AWS Certified Security Engineer: Fortifying cloud security landscape

What is the AWS Security Specialty?

The AWS Certified Security — Specialty certification is designed for experienced IT professionals with a background in security, aiming to validate their expertise in designing and implementing security solutions specifically for the AWS platform. As cloud adoption and the need for skilled security professionals grow, this cloud security certification proves to employers that you are ready for the job. 

  • Master advanced cloud security principles, services and tools within the AWS ecosystem.
  • Develop comprehensive strategies to protect cloud-based systems against emerging cyber threats.
  • Demonstrate your ability to architect secure and resilient cloud environments that align with industry best practices. 
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Key facts

Begin your introduction to cybersecurity in AWS with our AWS Certified Security Boot Camp. 

AWS Certified Security certification overview

The AWS Certified Security — Specialty certification equips you with the knowledge and the in-demand skills to safeguard AWS cloud environments like a seasoned cybersecurity professional. This exam covers a comprehensive range of security concepts that encompass six core domains: 

Domain 1: Threat Detection and Incident Response (14%)
  • Design and implement an incident response plan. 
  • Detect security threats and anomalies by using AWS services. 
  • Respond to compromised resources and workloads. 
Domain 2: Security Logging and Monitoring (18%)
  • Design and implement monitoring and alerting to address security events. 
  • Troubleshoot security monitoring and alerting. 
  • Design and implement a logging solution. 
  • Troubleshoot logging solutions. 
Domain 3: Infrastructure Security (20%)
  • Design and implement security controls for edge services. 
  • Design and implement network security controls. 
  • Design and implement security controls for compute workloads. 
  • Troubleshoot network security.
Domain 4: Identity and Access Management (16%)
  • Design, implement and troubleshoot authentication for AWS resources. 
  • Design, implement and troubleshoot authorization for AWS resources. 
Domain 5: Data Protection (18%)
  • Design and implement controls that provide confidentiality and integrity for data in transit. 
  • Design and implement controls that provide confidentiality and integrity for data at rest. 
  • Design and implement controls to manage the lifecycle of data at rest. 
  • Design and implement controls to protect credentials, secrets and cryptographic key materials. 
Domain 6: Management and Security Governance (14%)
  • Develop a strategy to centrally deploy and manage AWS accounts. 
  • Implement a secure and consistent deployment strategy for cloud resources. 
  • Evaluate the compliance of AWS resources. 

AWS Certified Security (SCS-C02) exam details

Here's a breakdown of the key details you need to know about the AWS Certified Security — Specialty (SCS-C02) exam: 

Launch date:  2018 Last update: July 2023 
Number of questions:

 65 

 Type of questions: Multiple choice and multiple answers 
Length of test: 170 minutes Passing score:  750 (out of 1000)
Exam Level: Specialty Languages:

English, French (France), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese and Spanish (Latin America) 
Validity duration:  3 years Renewal process: Pass the most recent version of the exam. 

Additional AWS Certified Security exam resources

Sharpening your skills for the AWS Certified Security exam is much easier with the right set of resources at your disposal. Use these tools to reinforce your understanding of AWS, cybersecurity and the exam objectives. 

AWS Certified Security study guides and practice exams

  • AWS Certified Security — Specialty Study Guide 
  • AWS Certified Security Study Guide: Specialty (SCS-C02) Exam  
  • AWS Certified Security — Specialty (SCS-C02) Exam Guide 
  • Exam Topics Amazon AWS Certified Security - Specialty SCS-C02 Exam Practice Questions 
  • AWS Certified Security — Master the Exam  

Many paid AWS Certified Security courses offer practice exams and questions, including Infosec's AWS Security Engineer Boot Camp and AWS Certified Security Specialist Learning Path. 

Other free AWS Certified Security training resources 

The journey to AWS mastery isn't always about hitting the books or practicing taking tests. The following resources will also help you prepare to take the exam: 

  • Online forums and social networks: Connect with both seasoned and aspiring security professionals on platforms like TechExams or Reddit communities dedicated to AWS security. Find valuable exam tips, share experiences and stay updated on the latest security trends. 
  • YouTube videos: Here, you can immerse yourself in a world of free video tutorials on AWS security. Channels like Infosec offer insightful explanations of exam objectives, best practices and other cybersecurity tips. 
  • Podcasts: While podcasts like Cyber Work may not directly target the specifics of the AWS security exam, they provide invaluable insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities AWS security professionals face. Gain a broader perspective on the potential career path and pick up valuable industry knowledge along the way. 

AWS Certified Security jobs and careers

The AWS Certified Security credential unlocks many career opportunities in cloud security. This sought-after cloud security certification validates your expertise and positions you as a highly desirable candidate for organizations seeking to safeguard their cloud environments. 

Common AWS Security Engineer job titles

Having the AWS Certified Security — Specialty under your belt opens doors to a variety of job titles, depending on your experience and specific area focus. Here are some of the most common: 

  • AWS security engineer 
  • Cloud security specialist 
  • Security architect 
  • Security analyst 
  • Security operations center (SOC) analyst 
  • Security compliance auditor 

AWS Certified Security boot camps and training

Live AWS Certified Security Boot Camp  

Live online or in-person AWS boot camps can help you get certified quickly. For example, Infosec partners with AWS to provide a three-day AWS Security Engineer Boot Camp.  

Advantages of enrolling in a boot camp include:  

  • Live instruction: Boot camps allow interaction with instructors and peers with useful AWS or AWS exam experience to share. 

  • Complete certification package: When searching for an AWS boot camp, find out if there will be any additional costs for training materials, exam vouchers or hands-on resources. 

  • Higher pass rates: AWS boot camps prepare you to pass the exam on your first attempt, and providers like Infosec back their training with an Exam Pass Guarantee.  

Learn more about the live AWS Certified Security Engineer Boot Camp.  

On-demand AWS Certified Security training  

If you can’t get away for a live boot camp, the on-demand AWS Certified Security Specialist Learning Path allows you to study at your own pace as you prepare for your certification.  

The advantages of the self-study approach include:  

  • Train at your own pace: Train when it’s convenient for you — over lunch, on the weekend or whenever fits your schedule.  
  • Build an individual training plan: Since you’ll be training by yourself, you can target your training around the AWS domains and exam objectives you need to learn the most.   
  • Test on your schedule: With a self-study approach, you can take the AWS exam when you feel ready — take as little or as much time as you need to prepare.  

Learn about the AWS Certified Security Specialist Learning Path.  

AWS Certified Security certification comparisons and alternatives

There are a lot of IT certifications to choose from, so you might be wondering how the AWS Certified Security certification stacks up against the others. Here's a breakdown to help explain some of the differences. 

AWS Certified Security vs. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator certification equips individuals with the skills to manage and operate the day-to-day functions of AWS infrastructure. While security is undoubtedly part of this role, the AWS Security Specialty goes much further. This AWS security certification focuses on in-depth security best practices, threat detection methods and incident response procedures, all essential for robust cloud security. 

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator vs. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

The AWS DevOps Engineer certification differs greatly from the SysOps certification because it focuses on developing solutions in the AWS Cloud environment. On the other hand, SysOps is more about making sure workloads get properly managed within AWS. 

AWS Certified Security vs. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

AWS Certified DevOps Engineers play a critical role in bridging the gap between development and operations, ensuring that code is deployed securely and efficiently. While security is a major concern for DevOps professionals, the AWS Security Specialty offers a more comprehensive understanding of securing AWS infrastructure at scale. This certification covers deeper topics like security automation and orchestration, giving you the tools to proactively safeguard your cloud environment. 

AWS Certified Security vs. Azure Security Engineer Associate

The Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate certification validates an individual's expertise in securing cloud environments built on Microsoft Azure. Both the AWS Security Specialty and the Azure Security Engineer Associate are cloud security certifications that cover similar security concepts but with a focus on their respective cloud platforms. 

AWS Certified Security vs ISC2 CCSP

The ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a vendor-neutral certification demonstrating a broad understanding of cloud security principles. This AWS security certification offers a comprehensive perspective applicable to various cloud platforms, including AWS. The AWS Security Specialty, on the other hand, has a more specific focus on securing environments built on the AWS platform, providing in-depth knowledge and best practices tailored to this specific cloud solution. 

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