Top Cloud Security Certifications in 2024 and Beyond
October 5, 2023, 6 min read
As the modern digital arena grows daily, cloud technology and cybersecurity remain influential forces merging innovation and safeguarding. As businesses migrate to the cloud, cybersecurity now includes the crucial aspect of cloud security. This shift has reshaped the industry and created exciting career opportunities for those with expertise in both areas.
If you’re considering a career in information security or looking to elevate your existing one, you’re in the right place. I will explain the dynamic world of cloud security certifications in this article. I’ll discuss the critical competencies these certifications provide and their endorsement by recruiters and hiring managers. I’ll guide you through cloud security expertise, introduce sought-after certifications, and offer tips to choose the right one for your career goals.
It is essential to know that Security Certifications are highly valued by companies and hiring managers, so they are always a great way to show your competencies when applying for a new role or if you want to grow in your existing role.
Best Cloud Security Certifications to Aim For
Let’s start listing the cloud security certifications that suit your career goals, budget, and experience. I have to say the first one should be CCSK, as I am a member of the CSA Turkey Chapter:)
Cost: $395
Requirements: None
Languages: English, Spanish, and Japanese
Amid the rising need for cloud-savvy infosec experts during cloud migration, the CCSK certification sets the gold standard for cloud security. It provides a vendor-neutral understanding of cloud data security, serving as a foundational step toward specialized vendor certs or job-specific roles. By attaining the CCSK certification, you acquire the knowledge necessary to skillfully develop a comprehensive cloud security program adhering to globally recognized standards. This certification covers vital areas like IAM best practices, cloud incident response, application security, data encryption, SecaaS concepts, securing emerging technologies, and more.
Cost: $599
Requirements: 5+ Years Experience (Not formal)
Languages: English
The CCSP certification stands out as a premier credential in the field of cloud security and is highly regarded for its industry-wide recognition. Achieving this certification signifies your possession of current and comprehensive technical knowledge essential for effectively managing, designing, and fortifying data, applications, and cloud infrastructure. This expertise is rooted in adopting best practices prescribed by cybersecurity experts, encompassing formulating and implementing policies and strategies.
The CCSP certification is ideal for computer science professionals in roles like security consultants, architects, engineers, administrators, managers, and more. It’s a rigorous test of your cloud security knowledge, highly esteemed in the market.
Cost: $358
Requirements: None
Languages: English
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification is a globally recognized credential designed for IT professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in cloud technologies and services. This certification validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in cloud architecture, deployment, security, maintenance, and troubleshooting. CompTIA Cloud+ spans public and private clouds, empowering professionals to manage cloud infrastructure effectively and adding value to cloud computing. Whether you target roles like cloud admin, solutions architect, or systems engineer, this certification proves your cloud skills for business success.
Cost: $1999 (Mostly)
Requirements: None
Languages: English
The GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA) certification is a respected qualification for cybersecurity professionals who want to specialize in securing cloud systems using automation and advanced security methods. This certification is recognized worldwide and shows you’re skilled at using automation tools to improve cloud security. GCSA-certified experts detect and respond to threats, ensuring cloud compliance with rules. This certification proves your ability to safeguard cloud systems from cyber threats, making you a cloud security expert.
Cost: $243
Requirements: None
Languages: English
The EXIN Certified Integrator in Secure Cloud Services is a valuable certification for IT professionals aiming to specialize in securely integrating cloud services into organizations. This certification demonstrates expertise in ensuring the seamless and safe incorporation of cloud solutions within businesses. It validates your ability to effectively manage security, compliance, and risk when utilizing cloud technologies. As a Certified Integrator, you’ll bridge cloud services and security, becoming sought-after in today’s cloud-focused IT. Whether experienced or aspiring, this certification demonstrates your expertise in securing enterprise cloud services.
Cloud Service Providers’ Certifications
After more general and vendor agnostic certifications, let’s talk about the certification programs offered by cloud service providers. As Amazon Web Services, Azure, and Google Cloud are the most popular cloud offerings and represent around %70 of the current cloud usage, their certificates are also vital. Many of the certifications on this list are very useful for professionals who want to apply for relevant entry positions. This can be entry levels or senior levels.
Cost: $150
Requirements: None
Languages: Various Languages
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification program validates expertise in AWS technology, covering a wide range of services. It focuses on designing cost-effective, high-performance solutions, adhering to the AWS Well-Architected Framework. This certification boosts career prospects, enhances earnings, and instills confidence in stakeholder and customer interactions. While coding experience isn’t required, basic programming knowledge is advantageous.
Cost: $99
Requirements: None
Languages: Various Languages
Whether you’re starting your career or a seasoned professional, mastering Microsoft Azure’s fundamentals opens doors to many tech opportunities. As a candidate, you’ll become adept at describing Azure’s architecture and services (compute, networking, storage) and using security, governance, and administration tools. It’s an ideal choice if you want to Showcase your understanding of cloud computing concepts, including various cloud types and service models. Also, you can highlight your expertise in Azure’s security, privacy, compliance, and trust capabilities. While some IT experience, like infrastructure or database management, can be beneficial, it’s not mandatory. The Azure Fundamentals certification lays a strong foundation for pursuing other Azure role-based or specialty certifications, although it’s not a prerequisite for them. Embark on your Azure journey today and unlock a world of opportunities with this certification.
Cost: $125
Requirements: None
Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese
The Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification jumpstarts your cloud technology career. As an Associate Cloud Engineer, you’ll deploy applications, oversee operations, and manage enterprise solutions, utilizing the Google Cloud Console and command-line interface. This certification is valid for three years from October 1, 2022, requiring recertification. To maintain your certification, retake the exam within the eligibility window 60 days before expiration. Before taking the Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE) exam, gain 6+ months of hands-on experience with Google Cloud products. The ACE exam evaluates your ability to set up, plan, deploy, manage, and secure cloud solutions. Earning this certification opens doors to exciting cloud technology opportunities.
Cost: $200
Requirements: None
Languages: English, Japanese
The Cloud Security Engineer certification enables individuals to create and manage secure workloads on Google Cloud, ensuring compliance with industry standards and utilizing Google’s advanced security tools. A certified Cloud Security Engineer exhibits mastery across all facets of cloud security. This involves IAM, policy formulation, Google Cloud for data integrity, robust network security configuration, threat monitoring, incident response, security policy as code, secure software development, and regulatory control enforcement skills.
Cost: $165
Requirements: None
Languages: Various Languages
This certification underscores your proficiency in deploying and managing security solutions, swiftly detecting and mitigating threats, and safeguarding critical data and identities within Azure. It’s your pathway to establishing trust as a sought-after security expert in the ever-evolving realm of cloud technology.
Achieving this certification affirms your skills and unlocks opportunities in a burgeoning field. As organizations increasingly rely on Azure for their cloud infrastructure, this credential positions you for a fulfilling career dedicated to protecting the digital assets of today’s enterprises. Become an Azure Security Engineer Associate and lead the charge in ensuring the security of Azure-powered solutions.
Cost: $300
Requirements: None
Languages: Various Languages
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification validates your expertise in crafting and implementing robust security solutions within the AWS Cloud. It demonstrates your understanding of specialized data classifications, AWS data protection mechanisms, data encryption methods, and secure internet protocols, all implemented through AWS mechanisms. This certification opens doors to advanced roles in cloud security, showcasing your ability to safeguard critical assets and data within AWS. Become an AWS Certified Security – Specialty professional and lead the charge in securing AWS Cloud solutions.
Conclusion
I have tried to cover a variety of cloud security certifications. They offer valuable skills and knowledge for those interested in cloud security. Whether you’re starting or advancing in your career, these certifications offer a clear path to success in the dynamic field of cloud security. They enhance your job prospects and help safeguard data in our interconnected world. So, consider pursuing these certifications to enhance your skills and ensure a secure future in cloud security.
Source Image: Free Stock photos by Vecteezy
