As cloud adoption accelerates globally, professionals are increasingly focusing on certifications that validate their expertise in cloud security. Among these certifications, CCSK (Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge) has become a benchmark. This blog unpacks the CCSK v5 certification by detailing its domains, the updated exam structure, and how it compares to its predecessor, CCSK v4. 

Overview 

As organisations continue to migrate critical operations to the cloud, the demand for professionals with specialized cloud security knowledge is soaring. The latest iteration of the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge, CCSK v5, offers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to address modern cloud challenges.

CCSK v5 builds upon its predecessor with a sharper focus on hybrid and multi-cloud environments, zero-trust principles, and advanced incident response techniques. Whether you’re a security professional, IT architect, or cloud administrator, CCSK v5 equips you with the tools to master cloud security fundamentals and excel in real-world applications. 

Understanding CCSK v5 Domains

The CCSK v5 curriculum is structured into multiple domains, each addressing a critical aspect of cloud security. These domains ensure professionals are equipped with the knowledge required to navigate cloud environments securely. The number of domains has been streamlined from 14 to 12, improving the organization and grouping of related topics for a more coherent learning experience. Here’s a breakdown: 

Sr. No.	CCSK v5 Domains	Description
1	Cloud Computing Concepts & Architectures	1. Cloud computing definitions and essential characteristics.  2. Shared responsibility model.  3. Cloud reference architectures.  4. Benefits and risks of cloud adoption.
2	Cloud Governance	1. Establishing governance processes for cloud adoption.  2. Setting cloud usage policies.  3. Managing third-party providers and service-level agreements (SLAs).
3	Risk, Audit, & Compliance	1. Identifying and assessing risks specific to cloud services.  2. Performing cloud audits for internal and external compliance.  3. Adhering to global data protection and privacy regulations.
4	Organization Management	1. Defining roles and responsibilities in cloud environments.  2. Training and awareness programs.  3. Change management and resource allocation.
5	Identity & Access Management	1. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC).  2. Managing identities across hybrid environments.  3. Authentication mechanisms and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
6	Security Monitoring	1. Logging and monitoring cloud activities.  2. Using cloud-native tools and third-party solutions for monitoring.  3. Incident detection and response processes.
7	Infrastructure & Networking	1. Securing virtual networks and inter-cloud communication.  2. Configuring firewalls and security groups.  3. Protecting against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
8	Cloud Workload Security	1. Protecting virtual machines, containers, and serverless environments.  2. Hardening workloads using best practices.  3. Automating security using DevSecOps principles.
9	Data Security	1. Encryption of data at rest, in transit, and in use.  2. Managing data lifecycle and secure deletion.  3. Preventing data breaches and unauthorized access.
10	Application Security	1. Implementing secure coding practices.  2. Testing applications for vulnerabilities.  3. Using security frameworks and container scanning.
11	Incident Response & Resilience	1. Incident detection and reporting processes.  2. Building resilient cloud architectures.  3. Disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
12	Related Technologies & Strategies	1. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in security.  2. Blockchain technologies and their use in secure transactions.  3. Zero-trust models and advanced threat protection.

CCSK v5 vs. CCSK v4: What’s New? 

The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) v5 introduces several updates and improvements compared to its predecessor, CCSK v4. These changes reflect the evolving landscape of cloud security, new best practices, and updates to ensure alignment with modern cloud security frameworks. 

Key Updates and Changes 

1. Updated Domain Coverage 

CCSK v5 reorganizes and enhances its domains to address contemporary cloud security challenges. While CCSK v4 covered 14 domains, CCSK v5 condenses and reorganizes these into 12 refined domains for better clarity and focus. 

New Domain Structure in v5: 

• Focus on Cloud Workload Security, which now includes specifics about securing virtual machines, containers, and serverless architectures. 

• Expanded Incident Response & Resilience to reflect modern disaster recovery, business continuity, and resilience strategies in cloud environments. 

• Greater emphasis on Related Technologies & Strategies, covering zero-trust architecture, AI, ML, and blockchain. 

2. Alignment with Industry Trends 

• CCSK v5 incorporates updates to address current threats and trends in cloud security, such as: 
• Zero-trust architecture. 
• Shared responsibility updates for multi-cloud environments. 
• Emphasis on DevSecOps for cloud workload security. 

• CCSK v4 lacked detailed guidance on these emerging trends, focusing more on foundational principles. 

3. Updated Threat Landscape 

• CCSK v5 highlights threats like supply chain attacks, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) specific to cloud environments. 

• Enhanced focus on data sovereignty and legal implications in multi-jurisdictional clouds. 

4. Refined Exam Structure 

• The exam for CCSK v5 has been updated to test deeper understanding and practical knowledge: 
  – Includes scenario-based questions for real-world application. 
  – Greater focus on multi-cloud and hybrid cloud setups. 

• In comparison, CCSK v4 exams were more conceptual and lacked emphasis on emerging technologies and complex environments. 

5. Enhanced Focus on Emerging Technologies 

• CCSK v5 introduces content related to cutting-edge technologies: 
  Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in security operations.
  Blockchain in securing transactions and smart contracts.
  Use of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for automated security implementation. 

• CCSK v4 did not cover these technologies in detail, reflecting its publication during an earlier technological phase. 

6. Improved Practical Knowledge 

• CCSK v5 emphasizes practical and actionable knowledge: 
  – Hands-on approaches for implementing security monitoring, incident response, and data protection in cloud platforms.
  – Case studies and examples from real-world cloud deployments. 

• CCSK v4 primarily focused on theoretical aspects. 

7. Stronger Emphasis on Governance 

• The Cloud Governance domain in CCSK v5 is more comprehensive: 
  – Focuses on policy creation, vendor management, and compliance for multi-cloud scenarios. 
  – Reflects the growing importance of SLAs and shared responsibility models in complex environments. 

8. Security Automation & DevSecOps 

• CCSK v5 includes advanced content on: 
  Automating security through DevSecOps practices. 
  Secure CI/CD pipelines. 
  Infrastructure security automation. 

• CCSK v4 touched on these areas lightly but lacked in-depth guidance. 

9. Cloud Workload Security 

• A completely revamped section in CCSK v5: 
  – Protects workloads in virtual machines, containers, and serverless computing. 
  – Discusses workload isolation, runtime protection, and container scanning. 

• This was not a standalone focus in CCSK v4. 

10. Incident Response & Resilience 

• CCSK v5 strengthens content around resilience: 
  – Focuses on designing resilient architectures for high availability and disaster recovery. 
  – Includes frameworks for incident response in hybrid and multi-cloud setups. 

• CCSK v4 provided a general understanding of incident management but lacked resilience strategies. 

Exam Structure for CCSK v5 

The CCSK v5 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. Here are the key aspects of the exam structure: 

Exam Name	CCSK v4	CCSK v5
Exam Duration	90 Minutes	120 Minutes

Number of Questions	60 Questions
Exam Format	Multiple choice questions
Passing Score	80% Minimum passing score
Exam Language	English, Japanese, Spanish

CCSK Training with CyberFrat 

If you are planning on learning about CCSK v5, Stay tuned for CyberFrat‘s upcoming CCSK v5 Certification Training Program to master the latest cloud security concepts and prepare confidently for your CCSK certification exams. Our comprehensive course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge, hands-on practical experience, and expert guidance from seasoned instructors. Enhance your skills, stay ahead of evolving cloud security challenges, and become a trusted professional in securing cloud environments.

Written By
Tamanna Agrawal
Assistant Manager – Operations, CyberFrat