Introduction

Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. However, it also introduces unique risks, such as data breaches, compliance challenges, and shared responsibility complexities. This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to audit cloud computing environments effectively, assess risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards. Participants will gain hands-on experience in auditing cloud-based systems, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of cloud computing and its impact on auditing.
2. Evaluate cloud security controls and compliance frameworks.
3. Identify and assess risks associated with cloud service providers and users.
4. Conduct audits of cloud environments across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models.
5. Leverage tools and techniques for auditing cloud infrastructure and applications.
6. Address emerging challenges in cloud computing, such as multi-cloud environments, hybrid clouds, and regulatory compliance.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Internal and external auditors focusing on cloud environments.
• IT auditors and cybersecurity professionals.
• Compliance officers and risk management professionals overseeing cloud operations.
• Cloud architects and IT managers seeking to understand audit requirements.
• Consultants and advisors specializing in cloud security and compliance.
• Professionals involved in regulatory audits of cloud-based organizations.

5-Day Training Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing Auditing

• Overview of Cloud Computing Models: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
• Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model in the Cloud.
• Key Risks in Cloud Computing Environments.
• Case Study: Auditing a Cloud Migration Project.

Day 2: Risk Assessment in Cloud Environments

• Identifying Cloud-Specific Risks:
  • Data Breaches and Unauthorized Access.
  • Misconfigurations and Insider Threats.
  • Third-Party and Supply Chain Risks.
• Assessing Risk in Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Architectures.
• Workshop: Conducting a Cloud Risk Assessment.

Day 3: Cloud Security and Compliance Frameworks

• Auditing Cloud Security Controls:
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM).
  • Encryption and Key Management.
  • Network Security and Monitoring.
• Compliance Standards for Cloud Environments:
  • ISO/IEC 27017 and 27018, GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and PCI DSS.
• Practical Exercise: Evaluating a Cloud Provider’s Security and Compliance Posture.

Day 4: Conducting a Cloud Audit

• Preparing for a Cloud Audit: Tools, Techniques, and Checklists.
• Auditing Cloud Infrastructure (IaaS):
  • Virtual Machines, Storage, and Networking.
• Auditing PaaS and SaaS Applications:
  • Data Management, Application Security, and APIs.
• Group Activity: Performing an End-to-End Audit of a Cloud Environment.

Day 5: Reporting and Emerging Trends in Cloud Auditing

• Preparing Audit Reports for Cloud Environments:
  • Addressing Findings, Recommendations, and Action Plans.
• Emerging Trends in Cloud Auditing:
  • DevSecOps and CI/CD Pipeline Auditing.
  • Zero Trust Architecture in Cloud Environments.
  • AI and Automation in Cloud Security Auditing.
• Capstone Activity: Designing a Cloud Audit Strategy for a Hypothetical Organization.

Course Outcome

Participants will leave this course with a strong understanding of auditing cloud computing environments, equipped with the skills and tools to assess risks, evaluate controls, and ensure compliance effectively. By mastering cloud auditing techniques, participants will add value to their organizations by safeguarding cloud infrastructure and ensuring operational resilience in dynamic and complex environments.