Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/palo-alto-networks-cloud-sec-fundamentals

Introduction

### Course Review: Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals on Coursera In today’s digital landscape, understanding how to secure cloud environments and applications has become crucial for IT professionals, security personnel, and organizations alike. For those seeking foundational knowledge and skills in cloud security, the **Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals** course available on Coursera is an excellent choice. This review will dive into the course structure, content, and overall effectiveness, and provide a recommendation for potential learners. #### Overview of the Course The **Cloud Security Fundamentals** course provides an in-depth exploration of the essential principles for securing cloud-based environments and SaaS applications. With the rising adoption of cloud technologies, this course helps students understand the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) concept while also addressing traditional and hybrid datacenter security. Participants will engage in hands-on practice, learning to set up and configure containers on a Docker bridge network, while also testing the security through vulnerability scans. The contents are designed not just for foundational knowledge but to ensure participants can recognize potential threats and implement mitigation strategies. #### Detailed Syllabus Review **Module 1: Course Information** The course kicks off with an introduction that outlines the foundational principles of cloud security. Here, students will learn to identify threats and understand how to utilize security architectures effectively. **Module 2: Cloud Computing Models** This module dives into various cloud service and deployment models (public, private, hybrid) and discusses the shared responsibility model. The focus on Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) technologies emphasizes the importance of protecting data integrity and preventing exploits in cloud settings. **Module 3: Cloud Native Technologies** Module three introduces learners to cloud-native infrastructures, including virtual machines, containers, and serverless computing. This section is crucial as it sets the stage for understanding how these technologies interact within cloud architectures. **Module 4: Cloud Native Security** The fourth module emphasizes the “4 C’s”—Cloud, Clusters, Containers, and Code—highlighting best practices in DevOps and DevSecOps. It covers CI/CD concepts, which are vital for those looking to integrate security within their development cycles. **Module 5: Hybrid Data Center Security** This module addresses security measures specific to hybrid data centers, focusing on internal (east - west) and external (north-south) data requests. Students will learn how to effectively manage and secure data traffic, which is essential in modern enterprise environments. **Module 6: Secure the Cloud with Prisma** The final module goes into securing cloud environments with Palo Alto Networks' Prisma, providing practical insights into harnessing this advanced technology for comprehensive security management. #### Learning Outcomes At the end of the course, learners can expect to: - Understand fundamental cloud security principles. - Analyze different cloud service and deployment models. - Implement security practices for cloud-native technologies. - Recognize the importance of compliance and governance in cloud environments. - Hone skills in configuring and securing containers. #### Recommendations The **Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals** course is highly recommended for IT professionals, cybersecurity students, and anyone interested in enhancing their cloud security knowledge. The structured curriculum, combined with practical hands-on experiences, makes it an engaging learning journey. Whether you work in a cloud-centric organization or are looking to transition into cloud security, this course will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Overall, if you are seeking a robust, industry-recognized course to help you understand cloud security fundamentals and best practices, this offering from Palo Alto Networks is a valuable investment in your professional development. Don't miss the chance to enhance your expertise in a domain that continues to grow in importance across all sectors!

Syllabus

Cloud Security Fundamentals - Module 1: Course Information

In the Cloud Security Fundamentals course, students will learn basic principles associated with securing the cloud and SaaS-based applications through Secure Access Service Edge architecture and identify concepts required to recognize and potentially mitigate attacks against traditional and hybrid datacenters as well as mission critical infrastructure. Students will also learn how to initially setup and configure containers on a docker bridge network and test the container security through the use of vulnerability scans and reports.

The Cloud Computing Models learning activities help you analyze different public, private and hybrid cloud service and deployment models and also the shared responsibility model. Students evaluate virtual machine and network services that are utilized for cloud content deliveries, and focus directly on employing Next Generation Firewall technologies - NGFW - to protect data and prevent exploits.

Module 3 - Cloud Native Technologies - explores the underlying infrastructures of virtual machines, containers and serverless computing that are collectively known as the 'cloud'.

The Cloud Native Security module introduces the 4 C's: Cloud, Clusters, Containers and Code, and evaluates DevOps and DevSecOps best practices. It describes the CI/CP pipeline concepts of Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery, and addresses complexities associated with Visibility, Governance and Compliance.

Module 5 - Hybrid Data Center Security - analyzes the ways effective Data and Data services security protects data traffic for both internal (east - west) and external (north-south) data requests.