As more businesses move to the cloud, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming cloud security. In fact, cloud computing is the top technology companies are likely to adopt by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Survey. This shift presents more job opportunities for individuals with the right combination of cloud and cybersecurity skills.
If you’re interested in starting or advancing your career in the information security industry, earning a cloud security certification can help you learn critical skills and validate those skills to recruiters and hiring managers. In this article, we’ll explore seven popular cloud security certifications that companies are hiring for, along with tips on how to choose the right certification for you.
7 Cloud Security Certifications Companies Are Hiring For
While a bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level qualification for computer and IT jobs, many employers also look for industry certifications to demonstrate specific technical skills. According to a survey by (ISC)², 70 percent of employers require employees to have certifications.
Here are the top cloud security certifications that frequently appear on job listings:
1. Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer
Earning the Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification demonstrates your ability to design, configure, and implement secure infrastructures on the Google Cloud Platform. This certification covers various topics, including configuring identity and access management, defining security policies, implementing network security, analyzing logs, managing incident response, and protecting data with Google Cloud technologies.
Target job titles: Cloud security engineers, solutions engineers, cloud architects
Requirements: No prerequisites, but Google recommends at least three years of experience, including one year with the Google Cloud Platform
Cost: $200
2. Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate
The Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate certification showcases your skills in scripting, automation, networking, virtualization, and cloud architecture and capabilities within the Microsoft Azure environment. The skills tested include configuring and managing secure access in Azure Active Directory, implementing platform protection, managing security operations with Azure Monitor, Security Center, and Sentinel, and securing data and applications.
Target job titles: Cybersecurity engineers, cloud DevOps engineers, Azure security engineers, security and integration architects
Requirements: None
Cost: $165
3. AWS Certified Security
If you’re interested in a security job at a company that uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), the AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification is worth considering. This credential demonstrates proficiency in encrypting and classifying data in AWS, implementing secure internet protocols, providing a secure production environment with AWS security services, and understanding security operations and risk management.
Target job titles: Security architects, cloud security engineers, information security analysts, security and compliance engineers
Requirements: No prerequisites, but AWS recommends at least two years of experience securing AWS workloads and five years of general IT security experience
Cost: $300
4. CompTIA Cloud+
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification validates your ability to plan, deploy, and automate secure cloud environments. The latest version of the exam covers topics such as high availability and disaster recovery, automation and virtualization, cloud architecture, identity and access management, securing networks in a cloud environment, and OS and application security controls.
Target job titles: Cloud specialists, cloud architects, information security managers, vulnerability testers, cybersecurity cloud specialists
Requirements: No prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends two to three years in systems administration or networking, as well as the CompTIA Network+ and Server+ certifications
Cost: $358
5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification from (ISC)² is designed for individuals who are advancing their careers in cloud security. This certification tests skills across six different domains, including cloud architecture and design, cloud data security, cloud platform and infrastructure security, cloud application security, legal, risk, and compliance, and cloud security operations.
Target job titles: Cyber integration engineers, information security auditors, incident response specialists, senior security analysts, cloud application security consultants
Requirements: Pass the exam and have at least five years of paid work experience in IT, with three years in information security and one year in one or more CCSP Common Body of Knowledge domains
Cost: $599
6. Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)
The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) covers various cloud security issues and empowers individuals to tailor security solutions in a cloud environment. Topics covered include cloud architecture, governance, risk management, legal issues, infrastructure security, data security and encryption, incident response, and application security.
Target job titles: Threat analysts, cybersecurity architects, ethical hackers, security analysts, IT security engineers
Requirements: No experience requirements
Cost: $395
7. GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA)
If you’re interested in building and deploying secure systems and applications, the GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA) certification is worth considering. Although this certification isn’t affiliated with a specific cloud platform, it covers open-source tools like AWS and Azure. Topics covered include cloud security fundamentals, cloud security monitoring, compliance, container and microservice security, data protection, and DevOps and DevSecOps fundamentals and controls.
Target job titles: Security consultants, application security analysts, security engineers, cloud security developers, DevSecOps engineers
Requirements: No prerequisites
Cost: $949
Are Cloud Security Certifications Worth It?
Earning a cloud security certification requires an investment of time and money. However, the right certification can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. According to a survey by (ISC)², earning a cybersecurity certification can result in an average salary increase of $18,000 in the US.
How to Choose a Cloud Security Certification
When deciding which cloud security certification to pursue, consider the following factors:
- Cost: Certification exams and prep courses can be expensive, so research and invest wisely.
- Vendor-specific vs. Vendor-neutral: Decide whether you want to specialize in a specific cloud platform or keep your options open.
- Experience Level: Start with a certification that matches your current qualifications and progress to more advanced certifications as you gain experience.
- Area of Focus: Consider your interests and choose a certification that aligns with your desired specialty within cloud security.
- Potential Employers: Look at job listings for positions and organizations you’d like to apply to and note which certifications are most frequently mentioned.
How to Get Into Cloud Security: First Steps
If you’re considering a career in cloud security, here are some steps to get started:
- Develop technical skills: Acquire IT and computer science skills through courses, bootcamps, or a degree program.
- Start with an entry-level IT job: Gain experience in IT by working as an IT support specialist, systems administrator, or cybersecurity analyst.
- Earn an entry-level IT or cloud certification: Obtain a certification to enhance your knowledge and qualify for new roles.
- Build your cloud and security skills: Continuously improve your skills in cloud service providers, information security, DevOps, programming languages, and network and application security.
Get Started in Cybersecurity
If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program is designed to help individuals with no previous experience find their first job in the field of cybersecurity. The courses cover topics such as security models, threat analysis, secure network design, and incident response.
FAQs
Q: Are there any prerequisites for these cloud security certifications?
A: Each certification has its own set of prerequisites. Some certifications require previous experience in IT or information security, while others have no prerequisites.
Q: How much do cloud security certifications cost?
A: The cost of cloud security certifications varies depending on the certification and the provider. Prices can range from $165 to $949.
Q: Do cloud security certifications expire?
A: Some cloud security certifications may have expiration dates and require recertification after a certain period. It’s important to check the specific requirements of each certification.
Conclusion
Cloud security certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing. Whether you choose a vendor-specific or vendor-neutral certification, investing in cloud security skills can open up exciting job opportunities and potentially lead to higher salaries. Consider your goals, interests, and experience level when selecting the right certification for your professional development.