Cloud Computing Auditing: Ensuring Security And Compliance In The Cloud

Introduction:

The rapid adoption of cloud computing presents unique challenges and opportunities for organizations. This comprehensive training course on Cloud Computing Auditing equips participants with the specialized knowledge and skills to effectively audit cloud-based systems and data security. Participants will learn how to assess cloud environments, evaluate security controls, understand compliance requirements, and address the specific audit considerations related to cloud deployments. This course bridges the gap between traditional IT audit practices and the cloud, empowering participants to become valuable assets in ensuring the security and compliance of cloud operations.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for audit professionals responsible for evaluating and improving cloud security and compliance within their organizations, including:

• Internal Auditors
• IT Auditors
• Information Security Professionals
• Compliance Officers
• Risk Managers
• Cloud Architects and Engineers (seeking audit perspective)
• Anyone involved in assessing and managing cloud risks

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Cloud Computing Auditing training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of cloud computing and different cloud deployment models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
• Identify and assess the unique risks and vulnerabilities associated with cloud environments.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of security controls in cloud-based systems.
• Conduct cloud security audits using industry best practices and standards.
• Develop audit programs and procedures for cloud assessments.
• Understand cloud-specific compliance requirements (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA).
• Assess data security and privacy in the cloud.
• Evaluate the security practices of cloud service providers.
• Develop recommendations for improving cloud security and compliance.
• Communicate cloud audit findings effectively to management.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams on cloud security initiatives.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest cloud audit techniques and best practices.
• Contribute to a stronger cloud security posture within their organizations.
• Enhance their understanding of cloud risk management.
• Become a more valuable and sought-after cloud audit professional.

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing and Security

• Cloud computing fundamentals: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, deployment models (public, private, hybrid).
• Key cloud concepts: virtualization, scalability, elasticity, multi-tenancy.
• Cloud security challenges and risks: data breaches, unauthorized access, compliance issues.
• Shared responsibility model in cloud security.
• Overview of cloud security frameworks and standards.

Module 2: Cloud Audit Planning and Preparation

• Developing a cloud audit strategy.
• Defining audit scope and objectives for cloud environments.
• Identifying relevant cloud security frameworks and compliance requirements.
• Planning audit procedures and techniques specific to the cloud.
• Resource allocation and scheduling for cloud audits.

Module 3: Cloud Security Controls and Architecture

• Security controls in the cloud: preventive, detective, and corrective.
• Cloud security architecture best practices.
• Identity and access management (IAM) in the cloud.
• Data security and encryption in the cloud.
• Network security in cloud environments.

Module 4: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Auditing

• Auditing virtual machines, storage, and networking in IaaS.
• Security hardening of IaaS infrastructure.
• Compliance with IaaS security best practices.
• Auditing IaaS provider controls.
• Monitoring and logging in IaaS environments.

Module 5: Platform as a Service (PaaS) Auditing

• Auditing application development and deployment in PaaS.
• Security of PaaS platforms and services.
• Data security and privacy in PaaS.
• Compliance with PaaS security best practices.
• Auditing PaaS provider controls.

Module 6: Software as a Service (SaaS) Auditing

• Auditing SaaS applications and data security.
• User access and authentication in SaaS.
• Data security and privacy in SaaS.
• Compliance with SaaS security best practices.

• Auditing SaaS provider controls and service level agreements (SLAs).

Module 7: Data Security and Privacy in the Cloud

• Data security and privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) in the cloud.
• Data encryption and key management in cloud environments.
• Data loss prevention (DLP) in the cloud.
• Data residency and sovereignty considerations.
• Auditing data security and privacy controls in the cloud.

Module 8: Cloud Provider Security and Compliance

• Evaluating the security posture of cloud service providers.
• Reviewing cloud provider certifications and compliance reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001).
• Assessing third-party risk in cloud environments.
• Auditing cloud provider controls and SLAs.
• Managing cloud vendor relationships.

Module 9: Reporting and Communication of Cloud Audit Findings

• Developing clear and concise cloud audit reports.
• Communicating cloud audit findings to management.
• Providing recommendations for improving cloud security and compliance.
• Following up on audit findings and remediation efforts.
• Reporting to regulatory bodies (if applicable).

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.