AWS Certified Security - Specialty: Your Ultimate Study Guide

May 19, 2023

Uncover the best resources for acing the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam. This comprehensive guide provides insights into top books, video courses, and practice exams, along with a deep dive into exam objectives and details.

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What is the AWS Certified Security - Specialty?

The AWS Certified Security - Specialty (SCS-C01) exam is designed for individuals who play a security role and have the ability to effectively demonstrate knowledge about securing the AWS platform. This certification requires a deep understanding of specialized data classifications, AWS data protection mechanisms, secure internet protocols, and AWS security services.

AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam Objectives

The AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam is divided into five domains, each with a specific weightage. Here's a deeper look into each domain:

Incident Response (12%)

This domain involves evaluating compromised instances or exposed access keys and verifying the Incident Response plan. It includes:

Analyzing logs relevant to a reported instance to verify a breach and collect relevant data.
Capturing a memory dump from a suspected instance for later deep analysis or for legal compliance reasons.
Determining if changes to baseline security configuration have been made.
Recommending services, processes, procedures to remediate gaps.

Logging and Monitoring (20%)

This domain includes designing and implementing security monitoring and alerting, and a logging solution. It involves:

Analyzing architecture and identifying monitoring requirements and sources for monitoring statistics.
Analyzing architecture to determine which AWS services can be used to automate monitoring and alerting.
Analyzing the requirements for custom application monitoring, and determining how this could be achieved.
Setting up automated tools/scripts to perform regular audits.

Infrastructure Security (26%)

This domain involves designing edge security, a secure network infrastructure, and implementing host-based security. It includes:

Assessing and limiting the attack surface for a given workload.
Choosing appropriate AWS and/or third-party edge services such as WAF, CloudFront and Route 53 to protect against DDoS or filter application-level attacks.
Given a set of edge protection requirements for an application, evaluating the mechanisms to prevent and detect intrusions for compliance and recommending required changes.
Testing WAF rules to ensure they block malicious traffic.

Identity and Access Management (20%)

This domain includes designing and implementing a scalable authorization and authentication system to access AWS resources. It involves:

Analyzing a description of a workload and making recommendations that reduce risk.
Verifying the security of root user management in an organization's AWS accounts.
Determining when to apply user policies and resource policies based on an organization’s compliance requirements.
Designing a scalable authorization model that includes users, groups, roles, and policies.

Data Protection (22%)

This domain involves designing and implementing key management and data encryption solutions for data at rest and in transit. It includes:

Analyzing a given scenario to determine an appropriate key management solution.
Evaluating key usage and recommending required changes based on a set of data protection requirements.
Designing a solution to contain the blast radius of a key compromise event.
Evaluating a number of transport encryption techniques and selecting the appropriate method (i.e. TLS, IPsec, client-side KMS encryption).

These domains provide a comprehensive overview of the skills and knowledge areas that the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam evaluates. It's important to gain a deep understanding of each domain to prepare effectively for the exam.

Click here for the official AWS Exam Guide.

How to pass the AWS Certified Security - Specialty (recommended study materials)

Books

AWS Certified Security Study Guide: Specialty (SCS-C01) Exam

This comprehensive study guide covers all exam objectives and provides practical, real-world scenarios for improved understanding. It's an excellent resource for those who prefer self-paced learning and in-depth reading.

Videos

Ultimate AWS Certified Security Specialty [NEW 2023] SCS-C01

Created by Stephane Maarek, this video course offers a visual and interactive approach to learning. It covers all exam objectives and includes quizzes and practice exams for self-assessment.

Practice Exams

AWS Certified Security Specialty Practice Exams SCS-C01 / SCS-C02 2023

These practice exams by Jon Bonso are designed to mimic the actual exam environment. They provide detailed explanations for each question, helping you understand the concepts better.

AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam Details

The AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam is a multiple-choice, multiple-answer examination. The exam is available in many languages. It can be taken at a testing center or from the comfort of your home or office. The exam costs $300.

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer

Exam Duration: 170 minutes

Delivery Method: Testing center or online proctored exam

Passing Score: The minimum passing score is 750

Exam Fees: $300

Preparing for the AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam

Preparing for the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam requires a multi-pronged approach. Begin with the official AWS exam guide and understand the exam objectives thoroughly. Next, use the recommended study materials like the AWS Certified Security Study Guide for in-depth reading, the Ultimate AWS Certified Security Specialty video course for visual learning, and the AWS Certified Security Specialty Practice Exams for self-assessment.

Remember, hands-on experience is crucial. AWS recommends candidates have at least two years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads and using security controls for workloads on AWS.

Why should you get AWS Certified Security - Specialty certified?

Earning the AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification validates your advanced technical skills and experience in securing the AWS platform. It demonstrates your ability to design and implement AWS services to fit a range of security objectives.

Moreover, AWS certifications are highly valued in the job market. According to the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report, AWS Certified Security - Specialty is one of the top-paying IT certifications, making it a valuable addition to your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How difficult is the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam?

The difficulty of the exam is subjective and depends on your familiarity and experience with AWS security services. However, with proper preparation and practice, you can successfully pass the exam.

How many questions are on the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam?

The AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam typically consists of 65 questions, but AWS does not disclose the exact number as it can vary.

Is the AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification worth it?

Yes, the AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification is worth it for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in securing the AWS platform. It's also one of the top-paying IT certifications.

What is the exam fee for the AWS Certified Security - Specialty?

The exam fee for the AWS Certified Security - Specialty is $300 USD.

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