Cloud security alliance releases security certification

Cloud computing security qualification aims to ease enterprise data security worries

Not-for-profit organisation the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) today released a certification scheme to promote secure cloud computing.

The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) will ensure professionals have a demonstrated awareness for securing cloud-related services, said the CSA.

A chief concern for IT managers considering cloud computing, especially public-based cloud systems, is the security of business-critical data sitting outside their own firewalls.

CSA executive director Jim Reavis said the CSA would provide a low-cost certification that establishes a robust baseline of cloud security knowledge.

"When combined with existing certifications, CCSK provides necessary assurance of user competency in this important time of transition," said Reavis.

"We're also thrilled to have the European Network and Information Security Agency's support and its agreement to join our certification board,” he added.

The CSA said that online examinations would be available from 1 September 2010. It will offer discount pricing for the course of $195 (£125) for the rest of the year with regular pricing of $295 beginning in 2011.

The announcement follows the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) setting up a Cloud Backup and Restore Special Interest Group (Cloud BUR SIG).

Cloud BUR SIG promotes the adoption of cloud storage as a new delivery model that provides elastic, on-demand storage billed for usage.