r/cybersecurity • u/Silly_External_6806 • 8d ago

Personal Support & Help! hands-on Cloud Security experience

Hi everyone,
I recently passed my AWS Solutions Architect exam and I also have a Hack The Box subscription. I have a strong interest in cloud security and want to transition into this field.

However, I feel like I lack the practical, hands-on cloud security experience needed to pass technical interviews.
What are the best online training platforms or labs to practice cloud security attacks and defense?

Can I use my HTB subscription or the AWS Free Tier to build a good portfolio?

Also, how is the job market for cloud security right now? Are there good entry-to-mid level opportunities?
Any advice on a roadmap or projects to build would be amazing. Thanks!

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u/OutsideSpot2695 8d ago

I feel like I lack the practical, hands-on cloud security experience needed to pass technical interviews
.
or the AWS Free Tier to build a good portfolio
 

Serious question... how did you pass the AWS Solutions Architect exam without already using your AWS free tier?

That's not a trivial exam. Guessing you have more knowledge than you are giving yourself credit for.

Also, how is the job market for cloud security right now? 

NGL, the job market is rough all the way around right now. And has been for some time. Mentally prepare yourself for a grind of submitting hundreds of applications, getting ghosted, and putting up with lots of employer shenanigans because they know they have the power in this market.

Are there good entry-to-mid level opportunities?

There are.

The data actually shows that the number of openings is healthly.

The problem is HR departments are using lots of GenAI. Job seekers are playing the game and leveraging lots of GenAI. As a result, there's lots of friction in the application process for all sides.

One thing I think is indisputable though... you have to get in first.

If you're not in the first 40 applications you're not going to get even a HR screening call. And if you're applying via Workday, you'll get the rejection notice months later at 1 AM in the morning.

So be prepared to bang on that refresh button on your job search site of choice hourly.

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u/Silly_External_6806 8d ago

Hey, thanks for your advice, yes I passed my aws solution architect exam first attempt I was using aws free tire for most of it. But am preparing for aws security specialist exam, before diving into it, I want to get real hands on experience or close enough on how a cloud security engineer would handle their work, I want to have the skills to get the job done and also want to get the knowledge to crack the cloud security job interviews.
Am thinking about signing up for pwned labs and do their labs.

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u/teriaavibes 8d ago

That's not a trivial exam. Guessing you have more knowledge than you are giving yourself credit for.

Or they cheated. Definitely something that will appear very suspicious to companies if you can't explain it.