What I do as a Cloud Security Engineer

Summary

In this video, Andrew, a cloud security engineer with three years of experience, shares insights into his daily responsibilities and the skills needed to succeed in the cybersecurity field. He discusses the importance of aligning solutions with various compliance frameworks, such as FedRAMP and NIST, and highlights his role in creating cost-effective automation solutions to enhance security practices. Andrew emphasizes the need for critical thinking, programming knowledge, and confidence in collaborating with teams. He aims to demystify the complexities of cybersecurity roles and encourages viewers to ask questions as they navigate their careers in this evolving field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Introversion is often misunderstood and can be seen as a personality trait that favors solitude and reflection.
• 😀 Introverts may feel drained by social interactions and require alone time to recharge.
• 😀 Many introverts excel in environments that allow for deep thinking and focused work.
• 😀 Communication styles differ between introverts and extroverts, with introverts often preferring written communication.
• 😀 Introverts can be highly empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others.
• 😀 The workplace can be challenging for introverts, but their skills in listening and observation can be valuable assets.
• 😀 Introversion should not be seen as a deficiency; it contributes to diversity in teams and problem-solving approaches.
• 😀 Strategies for introverts to thrive include setting boundaries, finding quiet spaces, and gradually stepping out of their comfort zones.
• 😀 Awareness of introversion can help improve relationships and teamwork, as understanding differences fosters better communication.
• 😀 Society often celebrates extroverted traits, but recognizing the strengths of introverts can lead to a more inclusive environment.

Q & A

What is the speaker's professional background?

The speaker, Andrew, is a cloud security engineer with three years of experience, having transitioned from a software engineering role.

What does a cloud security engineer primarily do?

A cloud security engineer is responsible for taking high-level requirements from clients and creating solutions to ensure compliance with various security frameworks.

Can you name some frameworks that cloud security engineers need to be familiar with?

Yes, cloud security engineers should be familiar with frameworks like FedRAMP Moderate, NIST 853, and the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).

What is an example of a project Andrew worked on?

Andrew worked on creating a configuration management system that checks compliance based on a set of rules, ensuring aspects like password policy and logging are followed.

What key skills are necessary for a cloud security engineer?

Essential skills include critical thinking, research abilities, knowledge of programming languages like Python, and familiarity with cloud technologies and frameworks.

What role does automation play in Andrew's job?

Automation is crucial as it helps clients reduce manual operational tasks, leading to cost savings and efficiency. Engineers are expected to create automated solutions.

What advice does Andrew give to newcomers in the field?

Andrew advises newcomers to have confidence, seek help when needed, and remember that many solutions have likely been previously created and shared online.

How does Andrew handle the cost considerations of the solutions he proposes?

He conducts cost analysis on proposed solutions to ensure they are cost-effective and meet the client's budget, balancing functionality with expenses.

What was one innovative solution Andrew created to manage access keys?

He created a Slack bot that prompts users to change their AWS access keys before they expire, promoting better security practices in an engaging way.

What does Andrew mean by saying the engineering field lacks clarity?

He believes that many people entering the cybersecurity field are often confused about specific roles and responsibilities, and he aims to clarify these through his content.