Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA)

In the rapidly evolving world of IT infrastructure, ensuring the security of your Kubernetes clusters and cloud-native applications is critical. The Kubernetes and Cloud Security Associate (KCSA) course is designed to equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge to protect your cloud-native environments against potential threats. Whether you are an IT professional, security engineer, or systems architect, this course will provide you with the tools necessary to secure your Kubernetes deployments effectively.

Course Topics:

Overview of Cloud Native Security This section provides a broad introduction to cloud-native security, focusing on the principles and techniques needed to secure cloud environments. You will learn about the foundational 4Cs of Cloud Native Security (Code, Container, Cluster, Cloud), how cloud provider security works, and strategies for maintaining security at each level of your cloud-native stack.

Kubernetes Cluster Component Security This section delves into the security of individual Kubernetes components. You'll explore how to secure critical elements like the API server, etcd, and the kubelet, ensuring robust protection against potential threats. The focus is on securing communication within the cluster and implementing best practices to protect the cluster's core components.

Kubernetes Security Fundamentals Here, you will gain an in-depth understanding of essential Kubernetes security mechanisms. This section covers pod security standards, effective secrets management, and network policies, providing a solid foundation for securing Kubernetes deployments. You'll learn how to authenticate users, authorize actions, and audit activities within your cluster.

Kubernetes Threat Model Understanding the potential threats to Kubernetes environments is crucial. This section teaches you to identify and mitigate various attack vectors, including denial of service attacks, malicious code execution, and network threats. You'll learn strategies to protect against these threats and manage the security of compromised containers.

Platform Security This section focuses on securing the broader platform supporting your Kubernetes clusters. Topics include supply chain security, ensuring the security of image repositories, enhancing observability, and implementing service meshes for improved security. You will also learn about securing connectivity and managing Kubernetes Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Compliance and Security Frameworks Learn how to align your Kubernetes security practices with industry standards and compliance frameworks. This section covers key frameworks like NIST, CIS, GDPR, and PCI DSS, ensuring your deployments meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, you'll explore threat modeling frameworks such as STRIDE, DREAD, and PASTA, learning how to apply these models to identify and mitigate potential threats. Continuous security assessment tools and practices will also be covered to maintain compliance and security standards.

Upon completion of this course, participants will possess a robust understanding of how to secure their Kubernetes environments effectively, implement security best practices, and ensure compliance with industry standards. They will be well-prepared to tackle the unique security challenges presented by cloud-native architectures.