Cloud Management & IT Security: An Integrated Approach

Introduction:

Cloud technologies are evolving rapidly, and while making a business case for cloud migration and analyzing commercial prospects is essential, it does not guarantee a smooth transition. One of the primary challenges is ensuring that existing applications and IT infrastructure are securely and effectively migrated. This involves regulatory compliance, updating internal procedures, conducting risk assessments, and managing cloud vendor contracts.

Adopting cloud solutions introduces the need for external security functions, which requires a reassessment of internal risk and security management practices from the outset. This Cloud Management and IT Security course is designed to equip security and managerial professionals with techniques for assessing risks associated with cloud technologies.

The course also provides valuable insights for legal practitioners on network forensics and securing cloud-based technologies, addressing governance and compliance issues essential for such a significant transformation. Participants will learn to manage information security risks, address business threats, and implement best practices in cloud security. The focus will be on developing strategies to mitigate or eliminate the effects of security breaches.

Objectives:

By the end of this Cloud Management and IT Security course, participants will be able to:

• Construct and implement a risk-based cloud security auditing program.
• Assess current risks and trends in cybercrime and IT security breaches.
• Identify, understand, and respond to information security breaches.
• Evaluate key risk areas in cloud vendor contracts.
• Understand the different layers of cloud computing.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments for cloud environments.
• Integrate cloud security into Information Security Management (ISM).
• Develop Crisis Management and Disaster Recovery plans for cloud environments.

Training Methodology:

• Instructor-led sessions
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Simulation and role-playing
• Risk assessment scenarios
• Panels of industry experts

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing:

• Advantages and business aspects of Cloud Computing.
• SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS delivery models.
• Types of Clouds (Public, Private, Hybrid).
• Selecting a cloud service provider.

Unit 2: IT Security Evolution:

• Differentiation of Physical and Electronic Risk.
• Networking and Communication Technology.
• Design of Computer Systems.
• Legal Regulation.
• Current Threat and Trend Analysis.

Unit 3: Compliance and Legal Considerations:

• Compliance specific to cloud environments.
• Privacy issues.
• Data Sovereignty.
• Supplier Agreements with cloud providers.

Unit 4: Crisis Management and Risk Assessment:

• Approach to Cloud Risk Assessment.
• Assessing Internal and External Environments.
• Cloud Information Security.
• Encrypting Laptops.
• Data Security Throughout its Lifecycle.

Unit 5: Identifying and Responding to Data Breaches:

• Key aspects of determining a security breach.
• Crisis Management Planning.
• Media Relations and Initial Crisis Management.
• Forensic and Electronic Investigations.
• Business Continuity Response.

Conclusion:

Upon completing the Cloud Management and IT Security course, participants will have a solid foundation in both IT security and cloud management. The program provides essential knowledge and practical skills for working in cloud security management, culminating in a certification that demonstrates competence in the field. The course links fundamental and advanced issues in information security and cloud computing, preparing participants for the evolving landscape of IT security.