Cloud Security Learning Roadmap (AWS, Azure, GCP))
A 12-month structured roadmap for learning multi-cloud security, covering fundamentals, IAM, networking, data protection, and advanced topics for AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Month 1–2: Cloud Basics
Topics and Skills:
- Cloud models (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS), virtualization, containers
- Shared Responsibility Model
- Basic CLI/console navigation
- Free-tier account setup (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Resources and Labs:
- AWS: Cloud Practitioner Essentials, AWS Security Fundamentals (Skill Builder)
- Azure: Microsoft Learn Azure Fundamentals modules
- GCP: Google Cloud Digital Leader modules, Skills Boost trial
- Hands-on: Launch simple VMs, storage buckets, databases
Certifications / Projects:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft AZ-900, Google Cloud Digital Leader
- Capstone: Deploy a static website or simple app on one cloud
Month 3–4: Identity & Access Management (IAM) and Network Security
Topics and Skills:
- IAM basics: users, groups, roles, policies, MFA
- AWS IAM, Azure AD/Entra ID, GCP IAM
- Networking basics: VPC/VNet, subnets, security groups, routing
- Least-privilege access principles
Resources and Labs:
- IAM and VPC setup tutorials (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Create IAM users, configure MFA, build network rules
Certifications / Projects:
- Practice exams
- Build a secure networking lab
Month 5–6: Data Protection & Logging
Topics and Skills:
- Data encryption: AWS KMS, Azure Key Vault, GCP KMS
- Secure storage and backup
- Logging and monitoring: CloudTrail, CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, GCP Logging
- Compliance basics: CIS benchmarks, GDPR/HIPAA
Resources and Labs:
- Enable encryption and logging on storage and databases
- Monitor cloud services with dashboards and audit logs
Certifications / Projects:
- Capstone: Deploy a multi-tier app with encrypted DB and centralized logging
Month 7–8: Threat Detection and Incident Response
Topics and Skills:
- Threat detection tools: GuardDuty, Security Center, Security Command Center
- Incident response basics and cloud forensics
- Vulnerability scanning
- SIEM concepts and alerting
Resources and Labs:
- Enable threat detection services (GuardDuty, Sentinel, GCP SCC)
- Simulate alerts and test IR workflows
Certifications / Projects:
- Write an incident response plan for a simulated breach
Month 9–10: Advanced Topics and Multi-Cloud Security
Topics and Skills:
- Containers and serverless security (EKS, AKS, Lambda, Functions)
- Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation) and scanning (tfsec)
- Zero Trust networking
- Multi-cloud CSPM/CIEM strategies
- Compliance frameworks (CIS, NIST)
Resources and Labs:
- Deploy Terraform IaC with security policies
- Harden Kubernetes environments
- Compare alerting across AWS and Azure
Certifications / Projects:
- Capstone: Design a secure multi-cloud environment
Month 11–12: Review, Certification Prep, and Capstone
Topics and Skills:
- Review key concepts
- Advanced threat modeling, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipeline security
- Risk assessments and architecture review
Resources and Labs:
- Official study guides for AWS Security Specialty, AZ-500, GCP Security Engineer
- Cloud CTFs and security challenges
Certifications / Projects:
- Finalize certifications (Security Specialty level)
- Showcase labs on GitHub or write blog posts
Figure: Simplified cloud computing diagram showing users accessing shared apps and data in the cloud. Early on, focus on core cloud concepts (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, virtualization, shared responsibility) before diving into security details.
This roadmap builds from cloud basics to advanced security in a structured timeline. Leverage free resources, practice hands-on skills, and pursue certifications. By Month 12, you will have a cloud security portfolio and multi-cloud experience.
Sources: AWS, Azure, and GCP official training and documentation.
Free Cloud Security Learning Resources
Topic/Skill: Cloud Computing Basics
Resource: Introduction to Cloud Computing
Platform: Coursera
Notes: Beginner-friendly
Topic/Skill: Cloud Computing Basics
Resource: Free Cloud Computing Courses and Tutorials
Platform: Udemy
Notes: Wide variety of courses
Topic/Skill: Cloud Computing Basics
Resource: Introduction to Cloud Computing Basics SkillUp
Platform: Simplilearn
Notes: Includes certificate
Topic/Skill: Cloud Computing Basics
Resource: Free Courses in Cloud Computing
Platform: Great Learning
Notes: Covers various cloud topics
Topic/Skill: AWS Security Fundamentals
Resource: AWS Security Fundamentals
Platform: AWS Training
Notes: Self-paced course
Topic/Skill: AWS IAM
Resource: AWS: Identity and Access Management
Platform: Coursera
Notes: Focuses on IAM
Topic/Skill: Cloud Identity
Resource: Introduction to Cloud Identity
Platform: Google Cloud Skills Boost
Notes: Google Cloud specific
Topic/Skill: Network Security
Resource: Fundamentals of Network Security
Platform: Palo Alto Networks
Notes: Part of free cybersecurity courses
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security Operations
Resource: Introducing Modern Security Operations Free Course
Platform: Google Cloud Community
Notes: Focuses on SecOps
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: Free Cloud Security Training With Certificate
Platform: Simplilearn
Notes: Covers various cloud security domains
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: Introduction to Cloud Security
Platform: Great Learning
Notes: Beginner level
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: EC-Council’s Essentials Series
Platform: EC-Council
Notes: Includes Network Defense Essentials
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: CSA Research and Guidance
Platform: Cloud Security Alliance
Notes: Whitepapers and best practices
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: CSA Education Resources
Platform: Cloud Security Alliance
Notes: Training materials and FAQs
Topic/Skill: NIST Cloud Security
Resource: NIST Cloud Computing Related Publications
Platform: NIST
Notes: Official NIST publications
Topic/Skill: NIST Cloud Security
Resource: Small Business Cybersecurity Corner - Cloud Security
Platform: NIST
Notes: Guidance for small businesses
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: Free Cybersecurity Education Courses
Platform: Palo Alto Networks
Notes: Includes Fundamentals of Cloud Security
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: SANS Free Resources
Platform: SANS Institute
Notes: Webcasts, white papers, and more
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: SANS Cyber Aces
Platform: SANS Institute
Notes: Free foundational cybersecurity training
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: Google Cloud Security Resources Hub
Platform: Google Cloud
Notes: Insights from Google Cloud experts
Topic/Skill: Cloud Security
Resource: Cloud Security Fundamentals: Cloud Application Security
Platform: Skillsoft
Notes: Covers application security in the cloud