Cloud Security Fundamentals

This course is part of the UBC Micro-certificate in Cloud Security and Cyber Attack Prevention Methods and the UBC Certificate in Cloud and Technology Transformation.

This comprehensive course offers an accessible gateway into the world of cybersecurity, providing learners of all backgrounds with vital knowledge to identify, understand, and mitigate digital risks.

Tailored for the non-technical individual, this course demystifies the complex web of cybersecurity concepts through engaging instruction and practical examples. Over the span of the program, participants will explore the key components that create a secure online environment and receive essential training to protect both personal and professional digital information.

Course outline

Cloud Security Fundamentals provides a focused overview of cloud security essentials, emphasizing the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability), cloud risk management, and the Shared Responsibility Model. Learners will explore access control through Cloud Identity Access Management (IAM), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and operational security tooling, including encryption and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM). The curriculum highlights practical approaches to mitigating cloud misconfigurations, ensuring compliance, and managing third-party risks, equipping participants with key skills for strategizing secure cloud environments.

• Week 1: Core concepts
• Week 2: Access control - Authentication and Authorization
• Week 3: Security Tooling and Operations
• Week 4: Misconfigurations and Compliance in the cloud

How am I assessed?

You're assessed on successfully completing weekly activities, including your contributions to discussion posts and applied case study projects (based on real-life scenarios). These activities are marked using a proficiency scale, and your instructor provides you informal feedback in the live sessions. While you're not assessed on your attendance of the live sessions, we encourage you to attend these classes, so you don't miss the opportunity to learn and interact with your instructor and other participants. All sessions are recorded in case you miss one.

Expected effort

Expect to spend approximately 5-7 hours per week completing all learning activities, including attending online live sessions.

Technology requirements

All course content is provided in the online courses. To take this program, you'll need access to:

• an email account
• a computer, laptop or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection
• a video camera and microphone

Course format

This part-time, 100% online course consists of instructor-supported real-time classes that allow for a high degree of personal engagement and interactivity, with subject matter experts available during each weekly virtual evening session (PST). These virtual classes are also recorded for later viewing. Each week, learners will review readings and videos, and apply their knowledge in exercises and case studies, and contribute to a discussion forum and connect with other students.