Top 5 Certifications in Cloud security

Cloud computing has delivered a wide host of benefits to all the institutions that have adopted it. The increase of security breaches involving cloud-based systems has brought the need for cloud security solutions and competent cloud security professionals with CCSP certifications. Some of the threats a business relying on cloud-based solutions should worry about include service traffic hijacking, data breaches, and Distributed Denial of Service.

What is cloud security?

Cloud security is a set of technologies, policies, and procedures that work together to protect cloud-based data, architecture, and systems from the attacks mentioned above and many other threats. This synchronized security system is built to protect client confidentiality, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect business data through different means, including restricted access. Some of the approaches used to offer cloud security include firewalls, VPNs, avoidance of public internet, penetration testing, and obfuscation.

Reasons why cloud security is crucial for your business

Data breaches are the most severe form of attacks on cloud systems. These attacks make critical client and business operations data available to competitors and other malicious criminals. Cloud security uses technologies like Transport Layer Security to stop Man in the Middle attacks and facilitate PCI compliance. With the right cloud security plan, including competent CCSP-certified cloud security IT professionals, your business will be able to take full advantage of cloud computing. Below is a closer look at three reasons why cloud security is a must-have:

To ensure protection from DDoS

Distributed Denial of Service attacks are the most common forms of attacks on cloud-based systems. Attackers use vulnerable computers (often referred to as zombie computers) to send massive traffic from that overwhelms the cloud servers to the point of breaking down. Once the systems are down, they are no longer able to respond to requests from legitimate users. An effective cloud security system will monitor, absorb, and disperse incoming traffic to minimize its impact.

Regulatory compliance

The law has specific requirements, especially for businesses that handle client personal data, credit and debit card information, and health information. Cloud security solutions help such businesses manage and maintain specific infrastructure as per the industry regulations. 

Why should you have a career in cloud security?

Excellent remuneration

The shortage of competent professionals is so high that many enterprises have no choice than to pay top dollar to the talent available. The average job will have only 9 applicants, and your kind of employers will be enterprise-level firms like Oracle, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM. According to Glassdoor, these firms pay as much as $125,847 to cloud security engineers with CCSP courses. 

Cloud computing is universal

Every industry can gain from the many advantages of cloud computing. Players in the healthcare, research, education, corporate, legal, hospitality industries, among others, have chosen to transition to cloud-based solutions to reduce costs and enhance flexibility. This essentially means that your cloud security skills will always have a place now and in the future, regardless of your area of interest.

Edging out the competition

Opting to make a career in cloud security will quickly edge out other applicants in a job application requiring a cloud computing professional. Many firms are becoming more aware of the role cybersecurity plays in the effective running of businesses, and any IT professional with CSSP qualifications will be selected over other applicants.

5 Most Reputable Cloud Security Certifications:

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is one of the most reputable cloud security certification available created and offered by the Cloud Security Alliance and the (ISC)2.  This certification is an excellent choice for security admins, security architects, engineers, or managers. To take the CSSP examination, you will need 5 years of cumulative full-time and paid experience (internship excluded) where  three of those years are in IT security and one of the three being in any of these domains:

• Architectural concepts and design requirements
• Cloud platform and infrastructure security 
• Cloud data security
• Legal and compliance
• Cloud application security

The examination takes 4 hours and has 125 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you will need to score 700 out of 1,000. The examination fee is $549.

Certified Integrator Secure Cloud Services (CISCS)

EXIN offers the CISCS program; it combines three major fundamental areas:

• IT service management
• Cloud computing
• Information security

All you will need to take this course is the foundational certificates. The exam is free and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions taken for 60 minutes.

Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge

Offered by the Cloud Security Alliance as the first program in 2010, it is a top, rare certification that covers areas in cloud security as per the CSA Security Guidance and the ENISA report. This course will validate your technical knowledge in cloud security and your ability to develop an all-round cloud security plan. 

The examination fee is $345; it consists of 60 multiple-choice questions taken over 90 minutes.

Certified Cloud Security Specialist

The CCSS is a 3-day program offered by the Global Science and Technology Forum (GSRF). It focuses mostly on imparting knowledge and skills required in cloud security, risk assessment, and how to manage security events in a cloud environment regardless of the service providers. The course’s prerequisites include any of these GSTF certifications:

• Certified Cloud Computing Associate (CSSA)
• Certified Cloud Computing Specialist (CCCS)
• An advanced EXIN cloud technologist certification 

The CCSS examination consists of 30 multiple choice questions taken for 45 minutes. Your passing score is 65%. You will also have to do a two-week project after you complete the course and get at least 65%.

Professional Cloud Security Manager

This course is offered by the Cloud Credential Council and will prepare you to manage all issues related to cloud security and compliance. The certification focuses on the technical and business challenges encountered in an enterprise-level cloud computing environment.

 To obtain this certification, it is recommended that you be a full-time IT professional with at least 5 years of experience in enterprise security and in-depth knowledge of various cloud computing deployment models. 

The exam fee is $305; it consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes 60 minutes.

Conclusion:

The demand for IT professionals with a specialization in cloud security that can adequately outmaneuver the sophisticated techniques of today’s cyber criminals will increase as more firms opt for SaaS, IaaS, and other cloud computing solutions. If you are a cloud computing IT professional, taking the CCSP certification will be the first step towards having a great career in cloud security.

Check out these Simplilearn Coupons and get the best deals for the courses you like!