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AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam

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AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam

The AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam validates your expertise in securing and hardening workloads and architectures on the AWS cloud platform.  Earning this certification demonstrates your ability to implement best practices for cloud security, identify and remediate security risks, and ensure compliance with security standards.

Who Should Take This Exam?

This certification is ideal for experienced security professionals with a strong understanding of AWS services and a focus on cloud security:

  • Security architects and engineers
  • Cloud security specialists
  • Security operations centre (SOC) analysts focused on AWS security

Course Outline

The AWS Certified Security Specialty exam covers the following topics -

  • Module 1 - Understanding Incident Response and its Application (12%)
  • Module 2 - Overview of Process of Logging and Monitoring (20%)
  • Module 3 - Understanding Infrastructure Security (26%)
  • Module 4 - Learning about Identity and Access Management (20%)
  • Module 5 - Understanding Data Protection Techniques (22%)

AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam FAQs

  • Security principles and best practices: Understanding core AWS security concepts, compliance considerations, and security posture management.
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM): Configuring roles, users, groups, and access policies for secure access control within AWS.
  • Data protection and encryption: Implementing encryption strategies for data at rest, in transit, and ensuring key management best practices.
  • Security services: Utilizing core AWS security services like Amazon GuardDuty, Amazon Inspector, AWS WAF, and IAM for comprehensive protection.
  • Incident response and forensics: Understanding incident response procedures, log analysis techniques, and forensics capabilities within AWS.
  • Network security: Implementing security groups, network access controls (ACLs), and VPC configurations to secure your AWS network.

  • Security professionals seeking to validate their expertise in securing AWS environments.
  • Architects and engineers aiming to design and implement secure cloud solutions on AWS.
  • Individuals working in security operations roles focused on cloud security.

AWS recommends a minimum of five years of IT security experience with at least two years focused on securing cloud workloads.

The exam is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions. You are usually given 180 minutes to complete the exam.

  • AWS Certified Security - Specialty resources: The official AWS website offers a comprehensive learning guide, practice exams, and recommended courses
  • Online courses and tutorials: Offered by various training providers specializing in AWS security.
  • Books and study guides: Available from publishers focusing on AWS security and the Security Specialty exam.

  • Validates your in-depth knowledge and skills in securing AWS cloud environments.
  • Enhances career prospects in cloud security architect, security engineer, and related roles.
  • Demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage comprehensive security solutions on AWS.
  • Increases your value to potential employers seeking skilled cloud security professionals.

You can register for the exam through the AWS Certification website

  • AWS Security Community: Provides a platform for discussions, knowledge sharing, and connecting with other AWS security professionals
  • Online forums and communities: Participating in forums dedicated to cloud security can offer valuable insights and industry-wide knowledge sharing.

  • AWS Security blog: Following the official AWS Security blog for announcements on new security features, vulnerabilities, and best practices
  • Industry publications and websites: Staying informed about the latest trends and threats in cloud security.
  • Webinars and events: Attending webinars and industry events focused on cloud security can provide valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.

The recommended preparation time can vary depending on your prior AWS and security experience. Generally, dedicating 4-6 months of consistent studying with effective resources is recommended.