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

Module 1. Cloud Architecture for Government

This module covers the foundational aspects of cloud computing, including definitions, architectures, and the role of virtualization. Key topics include service models, delivery models, and essential characteristics of cloud computing. It also introduces the Shared Responsibilities Model and a framework for approaching 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 Computing in Government

This module delves into the details of securing core cloud computing infrastructure, including components, networks, management interfaces, and administrator credentials. It covers virtual networking and workload security, as well as the basics of containers and serverless technologies.

Topics Covered:

• Unit 1 - Module Introduction
• 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 - Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR)

Module 3. Managing Cloud Security and Risk for Government

This module covers important considerations for managing security in cloud computing environments. It begins with risk assessment and governance, then addresses legal and compliance issues, such as discovery requirements in the cloud. It also discusses critical CSA risk tools, including the CAIQ, CCM, and 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 for Government

This module covers information lifecycle management in the cloud and how to apply security controls, with a focus on public cloud environments. Topics include the Data Security Lifecycle, cloud storage models, data security issues across different delivery models, and managing encryption in and for 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 in Government

This module covers identity management and application security for cloud deployments. Topics include federated identity, different IAM applications, secure development practices, and managing application security in 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 for Government

This module addresses key considerations when evaluating, selecting, and managing cloud computing providers. It also discusses the role of Security as a Service (SECaaS) providers and the impact of cloud on incident response.

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