Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) Plus (CSA authorized) Training Course

Module 1. Cloud Architecture

This section establishes the core principles of cloud computing, covering definitions, architectural frameworks, and the significance of virtualization. Essential topics include service models, delivery mechanisms, and fundamental characteristics. It also introduces the Shared Responsibilities Model and a structured approach to cloud security.

Topics Covered:

• Unit 1 - Introduction to Cloud Computing
• Unit 2- Introduction & Cloud Architecture
• Unit 3 - Cloud Essential Characteristics
• Unit 4 - Cloud Service Models
• Unit 5 - Cloud Deployment Models
• Unit 6 - Shared Responsibilities

Module 2. Infrastructure Security for Cloud

This module examines the protection of core cloud infrastructure, including components, networking, management interfaces, and administrator credentials. It further explores virtual networking and workload security, touching on the fundamentals of containers and serverless technologies.

Topics Covered:

• Unit 1 - Module Intro
• Unit 2 - Intro to Infrastructure Security for Cloud Computing
• Unit 3 - Software Defined Networks
• Unit 4 - Cloud Network Security
• Unit 5 - Securing Compute Workloads
• Unit 6 - Management Plane Security
• Unit 7 - BCDR

Module 3. Managing Cloud Security and Risk

This section addresses critical aspects of cloud security management, starting with risk assessment and governance. It covers legal and compliance matters, including data discovery requirements within cloud environments. Additionally, it introduces key CSA risk management tools such as the CAIQ, CCM, and the STAR registry.

Topics Covered:

• Unit 1 - Module Introduction
• Unit 2 - Governance
• Unit 3 - Managing Cloud Security Risk
• Unit 4 - Legal
• Unit 5 - Legal Issues In Cloud
• Unit 6 - Compliance
• Unit 7 - Audit
• Unit 8 - CSA Tools

Module 4. Data Security for Cloud Computing

This module focuses on information lifecycle management in the cloud and the application of security controls, with a particular emphasis on public cloud environments. Topics include the Data Security Lifecycle, cloud storage models, security challenges associated with different delivery models, and encryption management in the cloud, including customer-managed keys (BYOK).

Topics Covered:

• Unit 1 - Module Introduction
• Unit 2 - Cloud Data Storage
• Unit 3 - Securing Data In The Cloud
• Unit 4 - Encryption For IaaS
• Unit 5 - Encryption For PaaS & SaaS
• Unit 6 - Encryption Key Management
• Unit 7 - Other Data Security Options
• Unit 8 - Data Security Lifecycle

Module 5. Application Security and Identity Management for Cloud Computing

This section covers identity management and application security specific to cloud deployments. Key areas include federated identity, various IAM applications, secure development practices, and the administration of application security within and for the cloud.

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
• Unit 7 - IAM Standards
• Unit 8 - IAM In Practice

Module 6. Cloud Security Operations

This module outlines key considerations for evaluating, selecting, and managing cloud service providers. It also discusses the role of Security as a Service (SECaaS) providers and the influence of cloud environments on Incident Response strategies.

Topics Covered:

• Unit 1 - Module Introduction
• Unit 2 - Selecting A Cloud Provider
• Unit 3 - SECaaS Fundamentals
• Unit 4 - SECaaS Categories
• Unit 5 - Incident Response
• Unit 6 - Domain 14 Considerations
• Unit 7 - CCSK Exam Preparation

Additional material

Core Account Security

Learners discover essential configurations to implement immediately upon opening a new cloud account, including enabling MFA, basic monitoring, and IAM settings.

IAM and Monitoring In-Depth

Participants build upon initial lab work by implementing more sophisticated identity management and monitoring solutions. This includes extending IAM with Attribute Based Access Controls, configuring security alerting, and structuring enterprise-scale IAM and monitoring frameworks.

Network and Instance Security

Students design a virtual network (VPC) and apply baseline security configurations. They also learn to securely select and launch virtual machines (instances), conduct cloud-based vulnerability assessments, and establish secure connections to instances.

Encryption and Storage Security

Learners enhance their deployments by adding storage volumes encrypted with customer-managed keys. The session also covers securing snapshots and other data assets.

Application Security and Federation

Students complete the technical laboratory sequence by constructing a full 2-tier application and implementing federated identity using OpenID.

Risk and Provider Assessment

Participants utilize the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix and the STAR registry to assess risk levels and select appropriate cloud providers.