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James Dalton

In this Cloud Security Fundamentals course you will learn basic principles associated with securing the cloud and SaaS-based applications through Secure Access Service Edge architecture and identify concepts required to recognize and potentially mitigate attacks against traditional and hybrid datacenters as well as mission critical infrastructure. The course also demonstrates how to initially setup and configure containers on a docker bridge network and test the container security through the use of vulnerability scans and reports.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Cloud Security Fundamentals - Module 1: Course Information
In the Cloud Security Fundamentals course, students will learn basic principles associated with securing the cloud and SaaS-based applications through Secure Access Service Edge architecture and identify concepts required to recognize and potentially mitigate attacks against traditional and hybrid datacenters as well as mission critical infrastructure. Students will also learn how to initially setup and configure containers on a docker bridge network and test the container security through the use of vulnerability scans and reports.
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers cloud fundamentals, security principles, and industry best practices
Designed for students with a basic understanding of cloud computing concepts
Taught by James Dalton, an experienced security professional
Explores core cloud native technologies like virtual machines, containers, and serverless computing
Provides hands-on experience with vulnerability scanning and security testing
May require additional resources or knowledge for students with limited cloud security experience

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Reviews summary

Palo alto cloud security: a mixed foundation

According to learners, this course offers a foundational understanding of cloud security, primarily through the lens of Palo Alto Networks technologies like Prisma and SASE. Students appreciate its clear explanations and coverage of relevant topics such as cloud computing models and DevSecOps. However, feedback is notably mixed regarding the lab environments, frequently described as slow, buggy, or unresponsive, which significantly impacts the hands-on learning experience. Additionally, some experienced students found the course to be too basic or lacking in technical depth, sometimes perceiving it as overly promotional for Palo Alto products. It is generally recommended as a starting point for beginners, though supplementary study may be needed.
Content leans towards specific Palo Alto products.
"It feels more like an introduction to Palo Alto's product suite rather than general cloud security best practices."
"The theoretical content is too shallow and seems designed just to push Palo Alto's Prisma products."
"Not suitable for anyone seeking deep technical skills or vendor-neutral knowledge."
"A solid course for anyone new to cloud security, especially those interested in Palo Alto Networks' approach."
Covers current and important cloud security concepts.
"The modules on SASE architecture and Prisma Cloud were particularly insightful."
"The content on Hybrid Data Center Security was very relevant to my current role."
"The modules on Cloud Native Technologies and the 4 C's were particularly insightful."
"The knowledge gained is directly applicable to my work."
Offers a strong introduction to cloud security fundamentals.
"This course provided an excellent introduction to cloud security fundamentals."
"Outstanding introductory course! I learned so much about securing cloud environments and SaaS applications."
"The instructor explained difficult concepts very clearly, making cloud security accessible."
"A solid course for anyone new to cloud security, especially those interested in Palo Alto Networks' approach."
Pace can be fast; lacks depth for experienced learners.
"I found the pace quite fast, and sometimes wished for more in-depth explanations on certain complex subjects."
"However, as someone with a few years of cloud experience, I found much of it to be a review or too superficial."
"Good for absolute beginners, but more advanced users might find it too basic."
"It serves as a good starting point but requires further self-study to truly grasp the concepts."
Persistent issues with lab functionality and responsiveness.
"The 'hands-on' parts were a bit frustrating due to unresponsive lab environments and unclear instructions for troubleshooting."
"Very disappointed with this course. The labs were constantly broken, which made it impossible to practice the concepts."
"Worst course I've taken on this platform. The lab environment was a complete disaster – consistently failing and virtually unusable."
"While some lab environments were a bit slow to provision, the overall experience was positive..."

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 Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals with these activities:
Review basic networking concepts
Sharpen existing networking knowledge which will be useful for understanding network security concepts
Browse courses on Networking Concepts
Show steps
  • Revisit OSI model layers and network protocols
  • Review basics of routing and switching
Complete AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Tutorial
Gain a structured understanding of foundational cloud computing concepts covered in the course
Show steps
  • Enroll in the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner tutorial
  • Go through the tutorial modules and complete the exercises
Attend a Cloud Security Workshop
Gain hands-on experience and learn from industry experts in a collaborative setting
Browse courses on Cloud Security
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant Cloud Security workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Cloud Security Quiz
Test your understanding of key cloud security concepts and identify areas for improvement
Browse courses on Cloud Security
Show steps
  • Take the Cloud Security Quiz
  • Review the results and focus on improving weaker areas
Read 'Cloud Security: A Comprehensive Guide to Secure Cloud Computing'
Expand your knowledge of cloud security best practices and industry standards
Show steps
  • Read selected chapters relevant to the course topics
  • Summarize key concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios
Design a Cloud Security Architecture Diagram
Apply your knowledge of cloud security principles to design a secure cloud architecture
Show steps
  • Identify the components of a cloud security architecture
  • Design a diagram that outlines the architecture
  • Describe the security measures implemented in the architecture
Volunteer at a Cybersecurity Organization
Apply your knowledge in a practical setting and contribute to the cybersecurity community
Browse courses on Cloud Security
Show steps
  • Identify volunteer opportunities at cybersecurity organizations
  • Apply for and secure a volunteer position
Contribute to a Cloud Security Open Source Project
Engage with the cloud security community and contribute to the development of open-source tools
Browse courses on Cloud Security
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant Cloud Security open-source project
  • Review the project documentation and identify ways to contribute

Career center

Learners who complete Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cloud Security Analyst
Cloud Security Analysts are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud security systems and processes to protect data and applications in the cloud. This course helps build a foundation in securing cloud and SaaS-based applications and can support success in this role.
Cloud Software Engineer
Cloud Software Engineers design, develop, and implement software applications in the cloud. This course provides an overview of cloud computing models, cloud native technologies, and cloud security fundamentals, which are essential concepts for success in this field.
Security Architect
Security Architects are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing an organization's security infrastructure. This course provides a foundation in cloud security fundamentals, which is essential for success in this field.
Security Engineer
Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing security systems and processes. This course provides a foundation in cloud security fundamentals, which is essential for success in this field.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems by simulating attacks. This course helps build a foundation in cloud security and cloud computing models, which are relevant to this role.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. This course helps build a foundation in cloud security and cloud computing models, which are relevant to this role.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for analyzing security vulnerabilities, identifying threats, and recommending and implementing security solutions to protect networks and systems. This course helps build a foundation in cloud security and cloud computing models, which are relevant to this role.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course helps build a foundation in cloud security and cloud computing models, which are relevant to this role.
Data Security Analyst
Data Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides foundational knowledge about cloud security fundamentals, which is essential for success in this field.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems and networks. This course provides knowledge about cloud computing models and cloud security fundamentals, which are essential concepts for success in this field.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course provides knowledge about cloud computing models and cloud security fundamentals, which are essential concepts for success in this field.
Site Reliability Engineer
Site Reliability Engineers are responsible for the reliability and performance of software systems. This course provides knowledge about cloud computing models and cloud security fundamentals, which are essential concepts for success in this field.
Software Developer
Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course may be useful in providing foundational knowledge about cloud native technologies and cloud security, which are relevant to this role.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams to streamline software delivery. This course may be useful in providing foundational knowledge about cloud native technologies and cloud security, which are relevant to this role.
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects are highly skilled IT professionals responsible for understanding how the cloud meets the business requirements of their organization. They manage, plan, and design a company's cloud computing strategy. This course may be useful in providing foundational knowledge about cloud concepts and technologies relevant to this role.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security engineering, covering topics such as system design, threat modeling, and risk management. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to learn how to design and build secure systems.
Covers secure coding practices for a variety of programming languages and platforms. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to improve their coding skills and write more secure code.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security, covering topics such as network protocols, encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of network security.
Provides a practical approach to malware analysis, helping learners to understand how malware works and how to detect and mitigate it. It covers topics such as malware reverse engineering, disassembly, and sandboxing.
Focuses on cloud native security, providing practical guidance on how to secure cloud-based applications and infrastructure. It covers topics such as container security, microservices security, and API security.
Provides insights into the psychology of deception and how it can be used to compromise security systems. It covers topics such as social engineering, phishing, and pretexting.
Provides a practical approach to threat modeling, helping learners to identify and mitigate security risks. It covers topics such as threat analysis, risk assessment, and security countermeasures.
Provides a historical overview of the hacker culture, from its early days to the present day. It would be a good choice for learners who want to understand the roots of hacking and its impact on society.
Provides an accessible introduction to DevOps, covering topics such as continuous integration, continuous delivery, and agile development. It would be a useful resource for learners who want to understand the DevOps approach to software development and its implications for security.
Good reference for **module 1** providing a comprehensive overview of the security challenges and solutions in cloud computing.
Provides breadth for **module 3** by teaching you how to manage containerized applications with Kubernetes.
Is useful as a reference for **module 2** for a detailed discussion of software architecture and design patterns.

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