Top 10 Cloud Security Certifications for 2024

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The use of cloud computing has increased dramatically in recent years. And as more organizations move their infrastructures over, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

As such, companies must shift how they approach security, as the security controls for cloud-based infrastructures are different from those for traditional data centers.

Consequently, cloud security certifications have become essential for IT professionals who want to boost their skills, advance their careers, and stand out from others in the job market. These ten might help you plan your next career move.

Key Takeaways

  • Each cloud security certification targets specific platforms, skill sets, and career stages.
  • AWS Certified Security – Specialty and Google’s Professional Cloud Security Engineer are highly regarded for their focus on platform-specific security expertise.
  • Vendor-neutral certifications like CCSK and CompTIA Cloud+ provide foundational knowledge applicable across diverse cloud environments.
  • GIAC Public Cloud Security and CKS certifications emphasize securing multi-cloud environments and containerized applications.
  • As cloud adoption grows, obtaining certifications helps address the industry’s shortage of skilled security professionals.

Top 10 Cloud Security Certifications for 2025

Certification Provider Key Details
AWS Certified Security – Specialty Amazon Web Services Validates proficiency in AWS security solutions, data classification, encryption, and securing internet protocols.
Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) Cloud Security Alliance Vendor-neutral; covers cloud security fundamentals, IAM, and emerging technologies.
GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA) GIAC Focuses on DevSecOps, cloud security controls, and automated pipelines.
GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) GIAC Covers cloud architecture, compliance, and incident response.
Professional Cloud Security Engineer Google Validates Google Cloud security expertise, including IAM and data protection.
Azure Security Engineer Associate Microsoft Verifies Azure security skills: IAM, threat protection, and compliance.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) ISC2 Covers advanced cloud security: architecture, data security, and compliance.
CompTIA Cloud+ CompTIA Validates cloud architecture, security, operations, and troubleshooting skills.
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) CNCF & Linux Foundation Focuses on Kubernetes platform security and containerized applications.
GIAC Public Cloud Security (GPCS) GIAC Validates multi-cloud security expertise (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).

1. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification confirms that you are proficient in developing and deploying security solutions in the AWS cloud. This certification also demonstrates that you understand specialized data classifications and AWS protection methods, data encryption measures and how AWS implements them, securing internet protocols, and the methods AWS uses to implement them.

While there are no formal prerequisites, Amazon recommends that you have at least five years of IT security experience and two years of hands-on experience with AWS.

In addition, before attempting to earn this certificate, individuals typically earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification and/or the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification.

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We consider this one of the best cloud security certifications out there – with AWS being one of the dominant players in the cloud space. Demonstrating your proficiency here is a great place to start.

Prerequisites: Recommended 5 years of IT security, 2 years with AWS
Cost: $300

2. Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge

The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) credential offered by the Cloud Security Alliance provides a vendor-neutral understanding of how to protect data in the cloud.

Earning the CCSK will enable you to develop a comprehensive cloud security program. This certificate covers the best practices of cloud incident response, application security, identity and access management, data encryption, securing emerging technologies, and more.

Prerequisites: None
Cost: $445

3. GIAC Cloud Security Automation

The GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA) certification demonstrates that you understand the DevSecOps method and toolchains. The GCSA also validates that you have the skills to deploy security controls in the DevOps automated pipelines that deliver changes to cloud-based systems.

Holding the GCSA certification validates your knowledge of the security controls, tools, and configurations necessary to enhance cloud-hosted systems’ security, integrity, and reliability.

The exam covers the fundamentals of DevOps, cloud security fundamentals, DevSecOps security controls, secure infrastructure as a code, and more. Although the GCSA isn’t associated with any specific cloud platform, the materials cover Microsoft Azure and AWS.

Although there are no formal prerequisites, practical work experience can help ensure you’ve mastered the skills required for certification.

Prerequisites: None, but work experience is recommended
Cost: $999

4. GIAC Cloud Security Essentials

The GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) certification verifies that individuals have the professional expertise to understand and implement secure cloud environments. This certification focuses on the critical best practices and concepts about cloud security.

The GCLD covers various topics, including data protection, cloud architecture, incident response in a cloud environment, legal and compliance considerations, and more. The certification provides candidates with the skills they need to evaluate and mitigate security risks in cloud environments.

To take the exam, candidates must have completed the GIAC Security Essentials course or have equivalent experience and knowledge in information security. GIAC recommends that individuals have two or more years of experience in information security or a related field before taking the certification exam.

Cost: $979

Prerequisites: 2+ years in information security
Cost: $999

5. Professional Cloud Security Engineer (Google)

Google’s Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification validates that you have the skills to create, configure, and deploy secure infrastructures on the Google Cloud Platform. This includes defining organizational structure and policies, configuring identity and access management, configuring and implementing network security, protecting data with Google Cloud technologies, enforcing regulatory controls, and more.

Although there are no formal prerequisites, Google recommends that you have more than one year of experience creating and managing solutions using Google Cloud and at least three years of industry experience before you take the exam. You should familiarize yourself with the foundations of cloud security, such as identity and access management, along with Google’s specific incident response and data protection technologies.

We consider this one of our top cloud security certifications to have under your belt, certainly, if you have been using the platform for several years and want accreditation to demonstrate it.

Prerequisites: Recommended 1+ years with Google Cloud

Cost: $200

6. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate certification verifies your expertise in deploying threat protection and security controls on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

It also validates your skills to manage identity and access and protect applications, data, and networks. Azure security engineers work with administrators, architects, and developers to design and implement solutions that meet compliance and security requirements. They might also help respond to security incidents.

While there are no prerequisites, you should have practical experience in administering Microsoft Azure and hybrid environments and a strong understanding of network, computing, and storage in Azure and Microsoft Entra.

Prerequisites: Practical Azure experience is recommended
Cost: $165

7. CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional

The CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional intermediate certification offered by ISC2 demonstrates that you possess the advanced understanding and technical skills to manage and secure valuable assets in the cloud.

The CSSP is aimed at individuals who have some experience in security and information technology and want to advance their careers in cloud-based cybersecurity.

As prerequisites, you need at least five years of cumulative work experience in IT – three years in information security and one year in one or more of the six ISC2 CCSP knowledge domains for cloud security: cloud architecture and design, cloud data security, cloud platform and infrastructure security, cloud application security, cloud security operations, and legal, risk, and compliance.

Prerequisites: 5 years of IT experience (3 in security)
Cost: $599

You May Also Consider CISSP

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from the same body is a worldwide, vendor-neutral certification that covers security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management (IAM), security assessment and testing, security operations, software development security, and generally also requires five years of experience across two relevant domains.

This certification covers broader areas of security and is seen as geared closer to leadership roles rather than its cousin’s deep technical and cloud-based focus.

Prerequisites: 5 years of experience
Cost: $749

8. CompTIA Cloud+

The CompTIA Cloud+ certification demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to design, implement, and automate secure cloud environments and safeguard key corporate applications and data.

The CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam will test your skills in cloud architecture and design, cloud security, cloud deployment, operations and support, and troubleshooting security issues related to cloud implementations.

While there are no formal prerequisites, CompTIA recommends that you have two to three years in networking or systems administration in addition to the CompTIA Server+ and Network+ certifications.

Prerequisites: 2-3 years in IT
Cost: $369

9. Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification was developed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation and The Linux Foundation. The CKS certification is aimed at accomplished Kubernetes practitioners who have demonstrated that they have the knowledge and skills to secure Kubernetes platforms and container-based applications during build, implementation, and runtime.

Individuals must have the Certified Kubernetes Administrator certification. This certification validates that you can set up and harden clusters, reduce vulnerabilities in microservices, and monitor for security issues while apps are running.

Prerequisites: A Certified Kubernetes Administrator certification is required
Cost: $395

10. GIAC Public Cloud Security

The GIAC Public Cloud Security (GPCS) certification verifies that you can secure the public cloud as well as multi-cloud environments. Professionals with this certification are familiar with the nuances of Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and AWS and have the necessary skills to protect each platform.

The GPCS certification is geared to security auditors, security analysts, system administrators, engineers and researchers, and cloud and DevOps engineers.

While there are no specific prerequisites, practical work experience can help ensure you have the skills necessary for certification. Alternatively, college courses or self-paced study through another program may suffice.

Prerequisites: None, but work experience is recommended
Cost: $999

The Bottom Line

The benefits and use cases of operating in the cloud have soared over the last decade and are only likely to grow.

But as with any technology, protecting yourself and your data needs to be a primary motive, and there is currently a massive shortage within the security industry.

Gaining one or more cloud security certifications offers an effective way to validate your skills, improve your career prospects, and help differentiate yourself from other candidates in the job market.

So whether you are just starting out or already accomplished in your field, keep learning, validate your learning with certification, and help keep cloud services secure.

FAQs

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Linda Rosencrance
Technology Journalist
Linda Rosencrance
Technology Journalist

Linda Rosencrance is a freelance writer and editor based in the Boston area, with expertise ranging from AI and machine learning to cybersecurity and DevOps. She has been covering IT topics since 1999 as an investigative reporter working for several newspapers in the Boston metro area. Before joining Techopedia in 2022, her articles have appeared in TechTarget, MSDynamicsworld.com, TechBeacon, IoT World Today, Computerworld, CIO magazine, and many other publications. She also writes white papers, case studies, ebooks, and blog posts for many corporate clients, interviewing key players, including CIOs, CISOs, and other C-suite execs.