Looking at the last year or so in retrospect, there is one trend I’m watching climb to the top of hiring managers’ minds. Organizations, applications, and users alike are migrating to the Cloud, creating a demand for cybersecurity professionals with experience in Cloud security and migration, both private and public, as a hybrid environment remains the most affordable and secure solution. For any security professional considering a new certification or area of focus, I've compiled a list of the best Cloud Certifications and tool specializations to bolster your resume.
Vendor (neutral & advanced)
For a vendor-neutral approach to Cloud Security, the ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is the best to consider. It covers a variety of Cloud security topics including Cloud Application Security, Cloud Platform Security and more, in an environment that would arm you well to work for any Cloud vendor.
AWS Specific
If you're looking to specialize in AWS Cloud Security, the AWS Certified Security certification is top of the line. AWS is commonly the most popular public Cloud vendor among organizations because of their pay-as-you-go pricing model, so this certification will set you up for success with prospective employers, even though it’s specialized. The course covers every aspect of AWS’s Cloud platform and its security, associated security products and incident management.
Cloud beginners
If you're relatively new to Cloud environments as a cybersecurity professional, a great jumping-off point to start expanding general Cloud security knowledge is the CSA Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge. While this is not a certification, it is the perfect way to learn a skeleton model of Cloud security concepts in a vendor-neutral environment.
The materials will introduce you to Cloud architecture and infrastructure, and concepts such as data security in the Cloud, configuring security networks and implementing baseline controls. While the other two certifications listed have prerequisites such as years of experience in information security or AWS, this has none - making it perfect for anyone starting out.
This article is taken from our 2022 Cybersecurity salary guide. If you would like to learn more and download a full copy of the guide, then please click here.
If you are considering a new certification or area of focus, you can contact our US Cybersecurity recruiter, Maddison Cote.