In todays fast-paced job market, staying ahead of the curve is essential. One area where this is particularly true is in cloud computing and modular technology solutions. These cutting-edge fields are crucial for excelling in the modern corporate world. Its no surprise that cloud and distributed computing have consistently ranked high on LinkedIns Annual list of skills employers expect the most from individuals.

For those interested in a career path in cloud computing, enrolling in a Cloud Computing Bootcamp can be a smart move to gain basic knowledge and skills. However, with so many alternatives available, determining the ideal one may be difficult. To help you navigate this, weve curated a list of the top cloud computing Bootcamps that are worth your time and effort.

This program, offered in partnership with Caltech CTME, provides in-depth training on cloud computing, focusing on Azure and AWS. Participants gain skills in designing and deploying dynamically scalable and reliable cloud applications. The program includes live learning, hands-on exercises, industry case studies, masterclasses by CTME faculty, and full-spectrum career services.

This 8-month program (4 hours per week) covers all aspects of cloud computing, including core distributed systems, cloud applications, and cloud networking. The specialization consists of 6 courses that progress from basic to advanced topics. Participants earn a course completion certificate by successfully completing a hands-on project.

This program explores all three types of cloud computing IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Participants learn about cloud technologies such as AWS, GCP, Azure, vSphere, and OpenStack, and how to use them to enhance business productivity and effectiveness. The program lasts for 8 months and involves instructor-led training.

This learning path consists of 6 cloud computing courses totaling 10 hours of comprehensive learning material. Participants gain a strong foundation in cloud computing, understanding the differences between AWS, Azure, and GCP, exploring common features of all cloud services, and learning about different job options related to cloud development.

This course covers basic cloud computing concepts along with AWS fundamentals. With around 8 hours of on-demand video, participants gain an understanding of the fundamental systems underlying the cloud and build their expertise from basic to advanced levels.

This program is designed to help participants become AWS Cloud Architects, capable of leading an organizations cloud computing strategy. The 3-month program (10 hours per week) covers planning, designing, and building highly available and secure cloud infrastructure. Prior knowledge of programming, AWS, and cloud computing is necessary.

This training program is ideal for those seeking a foundational understanding of cloud computing. Participants learn cloud computing basics in a platform-agnostic way, understanding which cloud provider or deployment model is right for them. The program also covers the benefits and limitations of major cloud service platforms, including AWS, Azure, and GCP.

This program aims to make participants proficient in cloud applications and architecture. Participants explore core cloud computing skills such as AWS CloudFormation, EC2, S3, Azure Resource Manager, VPC, Route53, Azure App Services, and more. The program also prepares participants for cloud architect certifications like Azure Architect and AWS Solutions Architect.

This program is suitable for individuals who want to learn the basics of cloud computing, including its different forms, benefits, and what makes the technology powerful. The program includes numerous hands-on demos of cloud computing solutions, as well as discussions on IaaS and SaaS solutions. The expert-led program lasts around 2 hours.

This short course (1-hour duration) is ideal for those seeking a foundational understanding of cloud computing. Participants learn how cloud computing is used, why its important, and the as a service models like PaaS, FaaS, IaaS, and SaaS. The course also covers the difference between servers and serverless and highlights the jobs that can be obtained with cloud skills.

In conclusion, gaining expertise in cloud computing can be highly beneficial for your professional career. Cloud skills are in high demand, and professionals can expect lucrative salaries as they continue to gain more experience in the field. By choosing the right Cloud Computing Bootcamp, you can enhance your skills and advance your career in this rapidly evolving field.

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Top Cloud Computing Bootcamps to Enroll in 2024 - Analytics Insight

Liu Weiguang,president of public cloud business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing unit of Chinese heavyweight Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, announced on Thursday a price reduction of up to 55 percent on more than 100 core cloud products, marking the biggest price cut in the company's history.

This move aims to make public cloud services more inclusive and accessible in the era of artificial intelligence, and speed up the popularization of cloud computing in all walks of life, the company said.

The new prices, with an average of 20 percent reduction, are effective on Thursday, covering over 100 cloud products, such as computing, storage and database.

"As the biggest cloud service provider in China and the Asia-Pacific region, we see tremendous growth prospects in China's digital market. That's why we decided to launch the price reduction campaign to lower the threshold of cloud services for more enterprises and developers to reap the technological dividends and accelerate the adoption of advanced public cloud services across various industries in China," saidLiu Weiguang,president of public cloud business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

Liu said with the rapidly increasing amount of data in China, businesses will need robust, high-performance and cost-effective computing power to help handle and analyze their massive amounts of data, adding Alibaba Cloud aims to become the most open cloudand help customers to turn AI into productivity.

Cloud infrastructure services expenditure on the Chinese mainland grew 18 percent year-on-year to $9.2 billion in the third quarter of 2023, according to market consultancy Canalys. Alibaba Cloud led the cloud infrastructure services market, taking up 39 percent of total spending.

fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn

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Alibaba Cloud announces a 55% price reduction - Chinadaily.com.cn - China Daily

In the digital era, cloud computing has become synonymous with agility and scalability for businesses and individuals. However, critical security risks and threats inherent in cloud environments come alongside the myriad benefits. This blog aims to dissect the nuances of cloud security risks, shedding light on the challenges commonly faced when securing digital assets in the cloud.

Before delving into the specific risks associated with cloud security, its crucial to understand the foundational concept of the Shared Responsibility Model. This model represents a new approach to securing cloud environments. Unlike traditional on-premise solutions, with the Shared Responsibility Model, cloud security is a collaborative effort between cloud service providers (CSPs) and their users.

The Shared Responsibility Model defines the division of responsibilities between the CSP (cloud service provider) and the user. The CSP secures the underlying infrastructure, including the physical data centers, networking, and hypervisors. On the other hand, users are entrusted with securing their data, applications, and configurations within the cloud.

This balanced approach ensures that neither party bears the entire burden of cloud security, fostering a cooperative relationship that leverages the expertise of both CSPs and users. The model shifts based on the type of cloud service Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Software as a Service (SaaS).

The development of this model was necessitated by the dynamic nature of cloud computing, where traditional security models became inadequate. Oversight of the Shared Responsibility Model is a shared endeavor, with constant communication and collaboration required to adapt to evolving threats and technological advancements.

Understanding this model is fundamental to comprehending the subsequent discussion on security risks in cloud computing. It lays the groundwork for organizations to make informed decisions, implement effective security measures, and navigate compliance complexities in the cloud.

Now, lets delve into the specific risks associated with cloud security.

Cloud environments, known for their intricate configurations through web-based interfaces or Infrastructure as Code (IaC), are susceptible to misconfigurations. Cloud resources dynamic and scalable nature introduces challenges, making it crucial for teams to adapt and effectively manage configurations. This includes addressing risks such as Broken Object Level Authorization (OWASP API1) and Security Misconfigurations (OWASP API8), where improper configurations may lead to unauthorized access or vulnerabilities.

Cloud platforms offer diverse services, each demanding specific access controls. The scalability of cloud environments complicates the consistent management of access permissions. Teams must navigate complex IAM settings unique to each cloud provider. This challenge aligns with risks such as Broken Authentication (OWASP API2) and Broken Function Level Authorization (OWASP API5), where weak authentication mechanisms or flawed access controls can result in unauthorized access.

Cloud computing involves data transmission over networks and storage in shared infrastructures. Encryption is vital due to the distributed and multi-tenant nature of cloud services. Teams must implement encryption measures compatible with cloud environments to protect data across various states. This aligns with risks such as Broken Object Property Level Authorization (OWASP API3), emphasizing the importance of encryption at the object property level.

Cloud environments consist of numerous interconnected components, making monitoring and logging complex. Cloud storage security risks such as incomplete monitoring may lead to the oversight of critical security events.Specialized tools are required to track activities across virtual machines, containers, and cloud services. Incomplete monitoring may lead to the oversight of critical security events. This challenge corresponds to risks like Improper Inventory Management (OWASP API9), highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring.

Cloud service providers regularly update their platforms, requiring teams to manage patches for virtual machines, containers, and other services. The dynamic nature of cloud infrastructure demands agile patch management to address vulnerabilities promptly. This aligns with risks such as Unrestricted Resource Consumption (OWASP API4), where successful attacks can lead to resource exhaustion or denial of service.

Cloud environments are susceptible to various disruptions, necessitating effective disaster recovery plans. These plans should align with cloud services, including backup strategies and the ability to restore operations cloud-natively. This challenge relates to risks such as Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows (OWASP API6), emphasizing the importance of planning for potential disruptions.

Cloud Specificity: Cloud computing relies heavily on APIs for seamless service integration. Insecure APIs pose a specific threat in cloud environments, where integration is essential. Teams must be vigilant in securing APIs and verifying the security practices of third-party services. This corresponds to risks such as Unsafe Consumption of APIs (OWASP API10), underlining the importance of secure API practices in cloud-based services.

At the heart of these security challenges lies the application programming interfaces (APIs), pivotal components that facilitate seamless connections between software without needing human login. APIs, however, present a unique set of challenges. Whether dealing with open-source or proprietary software, the API landscape demands a meticulous approach to identify and address potential risks.

The OWASP API Security Top 10 offers a comprehensive list of common issues associated with APIs, ranging from broken object-level authorization to the unsafe consumption of APIs. This framework underscores the tendency to place unwavering trust in API functionality, often overlooking inherent vulnerabilities. Notably, the list highlights the need for organizations to scrutinize API usage, considering additional technologies that can augment protection, especially for services intended for a wider audience.

As the cloud security landscape evolves, understanding APIs critical role in vulnerabilities and solutions becomes paramount. By acknowledging the challenges and proactively implementing robust security measures, organizations can fortify their cloud infrastructure against potential threats, ensuring a resilient and protected digital ecosystem.

The cloud landscape faced challenges as Microsoft grappled with authentication issues, drawing attention from attackers and security experts, including Tenable. The heart of the matter lay in insufficient access control to Azure Function hosts, a critical component of Microsofts Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automation). This revelation underscored the importance of transparency in cloud security, emphasizing the need for robust measures to secure cloud authentication.

Tenable CEO Amit Yoran described the vulnerability allowed attackers to interact with Azure Functions without authentication, exploiting a flaw in creating and operating custom connectors within the Power Platform. This scenario exposed a potential risk wherein attackers could traverse different customer connectors by determining hostnames, posing a serious threat to data integrity.

Microsoft swiftly addressed the Power Platform Custom Code information disclosure vulnerability, as detailed in a technical note. Affected customers were promptly notified via Microsoft 365 Admin Center, ensuring a proactive approach to risk mitigation.

Recent challenges, such as the unprepared shift to remote work and smart home security concerns, have introduced new dimensions to cloud security.

The rapid adoption of remote work infrastructure requires secure frameworks and comprehensive policies to mitigate risks. Organizations should prioritize endpoint security, enforcing the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) and regularly updating security protocols on remote devices.

Smart home devices, previously non-networked, now serve as potential breach points, emphasizing the need for user awareness and safe configuration practices. Employee education programs should include guidelines on securing home networks, updating router passwords, and ensuring the security of connected devices.

Cloud configuration should prioritize security over speed. Rushed setups often result in misconfigurations that expose sensitive data. Organizations should allocate sufficient time for detailed cloud security risk assessment, including comprehensive stress testing to identify potential weak points. Continuous monitoring and automated configuration management tools contribute to ongoing security.

BYOD policies demand careful consideration of potential risks. While the flexibility of BYOD policies enhances employee convenience, organizations should implement strict security measures. This includes regularly updating security software on employee devices, conducting periodic security training, and implementing mobile device management (MDM) solutions.

Phishing attacks and social engineering methods continue exploiting technical and human vulnerabilities.

Implementing multi-factor authentication, security software, and regular training are essential measures.

Phishing attacks often target the human security element, relying on unsuspecting users to divulge sensitive information. Organizations should conduct regular and simulated phishing exercises to enhance employee awareness. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection, requiring additional verification beyond passwords.

Regular training sessions on recognizing social engineering tactics and ongoing communication about emerging threats contribute to a vigilant and security-conscious workforce. Additionally, organizations should invest in advanced email filtering solutions to detect and block phishing attempts before reaching employee inboxes.

Identify and encrypt sensitive data, ensuring secure storage of encryption keys.

While VPN services provide secure transit for data, organizations should also focus on encrypting data at rest. This involves identifying and classifying sensitive data, applying encryption algorithms, and securely storing encryption keys. Regularly updating encryption protocols in response to evolving threats enhances the overall security posture.

Implement cloud security solutions, such as Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security, for comprehensive protection.

End-to-end encryption ensures that data remains secure from the origin device to its destination. This practice safeguards sensitive information even if intercepted during transit. Organizations should promote the use of applications and services that prioritize end-to-end encryption.

Cloud security solutions, such as Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security, provide a holistic approach to protecting cloud environments. These solutions offer threat detection, vulnerability management, and real-time monitoring. Regularly updating and configuring these solutions according to evolving threats enhances their effectiveness.

Secure smart home devices, use VPNs for remote work, and regularly update software for increased security.

Test cloud security setups and conduct regular audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. Organizations should prioritize its implementation across cloud services, ensuring user access requires multiple verification forms.

Securing smart home devices involves more than just individual device security. Organizations should guide employees on securing their home networks, using VPNs for remote work, and updating router passwords. This comprehensive approach extends the organizations security perimeter to include employee home environments.

Regularly updating software is a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of cloud security. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure that all software, including operating systems and applications, is up-to-date. Conducting regular security audits helps identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses that attackers may exploit.

Effectively securing the cloud requires a dual focus on understanding and mitigating security risks and threats. By embracing the shared responsibility model, navigating security and compliance in cloud computing challenges, and implementing proactive measures against potential threats, organizations can confidently harness the power of cloud computing risk while safeguarding their digital assets. In this ever-evolving landscape, a comprehensive and strategic approach to cloud security is key to a resilient and protected digital infrastructure. Stay vigilant, stay secure.

The post Unveiling the Threat Landscape: Exploring the Security Risks of Cloud Computing appeared first on Centraleyes.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Centraleyes authored by Michelle Ofir Geveye. Read the original post at: https://www.centraleyes.com/security-risks-of-cloud-computing/

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Unveiling the Threat Landscape: Exploring the Security Risks of Cloud Computing - Security Boulevard

Multi-cloud environments are rapidly becoming a common deployment model for many organizations. From a security standpoint, however, they introduce added complexity.

A main source of this complexity is the expansion of both the threat surface and of the skills and knowledge needed to handle the various tools, services, software objects and security policies of each cloud service provider (CSP). Due to this, organizations contend with the following main multi-cloud security challenges:

Let's dig deeper into each challenge and then look at the best practices to help solve them.

Alongside existing challenges for cloud security, an organization's security team needs to consider the following multi-cloud security challenges.

Configuration management is one of the most common issues organizations face and given the velocity of changes and updates in cloud environments, it's one that recurs.

The range and complexity of the services and objects available in a single-cloud environment can lead to misconfiguration. That range and complexity only compounds with each additional cloud in multi-cloud deployments.

Common configuration issues -- such as using outdated server and container components and images, accidentally exposing storage nodes to the internet, or improperly implementing and aligning identity and access management policies -- can result in security vulnerabilities and possible exposure in the cloud.

Logging and monitoring are relatively straightforward in leading IaaS and PaaS clouds, but many organizations struggle with the volume of cloud-related events generated. This becomes even more difficult when multiple clouds are involved.

Many organizations also often don't understand how to coordinate and contextualize playbooks for monitoring and alerting across different service environments, which leads to further complexity.

Incident detection and response are often a struggle for organizations with multi-cloud deployments. They require preparation of forensic and response tools and services ahead of time in each cloud, as well as specific workflows and playbooks that cover all cloud environments. Workflows and playbooks can become more complicated if hybrid cloud architectures are in use. Further, incident responders often lack the appropriate skills to respond to incidents in each specific cloud environment.

Meeting compliance and regulatory requirements across a diverse set of cloud environments can be difficult, depending on an organization's industry. Most larger cloud providers have SOC, ISO and other compliance-specific reports available to attest to the state of controls and processes on their side of the shared responsibility model. Customer controls status and reporting, however, still need to be collected and aggregated.

The following industry best practices and security tools and processes can help organizations meet multi-cloud security challenges head-on:

Dave Shackleford is founder and principal consultant with Voodoo Security; SANS analyst, instructor and course author; and GIAC technical director.

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Multi-cloud security challenges and best practices - TechTarget

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Cover forCloud to Edgeware: Wireless Grid Applications, Architecture and Security for theInternet of Things

Credit: World Scientific

What if the key to unlocking the full potential of the Internet of Things lies not in the vast expanse of the cloud, but closer to home, at the very edge of our digital world? Cloud to Edgeware: Wireless Grid Applications, Architecture and Security for the Internet of Things embarks on an exploratory journey into this frontier, where the future of IoT is being reshaped by the synergy of edge computing and advanced wireless grids, promising unparalleled efficiency and security.

In the process of crafting Cloud to Edgeware, extensive research was undertaken to bridge the current knowledge gap in the integration of cloud computing with edge technology. This book meticulously analyzes emerging wireless grid applications, their architectural frameworks, and the paramount importance of robust security measures in the IoT domain. By scrutinizing real-world case studies and the latest advancements in technology, the research offers a comprehensive insight into the potential and challenges of IoT ecosystems, setting a new benchmark for scholarly and practical discourse in this field.

The intended readership for this pioneering work is multifaceted, encompassing both professionals, researchers, and academics within the fields of information technology, cybersecurity, and IoT development. It serves as an invaluable resource for engineers, architects, and practitioners looking for practical solutions and innovative approaches to IoT challenges. Additionally, the book is tailored for researchers and students seeking to deepen their understanding of edge computing and its pivotal role in the future of digital networks, making it a must-read for those poised to lead the next wave of technological innovation.

Cloud to Edgeware: Wireless Grid Applications, Architecture and Security for the Internet of Things retails for US$148 / 135 (hardcover) and is also available in electronic formats. To order or know more about the book, visit http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/9354.

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About the Author

Dr.Tyson Brooks is an adjunct professor in the School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University, USA. Dr. Brooks has over 25 years of professional experience in the engineering design, architecture, and information security of complex information systems in the U.S. and overseas. Dr. Brookss expertise includes work in the areas of information assurance, cyber-security, penetration testing, and network-based intrusion analysis and defense in both the public and private sectors. He also holds certifications in Network+, Security+, CISSP, C|EH, CEA, GCIH, CAS-ISM, and PMP. He was the past Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Internet of Things and Cyber-Assurance (IJITCA) and is an Associate Editor for IEEE Access. Dr. Brooks is also a Senior Member of IEEE and the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM).

About World Scientific Publishing Co.

World Scientific Publishing is a leading international independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research and professional communities. World Scientific collaborates with prestigious organisations like the Nobel Foundation and US National Academies Press to bring high quality academic and professional content to researchers and academics worldwide. The company publishes about 600 books and over 170 journals in various fields annually. To find out more about World Scientific, please visit http://www.worldscientific.com.

For more information, contact WSPC Communications at communications@wspc.com.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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Revolutionizing IoT: Cloud to edgeware security and architecture - EurekAlert