Reference: Cloud Computing: A Little Less Cloudy)
- Next, Cloud Service Models (Reference: Enterprise Architecture Cloud Delivery Model – CCM Mapping)
- Cloud Deployment Models
- Shared Responsibilities (Reference: Shared Responsibilities for Security in the Cloud)
Module 2. Infrastructure Security for Cloud
This examines the specifics of protecting the core components of cloud computing, such as networks, administration interfaces, and administrator credentials. It addresses virtual networking, workload security, the fundamentals of containers, and serverless computing.
Topics Covered:
- Intro to Infrastructure Security for Cloud Computing (Reference: SECURITY GUIDANCE FOR CRITICAL AREAS OF FOCUS IN CLOUD COMPUTING)
- Software Defined Networks (Reference: Software Defined Perimeter)
- Cloud Network Security
- Securing Compute Workloads
- Management Plane Security (Reference: Weak Control Plane and DoS)
- BCDR
Module 3. Managing Cloud Security and Risk
This highlights key factors in handling security for cloud computing. It starts with risk assessment and governance, then discusses legal and compliance challenges, such as cloud-based discovery needs. It also discusses crucial CSA risk management technologies including the CAIQ, CCM, and STAR registry.
Topics Covered:
- Governance
- Managing Cloud Security Risk (Reference: Managing Cloud Security Risk)
- Legal
- Legal Issues In Cloud (Reference: Legal Issues: Contracts and Electronic Discovery)
- Compliance
- Audit
- CSA Tools (Reference: Introduction to CSA Tools)
Module 4. Data Security for Cloud Computing
With a focus on public clouds, this section explains information lifecycle management for the cloud and how to implement security measures. The Data Security Lifecycle, cloud storage models, data security concerns with various delivery methods, and managing encryption in and for the cloud, including client-maintained keys (BYOK), are some of the subjects covered.
Topics Covered:
- Cloud Data Storage
- Securing Data In The Cloud
- Encryption For IaaS (Reference: The Three Essential Requirements for Securing IaaS)
- Next, Encryption For PaaS & SaaS (Reference: Encryption)
- Encryption Key Management (Reference: Cloud Key Management)
- Other Data Security Options
- Data Security Lifecycle
Module 5. Application Security and Identity Management for Cloud Computing
This addresses application security and identity management for cloud deployments. Federated identity and various IAM solutions, safe development, and managing application security in and for the cloud are among the topics covered.
Topics Covered:
- Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC)
- Testing & Assessment
- DevOps
- Secure Operations
- Identity & Access Management Definitions (Reference: Identity & Access Management)
- IAM Standards
- IAM In Practice
Module 6. Cloud Security Operations
It offers important factors to take into account while assessing, choosing, and managing cloud computing services. We also talk about how cloud computing affects incident response and the function of security as a service provider.
Topics Covered:
- Module Introduction
- Selecting A Cloud Provider
- SECaaS Fundamentals (Reference: SECaaS Fundamentals)
- SECaaS Categories
- Incident Response
- Domain 14 Considerations
Overview of Exam Domains:
Reference: https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/artifacts/security-guidance-v4/
- Cloud Computing Concepts and Architectures
- Governance and Enterprise Risk Management
- Legal Issues, Contracts, and Electronic Discovery
- Compliance and Audit Management
- Information Governance
- Management Plane and Business Continuity
- Infrastructure Security
- Virtualization and Containers
- Incident Response
- Application Security
- Data Security and Encryption
- Identity, Entitlement, and Access Management
- Security as a Service
- Related Cloud Technologies
Step 3: Use the CCSK Prep-Kit
The CCSK assesses a person’s knowledge of fundamental issues in cloud security, including architecture, governance, compliance, operations, encryption, virtualization, and much more. Everything you need to prepare for the CCSK test is included in the preparation kit, which also includes:
- Sample questions
- A manual for obtaining your CCSK.
- A list of the subjects covered in the test.
- Security Advice
- Cloud Controls Matrix
- ENISA risk recommendations
Step 4: Explore CCSK Training Options
The CCSK training programs that allow you to simulate securely bringing a fictitious company onto the cloud include:
CCSK Plus (Lectures + Labs):
Reference: https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/education/ccsk-plus/
The CCSK Plus expands on the foundation class’ content and includes a variety of hands-on exercises that support classroom learning. Students participate in a scenario that involves safely moving a fictional business to the cloud, giving them the chance to put their knowledge into practice by carrying out a sequence of tasks that would be necessary for a real-world setting. The students will leave prepared to receive their Cloud Security Knowledge Certificate (CCSK). Use it for:
Learning how to secure an organization on the cloud.
Preparing for Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge
Learning and implementing the information from the CSA Security Guidance v4’s 14 domains.
CCSK Self-Paced:
Utilize the CSA Security Guidance V.4 and ENISA recommendations to learn how to create a comprehensive cloud security program in accordance with generally recognized standards. Additionally, you will learn about the Cloud Controls Matrix, CSA’s governance, risk, and compliance solution for the cloud (CCM). You will receive a certificate for 16-course hours after finishing this course, which you may submit for potential CPE credits.
Everything you require to prepare for and take the CCSK test is included in the exam bundle edition of this course, which also includes an exam token.
Step 5: Create a Study Strategy
The best way to prepare for the CCSK certification exam, or any other certification exam, is to consider what will help you learn and remember information, as well as how much time you will need to devote to preparation in order to pass the exam and put your education to use in your work. You will thus need a well-planned approach to learn about and practice each topic of the CCSK test while working toward your goal. It is advisable to set aside some time in your daily schedule for preparation based on your knowledge foundation.
Step 6: Take Practice Tests
The test will cover a variety of topics, so be aware of that. You should thus gain as much experience as you can before the exam. Taking practice tests is the most effective approach to do this. You may have a better understanding of your study strategy and be more prepared for the real thing by finishing the CCSK Exam practice exams. With the aid of these practice exams, you may identify your areas of weakness and take steps to enhance them. Understanding the test’s question pattern and improving your answer skills can help you better manage your time.
Step 7: Join Online Groups
If you engage in online groups or communities, it may be advantageous to develop a study group. Study groups may benefit you in more ways than just giving your learning a more organized framework. They also assist in developing a fresh perspective on the issue, which decreases delays.
From technical support and break/fix difficulties to assistance & instruction on relevant topics, you may receive assistance from these groups. You can stay updated about test revisions by participating in group conversations with subject-matter experts about your questions.
Final Words
Utilize reference architectures that are suited for practice projects and best practices while learning and developing in a cloud environment. Consider the security implications for the user based on the shared responsibility paradigm when you look at some of the cloud products available in the market. Future employers can see that you are devoted to your profession and knowledgeable about cloud computing if you hold a CSA Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge.
So, utilizing the knowledge above, set up a study timetable and routine. Spend time reviewing by taking practice exams after that. Pass the exam after successfully completing the preparation.
