Azure Security Certification Pathway

Last Updated on August 3, 2024 by Arnav Sharma

Azure Security is a key aspect of cloud computing, ensuring that the network infrastructure and data hosted in Microsoft Azure are protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats. As an Azure expert, it is essential to understand the various Azure security controls available, ensuring that the core security principles – confidentiality, integrity, and availability – are upheld in the cloud environment. These security controls include network security groups, virtual network peering, and Azure Firewall, to name a few. Defender for Cloud is also the central hub for monitoring and managing security across Azure subscriptions, providing continuous security assessments, threat detection, and remediation guidance.

Azure Certification:

Azure Certification is a highly sought-after certification for IT professionals working with the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Several different certifications are available, including the Azure Fundamental certification, Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Engineer Associate, Azure Developer Associate, and Azure Security Engineer Associate. These certifications validate the expertise of IT professionals in various roles within Azure, including administrators, engineers, and developers. The Microsoft Azure Administrator certification, in particular, is highly regarded and designed for professionals with expertise in managing and monitoring cloud services. To obtain these certifications, candidates must pass the Azure Certification exam, which tests their knowledge and skills across various core Azure services and technologies. Achieving an Azure Certification is impressive and can help IT professionals stand out in a competitive job market.

Azure Security Certifications:

Obtaining an Azure Security Certification offers numerous benefits for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in cloud security. The Microsoft Azure Certification path provides a structured framework for individuals to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required to become a certified Azure Security Engineer. As a result, individuals who pass the Azure Security Certification exam become Microsoft Certified and can confidently demonstrate their proficiency in implementing security controls and protecting cloud-based assets. This certification enhances an individual’s credibility and increases their marketability in the job market. Moreover, certified Azure Security Engineers can command higher salaries and are highly sought after by organizations looking to secure their cloud infrastructure.

Getting Started:

If you’re starting for the first time, then the first certification should be AZ-900, which talks about the fundamentals of Azure and covers the basic.
After completing AZ-900, the next in the line is AZ-104, which is the Azure Administrator exam. This will give you a good understanding of Azure Operations, Services and resources. This is a must exam before even thinking about securing Azure.
The next in the line is AZ-500 which is solely dedicated to security in Azure. It covers various services, starting with Azure Active Directory and then discussing databases, IaaS and PaaS services.
Once you’re done with Azure Admin and Azure Security certification, the next ones are specific to services and your role. SC-300 is an exam specific to Identity and Access Admins. This is related to Azure AD and AD in general. A good start after completing AZ-500.
After SC-300, the next one that might be worth trying will be SC-200. This covers all Microsoft security solutions, i.e. not limiting it to Azure, but also has some concepts of M365. And its for security operations and how to manage security on a daily basis. Maybe worth going for it if you’re done with MS-900 (not Azure cert)
The last in the line is SC-100, which is an expert-level certification covering Azure and M365. This certification is designed for professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in implementing, managing, and securing cloud-based solutions using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. The SC-100 certification is geared towards IT professionals with significant experience working with Azure and M365. It is intended to demonstrate a high level of expertise and proficiency in implementing and managing complex cloud-based solutions.
SC-400 is irrelevant in case you want to focus only on Azure. This exam covers the security aspects of M365.

Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: Exam AZ-900 is a certification exam that tests a candidate’s understanding of the basic concepts of Microsoft Azure. The exam is designed for individuals new to cloud computing who want to demonstrate their knowledge of the Azure cloud platform. It covers Azure architecture, cloud concepts, security, compliance, pricing, and support. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is scored on a pass/fail basis. Passing the exam provides candidates with a strong foundation in cloud computing and helps them demonstrate their understanding of Azure to potential employers. It is a great way to kick-start and validate your career in the world of cloud computing.

Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam AZ-104certification program established for IT professionals interested in managing and monitoring Azure resources and services. This exam is intended for candidates who can set up and manage Azure subscriptions, create and manage resource groups, configure Azure virtual networks, manage Azure Active Directory, and deploy and manage Azure compute resources. The exam requires a thorough understanding of Azure features, components, and capabilities and the skills to perform specific tasks such as managing security, storage, and monitoring. This certification is designed for individuals who work with Azure daily and manage cloud infrastructure, applications, and services. The exam is a widely recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in Azure and can lead to a better career path and higher salaries.

Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies The Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies is designed for professionals looking to certify their knowledge and expertise in the realm of Azure security technologies. It tests the candidate’s ability to implement security controls, manage identity and access, secure data and applications, and manage security operations. This exam is ideal for information security professionals, security engineers, and cloud architects responsible for safeguarding Azure and hybrid cloud environments. The exam includes multiple-choice questions that evaluate the candidate’s understanding of various Azure security technologies and concepts. Successful candidates will have the skills and knowledge to protect Azure environments from cyber threats and data breaches effectively. Achieving this certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you possess the necessary expertise to secure Azure and cloud environments.

Exam SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Exam SC-300 is a certification exam from Microsoft that focuses on assessing the skills and knowledge of Identity and Access Administrators. This exam covers various aspects such as authentication, authorization, conditional access policies, identity governance, and cloud identity management. The exam tests the candidate’s ability to implement, manage and maintain identity and access solutions in an enterprise environment. The exam comprises multiple-choice questions and case-based scenarios requiring the candidate to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. By passing this exam, candidates can validate their identity, access administration expertise, and demonstrate their ability to secure enterprise resources effectively. Overall, exam SC-300 is a valuable certification that can help professionals build a successful career in cloud security and identity management.

Exam SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst The Exam SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst is a certification exam that validates the skills and knowledge of security analysts in detecting, investigating, and responding to security incidents using Microsoft security solutions. The exam measures the candidate’s ability to perform threat monitoring, investigations, analysis, and response using Azure Sentinel, Microsoft 365 Defender, and other Microsoft security tools. The exam also assesses the candidate’s understanding of security operations in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Passing the SC-200 certification exam demonstrates that one has the knowledge and skills needed to protect organizations against sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Additionally, this certification helps security analysts to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.

Exam SC-100: Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Exam SC-100: Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect is a certification meant for IT professionals who want to specialize in cybersecurity. This exam verifies the candidate’s knowledge and skills to design and implement secure infrastructure solutions for various cybersecurity threats. The exam focuses on Azure Defender, Azure Sentinel, and M365 Defender. The exam includes multiple-choice, active screen, scenario-based, and drag-and-drop questions. The successful completion of this exam proves that the candidate has a comprehensive knowledge of security in Microsoft Azure and can design, implement and manage cybersecurity solutions to protect organizations. This certification validates the competencies needed to manage compliance and security controls in Microsoft Azure.

Exam SC-400: Microsoft Information Protection Administrator The Microsoft Information Protection Administrator exam, or SC-400, tests a candidate’s skills and knowledge in planning and implementing solutions that help protect sensitive data across various platforms and services. Candidates must understand the techniques and tools used to classify, label, and protect data and how to manage and monitor these solutions. The exam covers various topics, including Azure Information Protection, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Office 365 data loss prevention. Successful candidates will be equipped to manage and protect sensitive information in various scenarios, including compliance with regulatory requirements, threat detection and mitigation, and data governance. Passing the SC-400 exam is an important milestone for anyone seeking to become a Microsoft Information Protection Administrator.

Other in-demand Azure Certifications in 2023:

Azure Solution Architect Expert Certification / Azure Architect
Azure Data Scientist
Azure DevOps Expert
Azure IoT Associate Certification
Azure IoT Developer
Azure Ai Engineer
Microsoft Azure Data Engineer
Azure For Sap Workloads

FAQ – Security Certification Roadmap

Q: What are the New Microsoft Azure Certifications Available?

Azure has recently introduced new certifications to its portfolio. These include various role-based and specialty certifications, catering to different areas of cloud computing. Some of these new certifications cover roles like Azure Security Engineer, Azure AI Engineer, and Azure IoT Developer. To successfully prepare for these new certifications, candidates must familiarize themselves with the latest features and capabilities of Azure services.

Q: How to Prepare for the New Microsoft Azure Certification Exams?

Preparing for the new Microsoft Azure certification exams requires a thorough understanding of Azure services and solutions. Candidates should focus on the learning path recommended by Microsoft, which often includes hands-on experience with Azure cloud services, understanding Azure development and administration, and knowledge of specific areas like Azure AI, Azure IoT, and Azure data services. Utilizing resources like Azure’s official documentation, practice exams, and online courses can be beneficial.

Q: What is the Azure Certification Path and Its Levels?

The Azure certification path is designed to cater to various levels of expertise and career goals. It includes fundamental, associate, and expert level certifications. Starting with the Azure Fundamentals, individuals can then progress to associate-level certifications like Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate. For more advanced skills, one can pursue expert-level certifications like Azure Solution Architect Expert or Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. Each level builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired at the previous stage.

Q: What Roles are Covered by Microsoft Certified Azure Certifications?

Microsoft Certified Azure certifications cover a wide range of roles in cloud computing. These roles include Azure Administrator, Azure Security Engineer, Azure AI Engineer, Azure Data Scientist, and Azure DevOps Engineer. Each role has its specific certification path, which includes both fundamental knowledge of Azure services and specialized skills related to the role. Specialty certifications like Azure IoT Developer Specialty also cater to niche areas within the Azure ecosystem.

Q: What is the Role of an Azure Security Engineer Associate in Microsoft Azure?

An Azure Security Engineer Associate plays a crucial role in implementing and managing security controls, maintaining the security posture, managing identity and access, and protecting data, applications, and networks in cloud environments. They typically have in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Azure security technologies and are responsible for ensuring the organization’s cloud deployments are secure.

Q: Can You Explain the Importance of Azure AI and Azure AI Fundamentals in Cloud Computing?

Azure AI is a critical component of Microsoft Azure, focusing on building, managing, and deploying AI solutions on the Azure platform. The Azure AI Fundamentals certification is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of AI and machine learning concepts in the context of Azure services. This certification is essential for those looking to work with AI workloads on Azure.

Q: What Does the Azure IoT Developer Specialty Certification Entail?

The Azure IoT Developer Specialty certification is designed for professionals who implement and manage the Azure services that form an IoT solution, including data analysis, data processing, data storage options, and platform-as-a-service options. This certification validates an individual’s expertise in Azure IoT services, including Azure IoT Hub, Azure IoT Edge, and other Azure services related to IoT.

Q: How Does the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert Certification Differ from Other Azure Certifications?

The Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification is unique as it focuses extensively on both the development and operations aspects of Azure services. It involves expertise in developing and implementing continuous integration, continuous delivery, dependency management, application infrastructure, and continuous feedback. It is tailored for individuals skilled in both development and operations, and it stands apart from other certifications that may focus more singularly on either development or administration.

Q: What are the Different Azure Certification Levels and Their Significance?

Azure certification levels include fundamental, associate, and expert levels, each designed to cater to varying degrees of expertise and career objectives. Fundamental certifications like Azure Fundamental and Azure Data Fundamentals provide a basic understanding of cloud concepts and Azure services. Associate-level certifications, such as Azure Administrator Associate and Azure Developer Associate, are for those with intermediate skills and experience. Expert-level certifications, like Azure Solution Architect Expert, are designed for highly skilled professionals. These certifications help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in specific Azure roles and technologies.

Q: How to Prepare for the Microsoft Azure Administrator and Azure Developer Certifications?

To prepare for the Microsoft Azure Administrator and Azure Developer certifications, candidates should follow a structured learning path that includes both theoretical and practical components. Microsoft offers detailed certification roadmaps and learning paths that include courses, hands-on labs, and documentation. For the Azure Administrator certification, the focus should be on managing and implementing Azure environments, while for the Azure Developer certification, the emphasis is on designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud solutions.

Q: What is the Role of an Azure AI Engineer and How Does It Relate to Azure Cognitive Services?

An Azure AI Engineer is responsible for analyzing the requirements of AI solutions, recommending appropriate tools and technologies, and implementing solutions that involve Azure Cognitive Services. Azure Cognitive Services provide APIs for AI services such as vision, speech, language, and decision-making, which are integral to building intelligent applications. An Azure AI Engineer would leverage these services to develop AI-enhanced applications on the Azure platform.

Q: How Do Azure Data Scientist and Azure Data Scientist Associate Certifications Differ?

The Azure Data Scientist certification is designed for professionals who apply data science and machine learning techniques to implement and run machine learning workloads on Azure, such as Azure Machine Learning and Azure Databricks. In contrast, the Azure Data Scientist Associate certification is a more specific role-based certification focusing on individuals skilled in designing and implementing data science solutions on Azure. Both certifications require a solid understanding of Azure data services, machine learning, and statistical methods.

Q: What is the Learning Path for Becoming an Azure Solution Architect?

The learning path for becoming an Azure Solution Architect involves progressing through a series of certifications and hands-on experiences. It typically starts with foundational knowledge acquired through the Microsoft Azure Fundamental certification. Then, candidates should pursue the Azure Architect Technologies and Azure Architect Design exams to earn the Azure Solution Architect Expert certification. This path combines theoretical knowledge with practical implementation of solutions on Azure, focusing on designing cloud infrastructure and services.

Q: How Does the Microsoft Azure Certification Path Support a Career in Cloud Computing?

The Microsoft Azure certification path is a structured roadmap that guides individuals through various certifications, aligning with different career roles in cloud computing. Starting with foundational certifications like Microsoft Azure Fundamental, it progresses to more specialized certifications such as Azure Administrator, Azure Developer, and Azure Data Scientist. These role-based certifications, combined with practical experience, prepare individuals for a wide range of cloud computing roles and enhance their ability to work with Microsoft Azure cloud services effectively.

Q: Can You Describe the Importance of Azure Data Fundamentals in the Azure Certification Path?

Azure Data Fundamentals is an important certification in the Azure certification path, particularly for those looking to specialize in data-related roles. It lays the foundation for understanding core data concepts, how to work with relational and non-relational data on Azure, and an introduction to Azure data services like Azure SQL Server and Azure Cosmos DB. This certification is crucial for those aspiring to become Azure Data Scientists or work with Azure Machine Learning and other data services.

Q: What Are the Benefits of Pursuing an Associate Level Azure Certification?

Pursuing an associate-level certification in Azure, such as the Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate, offers several benefits. It validates the candidate’s in-depth knowledge and skills in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Azure environment. These certifications are recognized in the industry and can enhance career opportunities, credibility, and confidence in handling Azure-based solutions. They also serve as a stepping stone towards more advanced, expert-level Azure certifications.

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ByArnav Sharma