IT Systems Auditing: Security Controls & Compliance Testing in Cloud Environments
Learn to assess cloud infrastructure security, evaluate control frameworks, and execute compliance testing across AWS, Azure, and GCP. Master audit methodologies, risk management, and remediation strategies for modern cloud deployments.
About the Course
This comprehensive program equips IT auditors and compliance professionals with the skills to conduct thorough security audits in cloud environments. Participants will gain hands-on experience evaluating security controls, performing compliance testing, and documenting findings across multiple cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
The course combines theoretical audit frameworks with practical, real-world scenarios that auditors encounter when assessing cloud infrastructure. Participants will learn to identify vulnerabilities, test access controls, validate encryption implementations, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, and CIS benchmarks.
Course Objectives
- Understand cloud security architecture and shared responsibility models across major cloud providers
- Design and execute effective security control testing procedures for cloud environments
- Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing in cloud infrastructure
- Evaluate identity and access management (IAM) controls and configurations
- Assess data protection, encryption, and network security controls
- Conduct compliance testing against SOC 2, ISO 27001, and CIS benchmarks
- Document findings, create audit reports, and develop remediation recommendations
- Implement continuous monitoring and audit automation strategies
Target Audience
- Internal and external IT auditors planning to specialize in cloud security assessments
- Compliance professionals responsible for cloud governance and control evaluation
- Cloud security engineers seeking audit and testing expertise
- Risk management professionals evaluating cloud infrastructure
- IT managers overseeing cloud security and compliance programs
What You Will Benefit as a Learner
- Practical expertise in cloud audit methodologies applied to production environments
- Hands-on experience with cloud security testing tools and automation platforms
- Understanding of regulatory requirements and industry compliance standards in cloud contexts
- Ability to design control matrices and audit programs for cloud assessments
- Confidence in identifying control gaps, documenting findings, and recommending remediation actions
Training Methodology
- Instructor-led training combining lectures, demonstrations, and group discussions
- Lab-based exercises using sandbox cloud environments for safe, hands-on practice
- Real-world case studies examining cloud audit failures and control implementations
- Interactive workshops where participants develop audit programs and control matrices
- Collaborative breakout sessions addressing common cloud security challenges
- Assessment activities and scenario-based exercises reinforcing key concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Basic IT knowledge is recommended. However, cloud platform familiarity accelerates learning throughout the program.
Yes. Participants receive sandbox accounts on AWS, Azure, and GCP for conducting hands-on lab exercises in safe environments.
This course provides audit expertise aligned with CISA exam domains and enhances your cloud audit capabilities beyond traditional IT audit knowledge.
We cover Qualys, Tenable Nessus, AWS Config, Azure Security Center, Cloud Security Posture Management tools, and SIEM platforms.
Yes. The practical methodologies, control matrices, and audit programs are immediately applicable to real-world cloud audit engagements.
Duration
Mon-Fri (5 Days)
Level
intermediate
Delivery
Flexible Options
Virtual, In-Person, or Self-Paced
Share this course
Course Modules
Overview of cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment models, and shared responsibility between cloud providers and customers across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Understanding cloud infrastructure architecture, common security threats, attack vectors, and how cloud security differs from traditional on-premises environments.
Deep dive into SOC 2, ISO 27001, CIS benchmarks, NIST frameworks, and how regulatory requirements apply to cloud environments and audit planning.
Evaluating IAM controls, testing role-based access, assessing multi-factor authentication, and performing access entitlement reviews across cloud platforms.
Assessing data classification, encryption at rest and in transit, key management practices, and validating data protection controls in cloud storage services.
Testing network segmentation, evaluating firewalls, analyzing security groups, assessing VPCs, and validating DDoS protection and intrusion detection systems.
Conducting cloud-native vulnerability scanning, performing targeted penetration tests, identifying misconfigurations, and evaluating patch management processes.
Evaluating logging architectures, testing SIEM configurations, assessing security monitoring effectiveness, and validating incident response capabilities.
Creating audit work papers, developing findings matrices, drafting executive reports, prioritizing remediation actions, and tracking management responses.
Implementing cloud-native monitoring tools, automating compliance testing, using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) scanning, and designing ongoing audit programs.
Testing AWS-specific controls including EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda security, evaluating AWS Config compliance, and assessing CloudTrail logging effectiveness.
Azure security assessments including Azure Security Center, policy configurations, and GCP controls including Cloud Security Command Center and IAM policies.
Ready to Advance Your Career?
Join thousands of professionals worldwide who have elevated their skills and earned recognized certifications through our expert-led training programs. Whether you're looking to enhance your professional knowledge, improve institutional effectiveness, or achieve career advancement, we're here to empower you with the skills you need to succeed—wherever you are in the world.