Introduction

As organizations increasingly migrate critical operations and sensitive data to the cloud, the imperative for robust cloud security auditing and compliance has escalated, making it a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategy. This essential training course focuses on Cloud Security Auditing and Compliance, equipping participants with the specialized knowledge and practical frameworks to rigorously assess cloud environments, identify vulnerabilities, and ensure strict adherence to an array of international and industry-specific regulations and standards. You will gain expertise in evaluating shared responsibility models, implementing controls across various cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and navigating the complexities of multi-cloud deployments, thereby safeguarding digital assets and maintaining regulatory integrity in the dynamic cloud landscape.

Target Audience

• Cloud Security Architects
• IT Auditors & Internal Auditors
• Compliance Managers
• Cloud Engineers
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Risk Management Professionals
• Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Specialists

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of cloud computing and its unique security challenges.
• Learn the shared responsibility model in cloud security and its implications for auditing.
• Master methodologies for performing security audits across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments.
• Develop skills in assessing cloud configurations for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities.
• Understand key cloud security compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST, CSA CCM).
• Learn about auditing identity and access management (IAM) in cloud environments.
• Explore best practices for data protection, encryption, and data residency in the cloud.
• Master techniques for auditing cloud network security and incident response capabilities.
• Understand the challenges and strategies for auditing multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployments.
• Learn about leveraging automated tools and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) for auditing.
• Apply practical cloud security auditing and compliance strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Cloud Computing Fundamentals & Security Overview

• Defining cloud computing service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and deployment models for your module.
• Understanding the unique security challenges and risks inherent in cloud environments.
• Exploring the shared responsibility model and its implications for cloud security auditing.
• Overview of common cloud security threats and attack vectors.
• Setting the foundation for a comprehensive cloud security audit.

Module 2: Cloud Security Auditing Methodologies

• Learning structured auditing methodologies tailored for cloud environments for your module.
• Understanding the phases of a cloud security audit (planning, execution, reporting).
• Developing effective audit programs for different cloud service models.
• Techniques for assessing cloud service provider (CSP) security controls.
• The role of continuous monitoring in cloud security auditing.

Module 3: Cloud Compliance Frameworks & Regulations

• Deep dive into major cloud security compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST CSF, CSA CCM) for your module.
• Understanding industry-specific regulations (e.g., HIPAA, PCI DSS) in the cloud context.
• Navigating data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) within cloud deployments.
• Mapping organizational requirements to cloud security controls.
• Ensuring regulatory adherence in a global cloud landscape.

Module 4: Identity & Access Management (IAM) in the Cloud

• Mastering techniques for auditing Identity and Access Management (IAM) in cloud environments for your module.
• Assessing user provisioning, authentication, and authorization mechanisms.
• Understanding privileged access management (PAM) and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Auditing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) implementations.
• Best practices for securing root accounts and service accounts.

Module 5: Cloud Data Protection & Encryption

• Strategies for auditing data protection controls for data at rest, in transit, and in use in the cloud for your module.
• Understanding various encryption techniques and key management services (KMS).
• Assessing data loss prevention (DLP) strategies in cloud storage.
• Navigating data residency and sovereignty requirements across cloud regions.
• Ensuring compliance with privacy regulations through effective data handling.

Module 6: Cloud Network Security & Incident Response

• Exploring methodologies for auditing cloud network security controls for your module.
• Assessing virtual private clouds (VPCs), network segmentation, and firewall configurations.
• Understanding intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) in the cloud.
• Auditing cloud-native security services for incident logging and monitoring.
• Developing and testing cloud-specific incident response plans.

Module 7: Multi-Cloud, Hybrid Cloud & Future Trends

• Understanding the auditing challenges presented by multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments for your module.
• Strategies for achieving consistent security posture across disparate cloud providers.
• Leveraging Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and Cloud Workload Protection Platforms (CWPP) tools.
• Emerging trends in cloud security, including AI/ML for threat detection and Zero Trust architecture.
• Preparing for the future of cloud security auditing and compliance.

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 10 working days before commencement of the training.