Career Path in Hybrid Cloud Security

It took me 8+ years of effort to become a Senior Security Engineer at Google (L5). I switched from fixing phones ➤ tech sales ➤ IT support ➤ DevOps ➤ Cloud ➤ Security. If I could talk to my younger self, this is the cheatsheet of skills I would hand him to progress faster and avoid years of confusion. And it’s the same map you see in the image. When I was fixing phones in 2018, this is what I should have learned: Junior Level: Start with the foundations – CIA triad – AuthN vs AuthZ – OWASP basics – SQL injection prevention – Firewalls, VLANs, DNS – IAM fundamentals – Basic logging – Nmap, Burp, Wireshark If you’re new or switching fields, this is your runway. Master it, don’t rush. When I moved into DevOps in 2021, these were the skills that actually levelled me up: Middle Level: – STRIDE, PASTA – Threat modelling – CSPM – IAM on AWS/GCP – Docker & Kubernetes security – SOAR basics – Automated patching – Zero trust fundamentals – Incident response fundamentals This is the stage where you stop “doing tasks” and start “thinking like an engineer.” When I finally made the jump to Google in 2024, I realised this was the bar at the top: Senior Level: – Zero Trust architecture – Identity at scale – Multi-region security – Certificate lifecycle – DDoS mitigation – Dependency risk management – EDR strategy – Audit & compliance mapping This layer is where you think in systems, not tools. This is where careers change. If you want to break into Security Engineering or DevSecOps in 2026: You don’t need 10 certifications. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to move up one column at a time. Junior → Middle → Senior. Green → Brown → Blue. Foundations → Cloud & Containers → Architecture & Governance. Forward motion beats perfect plans. Every time. If I can go from selling phones in a mall to an L5 Security Engineer at Google, you can do this too. -- Follow saed ‎for more & subscribe to the newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eD7hgbnk I am now on Instagram: instagram.com/saedctl say hello, DMs are open

Breaking into Cloud Security in 2025? Start Here The demand for cloud security professionals is rising but the skills gap is real.
(1 in 4 companies cite a cloud security skills shortage ~SC Media). I often get asked how to get started or pivot into cloud security. As a Cloud Security Engineer at a Fortune 500 organization, here’s exactly what I would do if I were starting from scratch today. Ten things I’d do to break into Cloud Security in 2025 👉🏾Start with your ‘why’ -> Why cloud security? What draws you to it more than other areas of cybersecurity? 👉🏾. Master the fundamentals -> Build a strong foundation in networking, IAM, encryption, and core security concepts. 👉🏾 Pick one cloud provider and go deep -> AWS, Azure, or GCP. The important thing is to understand the shared responsibility model, service offerings, & how things fit together.
I started with AWS towards end of 2020, & earned certifications like AWS CCP, CCSK, GCLD, KCNA, AWS Solutions Architect, AWS Security Specialty, Terraform associate & Microsoft SC-900. 👉🏾 Learn Infrastructure as Code (IaC) -> At the enterprise level, infrastructure is provisioned through code Terraform or AWS CloudFormation, not the console. 👉🏾 Understand DevSecOps practices -> Know how to use version control tools like GitHub or GitLab, and how security fits into CI/CD pipelines. 👉🏾 Learn a scripting language -> Python or Go can help automate security tasks. You don’t need to be a programmer, but the ability to script makes you much more effective. 👉🏾 Stay current -> Cloud tech evolves quickly. Stay updated on services, tools, threats, vulnerabilities, & best practices. 👉🏾 Develop your essential skills -> Communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, & collaboration are just as critical as technical skills. 👉🏾 Build your brand -> Share your learning journey & insights. Before transitioning into cloud security, I gave a cloud security talk & demo at the SANS CloudSecNext Summit. Sharing helps others & helps you stand out. 👉🏾 Keep learning on the job -> You’ll encounter new challenges, tools, & patterns constantly. You don’t need to know everything but you do need a learning mindset. P.s. What would you add to this list?
Are you starting your journey into cloud security or looking to grow deeper? I’d love to hear your approach. 
#cloudsecurity #cybersecurity #cloudcomputing #LIPostingDayApril #cloudsec

𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠.  Here is the strategic roadmap that maximizes ROI and career impact. After 20+ years building security teams,  I have seen engineers waste $10K on certifications that did not match their career path.  Here is how to choose wisely: 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 (𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲): Beginner: • Security+ for foundational concepts-start here always • CSA for cloud security basics • eCDFP for digital forensics fundamentals • BTL1 for practical blue team skills Intermediate: • CySA+ for security analytics and threat detection • BTL2 for advanced defensive operations • eCTHP for threat hunting skills • GCIH for incident handling—critical for SOC roles • CDSA, OSDA for defensive security specialization • eCIR for incident response Advanced: • GCFA for forensic analysis-expert level • CASP+ for enterprise architecture security 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 (𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲): Beginner: • PNPT for practical penetration testing • CBBH for bug bounty hunting • eJPT for entry-level pentesting • CRTP for attacking Active Directory • CEH for broad offensive concepts (HR loves it, but dated) Intermediate: • OSCP for hands-on pentesting—industry gold standard • OSWP for wireless security • OSWA for web application attacks • OSEP for advanced exploitation • CPTS for comprehensive pentesting Advanced: • OSMR for malware analysis and reverse engineering • OSED for exploit development • CRTO for red team operations Expert: • OSCE3 for advanced exploitation mastery • OSEE for extreme exploit development • OSWE for web security expertise Novice: • KLCP for Kubernetes security 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐂 (𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭): Intermediate: • CRISC for risk management • CISA for IT auditing • CISM for security management Advanced: • CGEIT for governance of enterprise IT • CISSP for security leadership-required for CISO track 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐃𝐎: • Choose based on career goals, not popularity • Get hands-on experience before certification • Budget $500-$3K per cert including training • Maintain certifications-CPEs matter 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓: • Chase every certification-depth beats breadth • Skip fundamentals to jump to OSCP • Certify without practical experience • Ignore vendor-neutral certs for vendor-specific ones 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡:  Certifications open doors but do not guarantee competence.  Hands-on experience + strategic certs = career acceleration. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭? ♻️ Repost if you found it valuable ➕ Follow Jaswindder Kummar for more insights on Cloud Strategy, DevOps, and AI-led Engineering. #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #DevSecOps 

In 2026, the most valuable seat in the room belongs to the person who can bridge the gap between Identity, Operations, and Architecture. The industry is crowded with specialists who stay in their silos. But the real "insider secret" to a career that scales is understanding how these domains bleed into each other. True skilling is about building that bridge. If you are looking at the 2026 roadmap, look at it as a journey of increasing your strategic value: Phase 1: The Blueprint (AZ-900 & SC-900) This is where you learn the geography of the cloud. You aren't just getting certified; you are building the mental map required to see the vulnerabilities and opportunities that others miss. Phase 2: The Specialization (The Associates) This is where you choose how you want to impact the organization. Each path offers a unique perspective: • The Hunter (SC-200): Real-time threat response. • The Gatekeeper (SC-300): Mastering Identity as the new perimeter. • The Guardian (SC-400): Protecting sensitive data at the source. • The Builder (AZ-500): Hardening infrastructure from the ground up. Phase 3: The Visionary (SC-100) The Cybersecurity Architect Expert is the finale. This is for the person who has lived in the trenches and is ready to design the entire ecosystem. It’s where your technical skilling meets strategic leadership. The goal is to become the person who can connect the dots between them to protect the business with intent. 2026 Azure Security Certification Links Fundamentals • Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): https://lnkd.in/gkQ_SAep • Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900): https://lnkd.in/g_Mr7Emx Associate • Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500): https://lnkd.in/g_7JCSmC • Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200): https://lnkd.in/g4dxQEN8 • Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300): https://lnkd.in/g5C5ipkD • Information Protection Administrator Associate (SC-400): https://lnkd.in/gzZfcpSQ Expert • Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100): https://lnkd.in/ghYPsKNk

☁️ Want to Work in Cloud Security? Here’s the Path. Cloud security jobs are exploding — and companies on AWS, Azure, and GCP are desperate for defenders. If you want a high-paying, in-demand, and deeply technical career, here’s your roadmap: 1️⃣ Learn AWS basics 🔗 https://buff.ly/sv3EmOD 2️⃣ Study the AWS Well-Architected Framework (Security Pillar) 🔗 https://buff.ly/doKVGLX 3️⃣ Do hands-on cloud security projects 🔗 https://buff.ly/bJKyHWM 4️⃣ Build a GitHub portfolio → Show that you can secure real cloud infrastructure → Include IAM, logging, detection, remediation 5️⃣ Aim for certs (once you’ve built real skills): AWS Security Specialty Azure Security Engineer GCP Professional Cloud Security Engineer Cloud security is where tech meets defense. Start now and you’ll be in-demand for years. #CloudSecurity #AWSSecurity #AzureSecurity #GCP #CyberSecurityCareers #SelfTaught