Cloud Skills and Knowledge

In the realm of cyber security, cloud skills and knowledge are indispensable for professionals who work with cloud-based infrastructure and services. As more organizations migrate to the cloud, the demand for cloud security expertise continues to rise. This chapter focuses on the essential cloud skills and knowledge a cyber security specialist should possess.

Understanding Cloud Models

It is fundamental for a cyber security professional to be acquainted with the different cloud service models, including:

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Offers virtualized computing resources over the Internet (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure).
PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides a platform for developers to build, test, and deploy applications (e.g., Google App Engine, Heroku).
SaaS (Software as a Service): Offers on-demand access to software applications over the Internet (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft 365).

Familiarity with Cloud Security Architecture

A comprehensive understanding of cloud security architecture enables professionals to design and implement secure cloud environments. Key aspects include:

Identifying and managing risks in cloud deployments
Configuring and managing cloud security services
Applying best practices for data storage, access control, and encryption in the cloud

Compliance and Legal Issues

Cloud security specialists must be aware of various compliance and legal requirements related to cloud data storage and processing, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.

Cloud Security Tools and Technologies

Cyber security professionals should be proficient in using various security tools and technologies specifically designed for the cloud, including:

Cloud security monitoring and management tools (e.g., AWS Security Hub, Azure Security Center)
Cloud-native security platforms (e.g., Palo Alto Networks Prisma, Check Point CloudGuard)
API security and management tools (e.g., Postman, Swagger)

Cloud Identity and Access Management

A strong grasp of identity and access management (IAM) concepts in the cloud is crucial. This entails understanding:

How to create and manage user identities and permissions
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Understanding the differences between cloud-based and traditional IAM systems

Securing Cloud Networks

Professionals should know the fundamentals of securing cloud networks, including:

Implementing network security features such as firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and intrusion detection systems
Segmenting cloud networks for better security

Overall, possessing cloud skills and knowledge prepares cyber security professionals to effectively protect and manage cloud infrastructure and applications in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.