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Cloud Security Basics

Rick Smith

This course introduces you to cybersecurity for the cloud. We'll learn and apply classic security techniques to today’s cloud security problems. We start with a deceptively simple and secure web service and address the problems arising as we improve it. We’ll analyze recent cloud security vulnerabilities using standard, systematic techniques. We’ll build our own web service case studies and construct security solutions for them. Our toolkit contains classic security concepts like Least Privilege and Separation of Duty, as well as more technical cryptographic and access control techniques.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Here we introduce Internet server security in six steps, covering the first three in detail.
A Secure Network for a Private Cloud
Read more
We examine techniques to control how different hosts interact within a network.
Cryptography for Remote Access and Support
Modern systems rarely reside inside a single trust boundary. We use cryptography to protect information when it travels outside our trust boundary.
Step 6 and Cloud Security
The public cloud provides both operational benefits and security challenges. We use concepts from the earlier modules to address cloud security challenges.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a practical approach to cybersecurity in the cloud using real-world examples and case studies
Incorporates classic security concepts and modern techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of cloud security
Focuses on foundational concepts, making it suitable for learners with little prior knowledge of cybersecurity
Taught by experienced instructors in the field of cybersecurity, providing credibility and practical insights
Examines recent cloud security vulnerabilities, ensuring relevance to contemporary industry challenges

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Reviews summary

Cloud security fundamentals

learners say Cloud Security Basics is a solid option for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of cloud security. Rick Smith, the course instructor, is highly praised for his teaching skills and enthusiasm. While some students found the exams challenging and the course material a bit overwhelming, others appreciated the course's relevance and the instructor's fine sense of humor. Overall, learners recommend this course for those looking to gain a solid foundation in cloud security.
Engaging and Enthusiastic Instructor
"Amazing course with the best instructor"
"His contribution in this course is remarkable"
"Really insteresting topics and a great teacher"
Relevant and Practical Content
"Despite of the poor visual, the course content is very relevant"
"I also appreciate the instructor fine sense of humor (the bug, the dog)"
"Excellent Course for the beginner level"
Good for beginners
"If you don't even have much knowledge this course will help you out for the same."
"very good course for the beginners"
"this course is a solid option for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of cloud security."
Overwhelming Material for Beginners
"I'm a bit torn - on one side the course does provide tangible examples about what security is about and quizzes / graded assignments are smart very often, yet I've mostly have not felt well prepared by the videos provided to pass them"
"it was quite often to overwhelming to me as I am a non-tech person"
"no clue how I was supposed to prepare, not to mention pass it :) based only on the course materials themselves"
Challenging Exams
"The exam question have little or no coloration to the course work"
"They expect a specific answer based on a vague and often pointless question"
"Somehow I had the impression that it does require already own experience and knowledge/education and this is for the beginners"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cloud Security Basics with these activities:
Read 'Cloud Security: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Cloud Data and Applications'
Gain an in-depth understanding of cloud security principles and best practices.
View Cloud Security: A Comprehensive Guide to Secure... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts
  • Complete the exercises and review questions at the end of each chapter
Review Cloud Security Concepts
Review fundamental concepts of information security to renew your understanding.
Browse courses on Cloud Security
Show steps
  • Read articles and blog posts on cloud security
  • Take online quizzes and practice questions on cloud security concepts
  • Review notes and materials from previous courses or certifications related to cloud security
Follow Tutorials on Cloud Security Tools
Become comfortable with using tools and techniques for cloud security.
Browse courses on Cloud Security Tools
Show steps
  • Identify cloud security tools that align with the topics covered in the course
  • Find tutorials and documentation for these tools
  • Follow the tutorials to set up and use the tools
  • Practice using the tools in a hands-on environment
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in Online Discussion Forums
Engage with classmates to clarify and strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Actively participate in online discussion forums related to the course
  • Ask questions, share insights, and respond to others' posts
  • Review and reflect on the discussions to reinforce your understanding
Volunteer with a Cloud Security Organization
Contribute to the cloud security community and gain practical experience.
Browse courses on Community
Show steps
  • Identify and contact cloud security organizations that offer volunteer opportunities
  • Inquire about available volunteer roles and responsibilities
  • Participate in volunteer activities such as research, awareness campaigns, or support
Implement Cloud Security Measures in a Test Environment
Apply your knowledge of cloud security by implementing measures in a simulated or test environment.
Show steps
  • Set up a test environment that mimics real-world cloud infrastructure
  • Identify and implement cloud security measures based on the course material
  • Test the effectiveness of the implemented security measures
  • Document and evaluate the results of your implementation
  • Repeat steps 2-4 for different security scenarios
Write a Whitepaper on a Cloud Security Topic
Demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership in cloud security.
Browse courses on Research
Show steps
  • Choose a specific cloud security topic to research
  • Gather information and conduct thorough research
  • Organize and outline your whitepaper
  • Write and edit the whitepaper, ensuring clarity and accuracy
  • Share your whitepaper with relevant stakeholders and audiences
Design and Implement a Cloud Security Policy
Demonstrate your understanding of cloud security by developing a comprehensive policy for a cloud environment.
Browse courses on Policy
Show steps
  • Define the scope and objectives of the cloud security policy
  • Identify and analyze potential cloud security risks
  • Design and document a comprehensive cloud security policy
  • Implement the security policy in a test environment
  • Review and evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented policy

Career center

Learners who complete Cloud Security Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineers design, construct, manage, and maintain cloud computing systems. They use their knowledge of cloud computing platforms, such as AWS, Azure, and GCP, to build and manage secure and reliable cloud infrastructures. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for aspiring Cloud Engineers who want to build and secure cloud-based applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements and develop strategies to address them. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cloud security concepts and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Security Architects who want to build and secure cloud-based systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and analyze security events, identify threats, and develop and implement security solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Cybersecurity Analysts who want to protect cloud-based systems from attacks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
DevSecOps Engineer
DevSecOps Engineers are responsible for integrating security into the software development lifecycle. They work with developers and operations teams to ensure that security is considered at every stage of the development process. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cloud security concepts and techniques, making it a valuable resource for DevSecOps Engineers who want to build and secure cloud-based applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for DevSecOps Engineer
Cloud Security Consultant
Cloud Security Consultants help organizations to build and secure cloud-based systems. They assess security risks, develop security strategies, and implement security solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Cloud Security Consultants who want to help their clients build and secure cloud-based systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Consultant
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Cloud Infrastructure Engineers design, build, and manage cloud computing infrastructure. They work with cloud computing platforms, such as AWS, Azure, and GCP, to build and manage secure and reliable cloud infrastructures. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Cloud Infrastructure Engineers who want to build and secure cloud-based systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to build software that meets the needs of users. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Software Engineers who want to build and secure cloud-based applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, build, and manage computer networks. They work with a variety of networking technologies to build and manage secure and reliable networks. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Network Engineers who want to build and secure cloud-based networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. They work with a variety of operating systems and software to ensure that systems are running smoothly and securely. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Systems Administrators who want to build and secure cloud-based systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work with a variety of database technologies to ensure that databases are running smoothly and securely. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Database Administrators who want to build and secure cloud-based databases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Security Analyst
Security Analysts monitor and analyze security events, identify threats, and develop and implement security solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Security Analysts who want to protect cloud-based systems from attacks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
IT Auditor
IT Auditors assess and evaluate the security of computer systems and networks. They work with organizations to identify security risks and develop and implement security solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for IT Auditors who want to assess and evaluate the security of cloud-based systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
Information Security Manager
Information Security Managers are responsible for the security of an organization's information assets. They work with stakeholders to identify security risks and develop and implement security solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Information Security Managers who want to protect their organization's cloud-based information assets.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager
Chief Information Security Officer
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization's information systems. They work with stakeholders to identify security risks and develop and implement security solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for CISOs who want to protect their organization's cloud-based information systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They work with stakeholders to identify compliance risks and develop and implement compliance solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in cloud security principles and techniques, making it a valuable resource for Compliance Officers who want to ensure their organization's compliance with cloud security regulations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cloud Security Basics.
Cover image
Cloud Computing Security
Save
This academic text provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of cloud security, including emerging challenges and trends.
Cloud Computing Security
Paperback
Check
Cloud Computing Security
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Security Engineering
Save
This foundational text provides a comprehensive understanding of security principles and their application in distributed systems, including cloud environments.
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building...
Hardcover
$$
Personal Medical Information: Security, Engineering...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building...
Paperback
$$$
Security Engineering, 2ed
Paperback
$$
Security Engineering and Tobias on Locks Two-Book...
Hardcover
$$$$
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building (text...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Cover image
Cloud Security: A Comprehensive Guide To Secure...
Save
This guide covers a comprehensive overview of cloud security concepts and practices, providing a solid foundation for understanding the course material better.
Cloud Security: A Comprehensive Guide to Secure...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Practical Cloud Security
Save
This practical guide offers hands-on exercises and real-world examples to reinforce the course's concepts.
Practical Cloud Security: A Guide for Secure Design...
Paperback
$$$
Practical Cloud Security
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mastering Defensive Security
Save
This practical guide offers real-world insights and best practices for securing cloud environments, providing additional depth to the course material.
Mastering Defensive Security: Effective techniques...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Cryptography Engineering
Save
This technical guide offers a deep dive into cryptographic techniques and their use in secure system design, complementing the course's coverage of cryptography.
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Paperback
$$
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Network Security
Save
This industry-standard textbook covers network security principles and practices, providing a strong foundation for understanding cloud network security.
Network Security: Private Communication in a Public...
Hardcover
$$$
Network Security: Private Communications in a...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Information Security
Save
This practical guide provides a framework and tools for conducting risk assessments in cloud environments, complementing the course's focus on security risk management.
Information Security: Principles and Practices...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Information Security: Principles and Practices...
Misc. Supplies
Check Price
Cover image
Cloud Security and Privacy
Save
This comprehensive reference provides a holistic view of cloud security and privacy issues, including legal, regulatory, and business aspects.
Cloud Security and Privacy: An Enterprise...
Paperback
$$
Cloud Security and Privacy: An Enterprise...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to...
Save
This official guide from AWS offers practical guidance on securing cloud infrastructure and applications on the AWS platform, extending the course's focus.
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to...
Hardcover
$$$$
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to...
Hardcover
$$$$
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to...
Paperback
$$

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Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, 3-6 hours per week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Minnesota
Instructor
Rick Smith
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Cybersecurity in the Cloud. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Cloud Security Basics (viewing)
  2. Cloud Top Ten Risks
  3. Cloud Application Security
  4. Cloud Data Security
Good to know
Provides a practical approach to cybersecurity in the cloud using real-world examples and case studies
Incorporates classic security concepts and modern techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of cloud security
Focuses on foundational concepts, making it suitable for learners with little prior knowledge of cybersecurity
Taught by experienced instructors in the field of cybersecurity, providing credibility and practical insights
Examines recent cloud security vulnerabilities, ensuring relevance to contemporary industry challenges
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