Cloud and Wireless Security

ISC2 via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sscp-4th-ed-course-6

Introduction

# Course Review: Cloud and Wireless Security In today’s digital age, the way we manage and utilize data has experienced revolutionary changes—especially with the rise of mobile devices and cloud computing. This course, titled **Cloud and Wireless Security**, is course six in a broader cybersecurity curriculum offered on Coursera, and it dives deep into the essential security concepts that govern these ever-evolving domains. ## Overview The **Cloud and Wireless Security** course highlights critical trends influencing information security, notably mobile data usage and the migration to cloud-hosted services. Through a series of structured modules, the course examines the intricacies of protecting information assets in these environments, as well as the unique challenges presented by wireless technologies. ## Course Structure and Syllabus This course is thoughtfully divided into four modules, each focusing on vital aspects of cloud and wireless security: ### Module 1: Operate and Configure Cloud Security This opening module explores the expansive world of cloud computing, driven largely by advancements in virtualization and storage solutions. Participants will gain insight into the fundamental characteristics of cloud infrastructures and the security implications of outsourced IT services. Emphasis is placed on developing a robust understanding of how these services function and the associated risks—knowledge vital for any emerging cybersecurity professional. ### Module 2: Cloud Security Considerations Building upon the foundation laid in Module 1, the second module takes a closer look at virtualization as both a powerful tool and a potential threat vector. This module emphasizes the necessity of protecting information assets regardless of their location or usage. Rather than getting bogged down by the myriad of specific cloud service provider details that evolve each week, this module focuses on the critical question: what needs protection, and how can security measures adapt to changing vulnerabilities and threats? ### Module 3: Secure Wireless Configurations In our increasingly interconnected world, the convergence of digital and analog technologies raises unique security challenges. This module provides a nuanced look at secure wireless configurations, exploring issues related to layered protocol stacks and access control for mobile devices. It contextualizes technologies like Voice over IP (VoIP) within the security landscape, ensuring participants understand the broader implications of converged communication systems. ### Module 4: Chapter 6 Review The final module serves as a comprehensive review of cloud systems security—introducing participants to the complex architecture and security tools associated with cloud environments. It emphasizes the need for specialized knowledge and skills when managing cloud-hosted systems and discusses the vital role of virtualization in effective security practices. As technology continues to evolve, this module equips security professionals with the strategic mindset required to navigate new security landscapes confidently. ## Personal Experience and Recommendation Having completed this course, I can confidently recommend it to anyone keen on understanding the nuances of cloud and wireless security. The modules are well-structured, facilitating a seamless flow of information that builds upon previously introduced concepts. The materials are not only current but also relevant—providing insights that professionals can apply immediately in real-world situations. The instructors present the content in an engaging manner, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying critical security principles. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional seeking to update your skills or a newcomer to the field, you will find valuable knowledge within this course. Moreover, the course includes quizzes and hands-on assignments that effectively reinforce learning, providing a practical approach to theoretical knowledge. ## Conclusion In conclusion, the **Cloud and Wireless Security** course on Coursera is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of information security within cloud and mobile environments. As data use continues to evolve in our mobile and cloud-centric world, the skills developed from this course are undoubtedly invaluable assets in the ever-competitive cybersecurity landscape. Make the leap; enrich your skill set, and prepare yourself for the challenges of modern data security!

Syllabus

Module 1: Operate and Configure Cloud Security

We have all seen the extraordinary growth in the area of cloud computing fueled, at least in part, by the advances in virtualization and storage technologies. Cloud computing offers subscribers almost unlimited possibilities, but it also presents some formidable challenges regarding information security. The security professional must have a thorough knowledge of cloud concepts and the security implications of outsourced IT in general. Let’s begin by examining the essential characteristics. 

Module 2: Cloud Security Considerations

It’s time to take a closer look at virtualization and how it is both the strength and the attractive nuisance or “threat magnet” aspect of hosting an organization’s business processes and data in the cloud. We know why we have to protect information assets no matter where they are hosted, how they are in motion, or how they are being used. As to how, almost every week the specific details change for each cloud services provider not only as they add new features and capabilities but also because they respond to new vulnerabilities and attack attempts.  Instead, this module will concentrate more on what to protect. 

Module 3: Secure Wireless Configurations

In this module, we discuss how the many different digital, analog and other technologies common to our personal and professional lives have converged or come together in nearly seamless ways. This convergence of technologies has shifted the way we work and communicate with others. It’s almost easier to make a list of technologies that are not part of this converged communication than it is to include them all. We won’t try to cover them all here in module 3. TCP/IP and the OSI 7-Layer protocol stacks have already been covered, as have many of the basic software technologies. We’ve also looked at access control as a fundamental need when allowing mobile devices to connect to those IP networks regardless of the physical layer they use to start that connection process with.  In that sense, this module looks further at the ways things work at layers 2 and above in those protocol stacks. We’ll focus on security needs that the various systems require and highlight some key issues along the way.  Doing so will help us put voice over IP (VoIP) and other converged communications systems and their use cases into a security context. 

Module 4: Chapter 6 Review

Information systems and assets that have been fully or partially migrated into a cloud hosted environment is a straightforward process, as we’ve seen in this chapter. Straightforward, yes, but a process that requires significant specialist knowledge and skill regarding the cloud services providers’ architecture, systems, and security tools. Central to securing a cloud-hosted system is the virtualization that makes it work. As you gain experience with cloud systems security, you’ll need to strengthen your own working knowledge of virtual systems and how to secure, manage, deploy and monitor them. It may seem to be a large mental shift to move away from tangible hardware devices that you physically configure to using GUIs and scripts to configure virtual devices — simulations of routers and firewalls running as software-only entities — but in reality, most security professionals and many network engineers spend much of their effort using scripts and GUIs to manage their existing physical IT and OT infrastructures.  The continued convergence of communications brings our security thinking to a different perspective on cloud security, when we accept that many of these new people-facing services, such as full-function collaboration suites, are cloud native to begin with. This also guides us to plan for and include in the organization’s overall IT and OT architectures the many different types of communications technologies and systems being used.