Cloud Security Certification Path for 2023 — What to Choose

When considering your certification path in cloud security this year, make an informed choice that aligns with your career objectives.

I won't delve too deeply into the typical discussion about the importance of certifications as career enhancers. My motivation for pursuing the AWS Security Specialty certification is straightforward: I am employed within the AWS ecosystem, necessitating that I keep my certifications current. Furthermore, as a professional in cloud security, it would be somewhat contradictory not to hold an AWS certification.

About the AWS Security Specialty Certification

The AWS Security Specialty certification is regarded as one of the most sought-after professional-level certifications in the field. This distinction represents a significant achievement for anyone who successfully passes the exam.

As indicated by AWS, this certification is designed for individuals who engage in security roles and possess at least two years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads. If you are already acquainted with AWS and aim to showcase your expertise in AWS security, pursuing this certification is undoubtedly a wise choice. Given that AWS is the largest among major cloud service providers and cybersecurity concerns remain paramount, adding this certification to your resume can only enhance your marketability.

According to the official exam guide available on the AWS Certified Security Specialty page, the exam operates on a pass/fail basis, requiring a minimum score of 750 out of 1000. The examination covers several domains, which are essential to understand.

How to Prepare for the AWS Security Specialty Certification

This certification differs from platform-agnostic certifications like CCSP and CCSK, and therefore requires a tailored approach. Here are my key recommendations for preparing effectively:

1. Assess Your Current Knowledge: Although there's nothing preventing you from making this your first AWS certification, I highly recommend starting with a foundational certification like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate. This will provide a solid grounding in AWS services such as IAM, KMS, and other critical concepts.
2. Gain Hands-On Experience with AWS Services: Establishing a home lab environment where you can experiment with AWS services is crucial. Familiarity with the numerous AWS services covered in the exam is vital. Without practical experience, it will be challenging to comprehend questions that involve IAM policies, EC2 instances, and more. Create a free tier AWS account and start exploring the AWS cloud environment.
3. Master AWS IAM: IAM is one of the more complex areas covered in the exam. Understanding how policies are evaluated and the specific order of operations is critical. Familiarize yourself with policy flow and evaluation logic by experimenting within your AWS IAM account. The following video provides an excellent overview and is highly recommended for those looking to deepen their understanding of AWS IAM:

4. Tackle Multiple Response Questions: These questions may feature multiple correct answers, and it’s essential to select all applicable responses. Understanding the nuances of the questions is key.
5. Delve into Encryption and Logging: Expect numerous questions that focus on KMS keys and the appropriate encryption methods for specific scenarios. Additionally, being well-versed in AWS CloudTrail and CloudWatch's logging and alerting capabilities is vital. Familiarize yourself with the best practices by reviewing the FAQ sections for these services:

• IAM FAQ

  • KMS FAQ
  • CloudTrail FAQ
  • CloudWatch FAQ

My Tips for Passing the Exam

In addition to the aforementioned strategies, here are the steps I took that contributed to my success in passing the AWS Security Specialty exam:

• Invest in Training: Enroll in structured training programs to comprehend AWS security concepts thoroughly. I utilized A Cloud Guru, which is highly regarded, but you can also find various quality resources on platforms like Udemy or YouTube. AWS also provides a free readiness course that covers essential exam topics and serves as a useful refresher.
• Practice Diligently: No amount of studying will prepare you for the exam without adequate practice. Utilize practice tests from resources like A Cloud Guru, Udemy, and especially WhizLabs, which I found to closely resemble the actual exam format.
• Review AWS Whitepapers: AWS offers several informative whitepapers detailing security best practices and services. While not mandatory, reviewing them prior to the exam is strongly recommended.
• Utilize AWS Labs: AWS provides hands-on labs based on their well-architected framework. Engaging with these labs can significantly enhance your practical experience, ranging from foundational to advanced levels.

Did I Pass?

After all the preparation, you may be wondering if I succeeded in passing the exam. The answer is a resounding YES, as evidenced by my certification below:

AWS Certified Security — Specialty was issued by Amazon Web Services Training and Certification to… Earners of this certification possess a comprehensive understanding of AWS security services and the shared responsibility model.

www.credly.com

Final Thoughts

I hope this overview has provided you with valuable insights on how to prepare for the AWS Security Specialty exam. It is a challenging exam, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for success. By building a solid technical foundation and supplementing your studies with practice exams, you will greatly increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.

Best of luck in your exam preparation!

Taimur Ijlal is a distinguished information security leader with over two decades of international experience in cybersecurity and IT risk management within the fintech sector. Connect with Taimur on LinkedIn or explore his YouTube channel “Cloud Security Guy,” where he shares insights on Cloud Security, Artificial Intelligence, and cybersecurity career guidance. If you're seeking Cyber Security career coaching, feel free to reach out!

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