Network Security Engineer → Cloud Security Engineer

A realistic transition from Network Security Engineer to Cloud Security Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 23%. Difficulty: Medium.

Difficulty: Medium6 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 23%

Transition from Network Security Engineer to Cloud Security Engineer.

Transferable skills

  • Network security
  • Detection & response

Skills to learn

  • Cloud security
  • IAM
  • CSPM (Defender/Security Hub)
  • Terraform
  • Kubernetes security
  • Compliance

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Network Security Engineer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Network security
    • Detection & response

    Map transferable skills — Network security, Detection & response — against what a Cloud Security Engineer needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Cloud Security Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Cloud security
    • IAM
    • CSPM (Defender/Security Hub)

    Technologies

    AzureGCPDefender for Cloud

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Cloud security, IAM, CSPM (Defender/Security Hub).

  3. 3. Master advanced Cloud Security Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Terraform
    • Kubernetes security
    • Compliance

    Technologies

    AWS Security HubGuardDutyTerraform

    Handle the advanced topics: Terraform, Kubernetes security, Compliance.

  4. 4. Get productive with the Cloud Security Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    AzureGCPDefender for CloudAWS Security HubGuardDutyTerraformIAMKubernetes

    Be hands-on with Azure, GCP, Defender for Cloud and the rest of the target stack.

  5. 5. Practise Cloud Security Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Cloud Security Engineer tasks at work.

  6. 6. Get certified and position yourself as a Cloud Security Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    AWS Security SpecialtyMicrosoft SC-200CCSP

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Cloud Security Engineer, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes