Cloud Computing Security - Master's

Illinois Institute of Technology via Coursera

Overview

This course provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing security principles and practices, applicable across major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Students will learn to identify and mitigate security risks associated with cloud environments, focusing on critical areas such as identity and access management, data protection, network security, and incident response. The course emphasizes a vendor-neutral approach, ensuring that learners understand fundamental security concepts that can be applied universally. Practical examples and case studies from AWS are used to illustrate these principles, offering hands-on experience with real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to design and implement robust security measures for any cloud-based system, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data and applications. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course includes interactive labs and projects that allow students to apply what they have learned in a controlled environment, simulating real-world cloud security challenges. Industry best practices and the latest developments in cloud security are also covered, ensuring that students are up-to-date with current trends and technologies. This course will significantly benefit students' careers by providing them with in-demand skills highly valued by employers in the tech industry. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles such as cloud security architect, cloud security engineer, and cloud security consultant. Additionally, the course content aligns with various cloud security certification exams, helping students to achieve certifications that further enhance their career prospects and professional credibility.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Cloud Security

This course provides a comprehensive overview of cloud computing security principles and practices, applicable across major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Students will learn to identify and mitigate security risks associated with cloud environments, focusing on critical areas such as identity and access management, data protection, network security, and incident response. The course emphasizes a vendor-neutral approach, ensuring that learners understand fundamental security concepts that can be applied universally. Practical examples and case studies from AWS are used to illustrate these principles, offering hands-on experience with real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to design and implement robust security measures for any cloud-based system, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data and applications. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course lectures include interactive labs and projects that allow students to apply what they have learned in a controlled environment, simulating real-world cloud security challenges. Industry best practices and the latest developments in cloud security are also covered, ensuring that students are up-to-date with current trends and technologies. This course will significantly benefit students' careers by providing them with in-demand skills highly valued by employers in the tech industry. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles such as cloud security architect, cloud security engineer, and cloud security consultant. Additionally, the course content aligns with some cloud security certification exams, helping students to prepare for certifications that further enhance their career prospects and professional credibility. This module provides an overview of cloud computing security, focusing on fundamental principles and common security challenges. Students will gain an understanding of the shared responsibility model and the importance of securing cloud environments.

Module 2: Identity and Access Management

This module covers the principles and practices of Identity and Access Management (IAM) in cloud environments. Students will learn to configure and manage IAM policies to enforce proper access controls.

Module 3: Managing Cloud Accounts and Security Policies

In this module, students will learn about managing IAM accounts, implementing secure access policies, and developing best practices for secure access management. Through a combination of readings, videos, and practice assessments, students will gain the skills necessary to configure IAM accounts securely, apply policies for secure access control, and ensure compliance with security standards and guidelines. The module culminates with a summative assessment to evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired.

Module 4: Network Security in the Cloud

This module delves into the principles and practices of securing network access in cloud environments, focusing on Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and extending protection beyond the VPC. Students will learn to configure and manage network security measures to protect against unauthorized access and network-based attacks.

Module 5: Data Protection and Encryption

This module focuses on the strategies, tools, and best practices for ensuring data protection in cloud environments. Students will learn about encryption, data access controls, backup and recovery, and compliance considerations to safeguard data in the cloud.

Module 6: Logging, Monitoring, and Auditing

This module covers the critical aspects of maintaining a secure cloud environment through effective logging, continuous monitoring, and audit trails. Students will learn how to implement and manage logging strategies, utilize continuous monitoring tools to detect and respond to security incidents in real-time, and ensure compliance with audit trail requirements.

Module 7: Incident Response and Remediation

This module focuses on the strategies and best practices for effectively responding to and remediating security incidents in cloud environments. Students will learn how to develop and implement an incident response plan, identify and analyze security incidents, and apply remediation techniques to mitigate the impact of incidents.

Module 8: Securing Cloud Applications and Best Practices

In this module, students will apply the concepts and skills learned throughout the course to secure a real-world cloud-based application. This comprehensive, hands-on module will guide students through the process of identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and ensuring the overall security of an application deployed in a cloud environment. The module will cover various aspects of application security, from design and development to deployment and maintenance.

Summative Course Assessment

This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.