CCAIRHow to become a Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud security engineers design and check the security of systems that run on cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Much of the work is setting things up correctly and automating checks.
- First job?
- Usually a second jobUsually reached from cloud, systems administration or developer roles.
- Coding
- Some scripting
- Start with
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Median US pay
- $134,050BLS May 2025, Computer Network Architects
What the job is like
The cloud guardian: you keep services on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud locked down. A typical week might include:
- Find a storage bucket that was accidentally left open to the internet
- Write rules that stop risky settings from being deployed
- Decide who should have access to which systems
How to get in
Usually reached from cloud, systems administration or developer roles.
- Start with one cloud provider's free beginner training.
- Build a small project in the cloud and lock it down.
- Learn basic scripting (Python or Bash) for automation.
Certifications
Start with
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft SC-900
Later, with experience
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- Microsoft AZ-500
- ISC2 CCSP
Free places to practise and learn
Habits that help in every cyber role
- Build a small home lab (an old laptop or free virtual machines is enough) and write up what you try.
- Do beginner capture-the-flag challenges and keep a simple public portfolio of what you learned.
- Go to a local ISSA, ISACA, OWASP or BSides meeting. Most are free for students, and many jobs come from people you meet there.
Questions about this role
Can I get a Cloud Security Engineer job straight out of school?
Usually not. Usually reached from cloud, systems administration or developer roles.
Do I need to know how to code to become a Cloud Security Engineer?
Some. Basic scripting (for example Python or Bash) helps, but you don't need to be a software developer.
What certification should I get first to become a Cloud Security Engineer?
Good starting points: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner; Microsoft SC-900. Later, with experience: AWS Certified Security – Specialty; Microsoft AZ-500; ISC2 CCSP.
How much does a Cloud Security Engineer make?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median of $134,050 a year (May 2025) for Computer Network Architects, the closest official category. Starting pay is usually lower and varies by city and employer.
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NICE work roles: Cybersecurity Architecture; Systems Security Analysis. Pay: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025. Reviewed 2026-10-17 by Dr. Benjamin M. Ampel, Director of CCAIR.