Hands-On Labs in Google Cloud for Security Engineers

Google Cloud via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/hands-on-labs-google-cloud-security-engineer

Introduction

### Course Review: Hands-On Labs in Google Cloud for Security Engineers In an era where cybersecurity threats are rampant, understanding how to secure cloud environments is imperative for security engineers. Coursera's "Hands-On Labs in Google Cloud for Security Engineers" course provides a compelling opportunity for professionals looking to bolster their cloud security skills with practical, hands-on experience directly within Google Cloud Platform (GCP). #### Course Overview This course stands apart thanks to its unique structure. It consists of a single module of foundational background videos, followed by a series of immersive, hands-on labs designed to teach practical skills in securing resources on Google Cloud. Emphasizing real-world applications, participants engage directly with GCP tools to enhance their understanding of cloud security. #### Syllabus Highlights 1. **Welcome to Security in Google Cloud: Hands-On Practice:** - This introductory module sets the stage for the rest of the course, outlining how to navigate the online environment and what to expect from the hands-on labs. 2. **IAM Custom Roles:** - Creating custom IAM roles is crucial for minimizing security risks. In this lab, participants learn how to craft bespoke roles using the Google Cloud Console and gcloud command-line tool. This foundational skill is essential for ensuring that the principle of least privilege is implemented within projects. 3. **VPC Network Peering:** - Understanding network architecture is vital for security. This lab involves setting up peering connections between two Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) networks, allowing for secure communication while maintaining isolated environments. 4. **Setting up a Private Kubernetes Cluster:** - Kubernetes is a powerful orchestration tool, but securing it is paramount. Participants will create a private Kubernetes cluster where the virtual machines that host the nodes are not externally accessible, safeguarding against unauthorized access. 5. **How to Use a Network Policy on Google Kubernetes Engine:** - In this lab, learners work with service accounts and namespaces to enforce access controls, honing their skills in creating a segmented security posture within Kubernetes. 6. **Using Role-based Access Control in Kubernetes Engine:** - Further exploration of access control, this lab builds on previous learning by implementing role-based access control (RBAC) to manage user permissions across various Kubernetes namespaces. #### Why You Should Take This Course 1. **Practical Experience:** - The emphasis on hands-on labs allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, which enhances retention and understanding. This experiential learning approach is ideal for mastering the nuanced aspects of cloud security. 2. **Industry-Relevant Skills:** - The skills developed in this course are highly relevant in today's job market. As organizations increasingly migrate to the cloud, the demand for professionals who can secure these environments continues to rise. 3. **Expert-Led Instruction:** - The insights provided through instructional videos and practical labs are curated by industry experts, ensuring that participants receive relevant and high-quality training. 4. **Flexibility and Accessibility:** - Being an online course, it offers great flexibility for working professionals. You can progress at your own pace, making it easier to balance learning with other commitments. 5. **Certification and Recognition:** - Completing this course not only enhances your resume but can also lead to valuable certification from Coursera, showcasing your commitment to professional development and expertise in cloud security. #### Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, "Hands-On Labs in Google Cloud for Security Engineers" is a must-take course for anyone serious about pursuing a career in cloud security or enhancing their existing skill set in Google Cloud. With its practical, hands-on approach and focus on vital security concepts, it equips participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to safeguard cloud environments effectively. I highly recommend this course to security engineers, cloud practitioners, and ambitious professionals eager to deepen their understanding of Google Cloud security features. If you seek to thrive in the fast-evolving landscape of cloud technology and cybersecurity, this course will significantly broaden your capabilities.

Syllabus

Welcome to Security in Google Cloud: Hands-On Practice

In this module, you'll get to know how to interact with the course.

IAM Custom Roles

In this lab, you create custom roles using Cloud Console and gcloud.

VPC Network Peering

In this lab, you set up peering between two VPC networks.

Setting up a Private Kubernetes Cluster

In this lab, you create and configure a private cluster for Kubernetes in Google Cloud. The virtual machines on which the Kubernetes nodes run will not be externally accessible.

How to Use a Network Policy on Google Kubernetes Engine

In this lab, you provision two service accounts to represent user personas and three namespaces: dev, test, and prod. You will test the access controls of the personas in each namespace.

Using Role-based Access Control in Kubernetes Engine

In this lab, you provision two service accounts to represent user personas and three namespaces: dev, test, and prod. You will test the access controls of the personas in each namespace.