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Cloud Security

Secure cloud environments and ensure organisations can safely leverage cloud services.

Cloud security professionals implement controls and governance across cloud infrastructure. This pathway progresses from cloud configuration review and monitoring to designing multi-cloud architectures and establishing cloud security standards.

Career Progression

Cloud Security Analyst

ENTRY $70k - $100k AUD

Experience: 0-2 years

Monitor cloud environments for security misconfigurations and compliance issues, supporting cloud infrastructure reviews and assessments.

Day-to-Day:

  • Monitor cloud security alerts and events
  • Review cloud identity and access management configurations
  • Assess cloud infrastructure against CIS benchmarks
  • Support cloud migration reviews and security assessments
  • Document cloud security procedures and best practices

Key Skills: Cloud Fundamentals (AWS/Azure/GCP) Security Configuration Review IAM Basics Compliance Monitoring Cloud Networking

Certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner AZ-900 CompTIA Security+

Common Tools: AWS Security Hub Azure Security Center GCP Security Command Center Prowler ScoutSuite

Cloud Security Engineer

MID $130k - $165k AUD

Experience: 2-5 years

Implement cloud security controls through infrastructure-as-code, secure CI/CD pipelines, and manage cloud identity and access.

Day-to-Day:

  • Implement security controls using infrastructure-as-code approaches
  • Secure CI/CD pipelines and container environments
  • Manage cloud identity and access management systems
  • Respond to cloud-specific security incidents
  • Conduct cloud security assessments and design reviews

Key Skills: Cloud Architecture Infrastructure as Code Container Security Cloud IAM DevSecOps

Certifications: AWS Security Specialty AZ-500 CCSP

Common Tools: Terraform AWS/Azure/GCP native tools Kubernetes Docker Prisma Cloud

Cloud Security Architect

SENIOR $170k - $220k AUD

Experience: 6+ years

Design multi-cloud architectures with zero trust principles, establish cloud governance frameworks, and advise on cloud strategy.

Day-to-Day:

  • Design reference architectures for cloud environments
  • Define security standards and guardrails for cloud platforms
  • Review and advise on cloud migration strategies
  • Architect multi-cloud solutions and governance models
  • Lead cloud security governance and strategic initiatives

Key Skills: Multi-cloud Architecture Zero Trust Design Cloud Governance Landing Zone Design Strategic Planning

Certifications: CCSP AWS Security Specialty CISSP

Common Tools: Cloud architecture tools Policy-as-code frameworks Cloud management platforms

Head of Cloud Security

LEADERSHIP $210k - $270k AUD

Experience: 10+ years

Lead the organisation's cloud security function, set cloud security strategy aligned to business objectives, and govern cloud security across all platforms and teams.

Day-to-Day:

  • Set cloud security strategy and roadmap aligned to business goals
  • Lead and develop the cloud security team
  • Govern cloud security posture across all platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Report cloud risk posture to executive leadership
  • Drive cloud security standards and policy across business units
  • Manage strategic vendor relationships for cloud security tooling

Key Skills: Cloud Strategy Programme Leadership Executive Communication Budget Management Cross-functional Leadership

Certifications: CCSP CISSP CISM

Common Tools: Cloud security posture dashboards Governance platforms Executive reporting tools

Transition Opportunities

From Cloud Security, common career transitions include:

  • Security Architecture - Expand beyond cloud to enterprise security architecture
  • DevSecOps - Specialise in securing development and deployment pipelines
  • Platform Engineering - Focus on building secure cloud platforms and services
  • Consulting - Advise organisations on cloud security strategy and implementation