Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Certification Training Course

Course Overview

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Certification Training Course with Accumentum is designed to equip professionals with advanced skills to secure Kubernetes clusters, focusing on cluster hardening, vulnerability management, and cloud-native security best practices. This course is tailored for experienced DevOps engineers, Kubernetes administrators, or security professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in protecting Kubernetes-based infrastructure to meet organizational security requirements. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of key concepts such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), network policies, container security, and audit logging. The course emphasizes hands-on, practical training through labs and real-world scenarios, enabling learners to implement security measures, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance in Kubernetes environments effectively. This training is essential for professionals aiming to excel in Kubernetes security roles or advance their careers in cloud-native security, providing them with the skills to enhance cluster resilience and protect organizational assets. It prepares candidates to confidently pass the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam, empowering them to address complex security challenges with proficiency and leverage Kubernetes’ capabilities to deliver secure, scalable solutions.
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Course Objectives

  • Develop advanced skills in securing Kubernetes clusters through cluster hardening, vulnerability management, and implementing security best practices.
  • Gain expertise in configuring RBAC, network policies, and container security to protect Kubernetes environments from threats and misconfigurations.
  • Utilize practical labs to perform tasks like securing APIs, auditing clusters, and mitigating risks in real-world Kubernetes scenarios.
  • Acquire comprehensive knowledge and strategies to confidently pass the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam, validating expertise in cloud-native security roles.

Who Should Attend

  • Professionals with CKA certification or equivalent experience seeking to specialize in securing Kubernetes clusters and infrastructure.
  • DevOps practitioners aiming to enhance their skills in implementing security best practices for cloud-native applications and Kubernetes environments.
  • IT security specialists looking to deepen their expertise in protecting Kubernetes-based systems and ensuring compliance in enterprise settings.
  • Individuals pursuing the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam who need advanced, hands-on training to master Kubernetes security concepts and succeed in certification.

Prerequisites

  • Must hold a valid CKA certification or equivalent experience in managing Kubernetes clusters, as required by the Linux Foundation for CKS eligibility.
  • Proficiency in Kubernetes concepts, including cluster architecture, networking, storage, and workload management, to effectively engage with advanced security topics.
  • Familiarity with IT security principles, such as encryption, access control, and network security, to build upon during the course.
  • A suitable system (physical or virtual) to practice labs, with tools like kubectl, Docker, and a Kubernetes cluster (e.g., Minikube or cloud-based) installed.

Course Content

Kubernetes Security Fundamentals
  • Understand the shared responsibility model for securing Kubernetes in on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Explore the CKS exam domains, including cluster hardening, supply chain security, and runtime protection.
  • Identify common Kubernetes security threats, such as privilege escalation and misconfigured APIs.
  • Learn Kubernetes security best practices as outlined by CNCF and NSA/CISA guidelines.
Cluster Setup and Hardening
  • Configure secure Kubernetes cluster installation using kubeadm with TLS and secure API settings.
  • Harden control plane components, including API server, controller manager, and scheduler, to reduce attack surfaces.
  • Implement secure etcd configurations, including encryption at rest and access controls.
  • Verify cluster compliance with CIS Kubernetes Benchmark using tools like kube-bench.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • Design and implement RBAC policies to restrict user and service account permissions in Kubernetes.
  • Create roles and cluster roles to enforce least privilege for specific namespaces and resources.
  • Bind roles to users, groups, or service accounts using role bindings and cluster role bindings.
  • Troubleshoot RBAC issues, such as unauthorized access or overly permissive policies.
Network Security and Policies
  • Configure network policies to control pod-to-pod and external traffic, restricting unauthorized communication.
  • Implement CNI plugins (e.g., Calico, Cilium) to support advanced network security features.
  • Secure Ingress controllers and services to prevent exposure of sensitive endpoints.
  • Audit and troubleshoot network policy enforcement using tools like kubectl and network diagnostics.
Pod and Container Security
  • Define Pod Security Standards (PSS) to enforce security baselines, such as preventing privileged containers.
  • Configure security contexts for pods and containers to limit privileges, users, and capabilities.
  • Use AppArmor or Seccomp profiles to restrict system calls and enhance container isolation.
  • Mitigate container vulnerabilities by scanning images and enforcing runtime security policies.
Securing the Software Supply Chain
  • Implement image signing and verification using tools like cosign to ensure trusted container images.
  • Configure admission controllers, such as Open Policy Agent (OPA), to enforce image security policies.
  • Scan container images for vulnerabilities using tools like Trivy or Clair during CI/CD pipelines.
  • Harden container registries to prevent unauthorized access and ensure image integrity.
Kubernetes API Security
  • Secure the Kubernetes API server with authentication mechanisms, including certificates and tokens.
  • Enable audit logging to track API requests and detect suspicious activities.
  • Restrict anonymous access and enforce mutual TLS (mTLS) for API communication.
  • Troubleshoot API security issues, such as authentication failures or misconfigured access controls.
Monitoring and Logging for Security
  • Configure centralized logging with tools like Fluentd or Loki to collect and analyze security events.
  • Set up Prometheus and Grafana to monitor cluster security metrics, such as unauthorized access attempts.
  • Implement runtime security monitoring using tools like Falco to detect anomalous behavior.
  • Analyze logs and alerts to respond to security incidents and perform forensic investigations.
Cluster Backup and Recovery
  • Back up critical cluster data, including etcd snapshots, to ensure recovery from security breaches.
  • Configure secure backup storage with encryption and access controls for sensitive data.
  • Practice restoring clusters from backups to minimize downtime during security incidents.
  • Troubleshoot backup and recovery issues, such as corrupted snapshots or access errors.
CKS Exam Preparation
  • Review the CKS exam structure, including performance-based tasks, time constraints, and scoring criteria.
  • Practice hands-on labs simulating exam scenarios, such as securing clusters and mitigating vulnerabilities.
  • Master kubectl commands and security tools (e.g., kube-bench, Trivy) required for exam tasks.
  • Develop troubleshooting and time-management strategies to address complex security challenges efficiently.

Course Features

Interactive Learning

Engage with expert instructors and peers through training sessions, discussions, and practical exercises.

Comprehensive Study Materials

Access extensive resources, including e-books, video lectures, and practice exams.

Real-World Applications

Work on real-life case studies and scenarios to apply Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) concepts.

Certification Preparation

Receive guidance and tips to successfully pass the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) certification exam.

Certification Exam

Upon completing the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Certification Training Course with Accumentum, you will be fully prepared to pass the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Certification Exam. Earning this certification demonstrates your proficiency in advanced Kubernetes security skills, including cluster hardening, vulnerability management, and cloud-native security practices, to protect modern IT infrastructures. This achievement will significantly elevate your career as a skilled Kubernetes security professional, unlocking opportunities in DevOps, cloud security, and impactful technical roles.

Enrollment

Enroll in the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Certification Training Course at Accumentum to start your journey toward becoming a certified Kubernetes security professional with advanced skills in cluster hardening, vulnerability management, and cloud-native security. For more details and to register, visit Accumentum’s registration page linked below.