Cloud Security is the FUTURE! - Here's Why

Summary

In this insightful interview, Christopher, the founder of Cybrary, discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in the cloud. He highlights the lack of focus on cloud-specific security training and the urgent need for professionals to acquire these skills. Christopher shares his experience with an unexpected $80,000 cloud bill due to security oversights and emphasizes the importance of monitoring and understanding cloud costs as part of security practices. He also announces Cybrary's upcoming cloud security course aimed at addressing this knowledge gap and encourages hands-on learning and community engagement for career advancement in cybersecurity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of cloud security is rising, but there is a noticeable lag in training and awareness about it compared to traditional web-based or networking security.
• 🚀 The cloud is becoming increasingly significant, but hybrid environments are likely to coexist, introducing new security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
• 📚 There is a gap in training materials focusing on cloud security, with many existing resources still centered on traditional attack vectors.
• 💡 Understanding the specifics of cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, and their services (EC2, S3, RDS) is crucial for both securing and testing cloud environments.
• 🔒 The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the move to the cloud, often without proper security practices, potentially leaving systems vulnerable.
• 🛑 The speaker recounts a personal experience where a lack of monitoring led to an $80,000 bill due to unauthorized use of cloud resources, highlighting the need for vigilance.
• 🎓 The upcoming launch of a cloud security course by Cyber in December 2022 aims to fill the gap in training for cloud-specific security skills.
• 🔑 The responsibility for securing cloud environments is often overlooked in training, leading to potential security risks.
• 🌐 The cloud offers hands-on learning opportunities, with many platforms providing a free tier for practice, which can be beneficial for building practical skills and bolstering resumes.
• 💼 Documenting and sharing learning experiences, such as blog posts and screenshots, can be a valuable addition to a resume and demonstrate practical skills.
• 🔍 Regularly reviewing cloud service bills for anomalies can serve as an indicator of potential security issues or unauthorized resource usage.

Q & A

What was the incident where the bill reached eighty thousand dollars?

The incident occurred when someone bypassed security controls and spun up dozens of lab environments, launching multiple different environments with the largest GPU-based instances. These instances ran unobstructed because there was no monitoring in place, leading to an unexpected bill of eighty thousand dollars.

What is the significance of cloud security in the current IT landscape?

Cloud security is significant because as more organizations pivot to the cloud, new security vulnerabilities are introduced. Understanding how cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, and their specific services operate is crucial for both securing and testing these environments effectively.

Why is there a perceived lag in cybersecurity training focused on cloud security?

The lag is due to many training materials focusing on traditional web-based or networking attacks, rather than cloud-specific security. This results in a gap in understanding how to secure and test cloud environments, which are increasingly relevant in modern IT infrastructure.

What are some of the challenges faced in securing cloud environments?

Challenges include understanding the nuances of different cloud platforms, configuring proper permissions, and setting up effective monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized resource usage or security breaches.

Why is it important to monitor cloud resource usage and billing?

Monitoring is crucial for security as it helps detect unauthorized or unintended resource usage, which can lead to significant financial costs and potential security breaches. It also helps in understanding and managing cloud service costs effectively.

What is the role of hands-on learning in cloud security education?

Hands-on learning is essential in cloud security as it allows learners to practice deploying and securing resources in a real environment. This practical experience is invaluable for understanding the nuances of cloud security and preparing for real-world scenarios.

What is the upcoming course on AWS security mentioned in the script?

The upcoming course is called 'Introduction to AWS Security' and is set to launch in December 2022. It aims to teach the basics of core services and components of AWS, focusing on how to secure them effectively.

How can learning cloud security help in job applications and career advancement?

Learning cloud security can differentiate job applicants in the market, as more companies are requiring or seeking cloud experience. It also prepares individuals for future roles in cybersecurity, which is increasingly focused on cloud environments.

What advice is given for those looking to break into cybersecurity or advance their skills?

The advice includes focusing on areas of interest and passion, finding mentors, joining communities, and not getting overwhelmed by the vast amount of information. It's also recommended to document learning experiences and share them, which can bolster resumes and demonstrate practical skills.

What is the importance of community and mentorship in learning cybersecurity?

Community and mentorship are crucial as they provide support, guidance, and a safe space for learning. They help in navigating the complex field of cybersecurity, sharing knowledge, and fostering a collaborative learning environment.