How to prepare for CCSK
                     How to prepare for CCSK ?
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With advancements in cloud technology, organizations 
are leaving behind the traditional business approach 
and shifting towards cloud-based services. The cloud 
has emerged as a significant cost-effective platform 
providing organizations the flexibility and better 
utilization of resources. As organizations’ dependency 
on cloud is increasing, the security of valuable 
information assets is their topmost priority. Therefore, 
organizations require highly skilled security 
professionals who can protect critical assets and 
mitigate the risk associated with cloud computing.
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Cloud security alliance (CSA) realized this shift in the paradigm and came up with the 
certificate of cloud security knowledge (CCSK) certification program for cybersecurity 
professionals in 2011. The certification introduces the best strategies to ensure the 
security of information over the cloud. CCSK opens doors of opportunities to work for 
top organizations in the field of cybersecurity.
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What is the CCSK certification?
Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) is the first 
credential of the industry for cloud security. It is a knowledge-
based certificate designed by the Cloud security alliance (CSA) 
to ensure that a large number of professionals are aware of the 
potential threats, and can implement the best security 
measures to secure cloud computing. It is one of the top cloud 
computing certification programs.
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CCSK Exam details
CCSK is a web-based examination. It can be taken from 
anywhere. Candidates have to attempt 60 multiple-choice 
questions (MCQs) in 90 minutes and have to score 80% to clear 
the examination successfully. The exam is available in the 
English language.
In 2017, the Cloud security alliance introduced the fourth 
version of the certificate of cloud security knowledge 
examination (CCSK V4). CCSK V4 Exam includes advanced 
features and supporting technologies of cloud computing.
No renewal is required for the certification. Once you earn the 
certification, it will be valid for the lifetime.
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How is CCSK v4 Different from the CCSK v3 Exam?
It is quite a different and updated version of the previous one. CCSK 
v4 aims to provide some extensive knowledge in the following areas:
•This version of CCSK covers some additional topics compared to the 
previous one, such as containers, DevOps, CI/CD toolchains, etc.
•It provides more explanation on governance, risk management 
contracts, and the legal aspects of cloud adoption.
•This version of CCSK focuses on how to manage the risks associated 
with cloud computing adoption.
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Prerequisites for CCSK certification
There is no work experience required to appear for the CCSK exam, but it is 
recommended o have a basic understanding of various security 
fundamentals, including firewalls, encryption, identity management, and 
security development.
What are the Benefits of CCSK certification?
CCSK certification help in parting the skill gap and increase the chances of 
employability for the professionals who are willing to work in the cloud 
security domain. It complements various other certification programs such as 
CISA, CISSP & CCSP.
The certification also validates a candidate’s ability to develop and secure the 
cloud environment while adhering to the standards accepted globally. The 
candidates learn to employ the best security measures and deal with cloud 
security governance and security controls. It provides a competitive edge and 
helps a professional stand out in this and promising and rapidly growing 
cloud security domain.
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Value of CCSK certification in the market
CCSK is an entry-level cloud certification. Many leading organizations hire 
the professionals holding the CCSK certification. CCSK took the best 
position in Certification Magazine’s Average Salary Survey. A CCSK 
certified professional’s salary is higher than that of other professionals 
working in the cloud security field.
CCSK preparation guide
CCSK exam authenticates the skillset of a professional for various cloud 
service platforms. The methodological approach is required for the 
preparation of examination. Preparation can be divided into the following 
steps:
1.Study materials
2.CCSK training
3.Practice test
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•Read the study material carefully :Cloud security alliance (CSA) 
provides a security guidance book, defining 14 security domains. 92 
% of the questions are asked from this guidance book. The security 
guidance for CCSK can be downloaded from the official website of 
the CSA.
Download the CCSK V4 preparation kit from here: 
https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/artifacts/ccskv4-exam-prep-kit/
Download the security guidance book from here: 
https://downloads.cloudsecurityalliance.org/assets/research/securit
y-guidance/security-guidance-v4-FINAL.pdf
A candidate needs to read the security guidance thoroughly as 
maximum questions are asked from it. It covers the following 
https://downloads.cloudsecurityalliance.org/assets/research/secur
ity-guidance/security-guidance-v4-FINAL.pdf
 domains: 
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• Cloud computing concepts and architecture
• Governance and risk management
• Legal issues contracts, and electronic discovery
• Compliance and audit management
• Information governance
• Management plane and business continuity
• Infrastructure security
• Virtualization and containers
• Incidence response
• Application security
• Data security and encryption
• Identity, Entitlement and access management
• Security as a service
• Related technologies
Study the ENISA (European Network & Information security agency) 
whitepaper describing the risks, benefits, and recommendations for 
information security.
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Download the ENISA whitepaper from here: 
https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/cloud-computing-ris
k-assessment
Understand the cloud control matrix. It is a set of security 
controls developed by the cloud security alliance that enables 
organizations to identify the risks associated with cloud service 
providers.
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1. Choose a CCSK Training program : Another preparation method is 
to opt for a formal training program. Cloud computing is a high-end 
technology that requires access to cloud systems and implements the 
best security measures. Formal training provides the hands-on practical 
knowledge and real-world experience of a cloud environment. It also 
helps a candidate in scoring good marks in the examination.The cloud 
security alliance (CSA) also recommends training. It has developed two 
CCSK courses keeping the requirement of certification in mind. The 
courses are as follows:CCSK Foundation: CCSK Foundation course reflects 
the fundamentals of cloud security and prepares a candidate for the 
exam. The course covers all the domains mentioned in the security 
guidance document provided by the cloud security alliance (CSA).CCSK 
Plus: CCSK plus course covers all the topics of foundation course and 
expanded study material and many real-world exercises to practice. 
Candidates can learn how to secure the cloud environment in real 
scenarios, with the help of these exercises
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2. Go through the CCSK Practice test series : Practice tests 
help a candidate in self-assessing himself before the actual 
examination. The practice test highlights the strong and weak 
areas, based on which candidates can make the examination 
strategies. Practice tests also help candidates in managing the 
time during the examination, keeping them relaxed and 
focused.
To be successful in the CCSK examination, candidates must go 
through the practice test series.
Practice the CCSK test series prepared by Infosec Train’s subject 
matter experts 
(https://www.infosec
train.com/)
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Our recommendations
•Make a proper plan. Instead of overreading, decide what to 
read and manage the time accordingly. It will save you precious 
time, increase your productivity, and boost your confidence.
•Study smartly focus on understanding the concepts.
•Keep revising the concepts at a regular interval of time.
•Be consistent with your preparation. Organize your daily 
routine with studying, proper physical exercise, and taking 
sufficient rest.
•Engage yourself with the study rather than going through 
books over and over. Try to apply the knowledge at your 
workplace, if possible.
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• Focus on the topics that are important for the examination point of 
view. Some of the topics that requires your attention are: five essential 
characteristics, cloud service models, cloud deployment models, multi-
tenancy & risk response strategy, a quick method for evaluating 
tolerance for moving an asset to various cloud computing models, cloud 
computing possible benefits and security concerns, privacy in the cloud, 
compliance and governance, cloud information architectures, storage & 
encryption options, Data Security Lifecycle, database activity 
monitoring, interoperability and portability, business continuity & 
disaster recovery, data center audit, threats for cloud applications, 
application monitoring in the cloud, alternative approaches to 
encryption, encryption in cloud databases, key management, identity, 
entitlement, and access management system, identity federation, 
hypervisor architecture concerns, the diversity of existing security as a 
service offering, incident response lifecycle, responsibilities, and 
limitation, principles to develop a secure design for the application.
• During the examination, keep yourself calm and read all the choices 
carefully before selecting the answers.
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Target audience
The CCSK certification is highly recommended for:
• Security managers
• Security architect
• IT auditors
• Any IT professional who is looking for an opportunity to 
upskill his knowledge in cloud security. 
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Final words
CCSK certification helps a professional in beefing up his 
understanding of various security threats related to cloud 
computing and forging a promising career in the cloud security 
domain.
It is recommended to seek expert help to get through this 
examination in the first attempt. Infosec Train, a globally 
trusted IT security organization, offers a training program for a 
certificate of cloud security knowledge (CCSK). The training 
helps candidates earn CCSK certification and get them a deep 
insight into cloud security.
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About InfosecTrain
• Established in 2016, we are one of the finest 
Security and Technology Training and 
Consulting company
• Wide range of professional training programs, 
certifications & consulting services in the IT 
and Cyber Security domain
• High-quality technical services, certifications 
or customized training programs curated with 
professionals of over 15 years of combined 
experience in the domain
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