Cloud Network Security Engineer Azure Course Review 2023 (CNSE AZURE), Price
Introduction to the Cloud Network Security Engineer Azure Course
The Cloud Network Security Expert Azure (CNSE Azure) Course is a comprehensive training program designed to teach IT professionals how to secure Azure cloud networks and infrastructure.
Offered by various Microsoft authorized training partners, this course is ideal for cloud security engineers, network administrators, and other roles focused on protecting Azure environments.
With the rapid growth of cloud computing, understanding how to properly configure and manage security in the cloud has become critically important.
The CNSE Azure course aims to fill this skills gap by providing in-depth training tailored specifically to securing Microsoft Azure.
Overview of CNSE Azure Course Content
The CNSE Azure curriculum provides a deep dive into security capabilities, tools, and best practices across Azure’s networking and infrastructure services. Key topics covered include:
- Implementing and managing network security in Azure Virtual Networks
- Securing Azure PaaS services like App Service, AKS, and Storage
- Managing identity and access controls with Azure Active Directory
- Monitoring security across hybrid Azure environments
- Azure Firewall, DDoS protection, VPN gateways and other key Azure security services
In addition to lectures on security concepts, the course includes hands-on labs to reinforce practical skills.
Students gain first-hand experience implementing controls like NSGs, WAFs, and Azure policies to protect real Azure resources.
Prerequisites for Taking the CNSE Azure Course
While there are no formal prerequisites, Microsoft recommends students have the following:
- At least 2 years experience securing cloud environments like Azure
- Foundational knowledge of Azure administration and services
- Basic networking skills and security operations experience
- Azure administrator associate certification or equivalent skills
Some practical Azure and networking skills are necessary to get the most value out of the course.
Students should come prepared to dive right into working in Azure.
Key Concepts Covered in the CNSE Azure Course
Here are some of the core concepts covered in the CNSE Azure curriculum:
Network Security – Configuring Azure Firewall, network security groups, Bastion, routing, on-prem VPNs, ExpressRoute, monitoring with Network Watcher.
Identity and Access Control – Managing identities with Azure AD, role based access control (RBAC), conditional access policies, MFA, Privileged Identity Management.
Platform Protection – Hardening and controlling access to Azure services like App Service, AKS, Serverless, Storage, Databases.
Security Operations – Monitoring security with Azure Sentinel, Defender dashboards, Update Management. Reacting to threats.
Hybrid Security – Extending security controls and visibility to on-prem resources connected to Azure. Securing hybrid connectivity.
Breakdown of CNSE Azure Course Modules
The CNSE Azure course is delivered over 4-5 days through the following high-level learning modules:
Module 1: Implement Network Security
- Azure Virtual Networks, subnets, NSGs
- Azure Firewall, routes, secured virtual hubs
- Gateway transit architecture
- Hybrid networking with VPNs, ExpressRoute
- Network monitoring with Network Watcher
Module 2: Implement Platform Protection
- Azure App Service security
- Hardening Azure Kubernetes Service
- Securing Azure Serverless compute
- Protecting Azure Storage accounts
- Platform security monitoring
Module 3: Manage Identity and Access Controls
- Azure Active Directory administration
- Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Conditional access policies
- Privileged Identity Management
- Monitoring Azure AD
Module 4: Secure Hybrid Infrastructure
- Connecting on-prem resources to Azure
- Extending security services to hybrid workloads
- Deploying Azure AD Connect
- Implementing ExpressRoute and VPN gateways
- Securing hybrid connectivity
Hands-on Projects in the CNSE Azure Course
Throughout the course, students work through real-world security scenarios via hands-on labs and projects.
Example hands-on activities include:
- Deploying an Azure Firewall to filter traffic between subnets
- Restricting Internet access with Network Security Groups
- Implementing Azure AD Conditional Access policies
- Hardening an App Service environment with WAFs
- Monitoring unauthorized sign-in attempts with Azure Sentinel
These hands-on exercises give students practical experience implementing security controls in Azure they can apply in their day-to-day roles.
Real World Applications of the CNSE Azure Course
Here are some examples of how the CNSE Azure course equips students to secure real-world Azure environments:
Enterprise security teams can safeguard their organization’s Azure resources like virtual machines, databases, and Kubernetes clusters.
MSPs and cloud solution providers can offer enhanced security services to clients utilizing Azure.
Azure administrators can properly implement Azure security tools like Network Watcher, Azure Firewall, and Azure Sentinel.
Network security engineers can architect and deploy secure hybrid network architectures in Azure.
Security analysts can effectively monitor Azure environments for threats and anomalies.
In today’s cloud-centric world, the skills taught in CNSE Azure are crucial for any technology professional working with Azure security.
CNSE Azure Course Instructor Profile & Qualifications
The CNSE Azure course is delivered by Microsoft certified trainers with deep knowledge of Azure security tools and best practices.
Typically instructors have multiple industry certifications such as:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
In addition, CNSE Azure trainers have hands-on experience as security practitioners securing Azure environments.
This real-world expertise is invaluable in explaining not just the theory but also practical application of securing Azure networks and infrastructure.
Pros of Taking the CNSE Azure Course
Here are some of the key benefits students gain by completing the CNSE Azure training:
- Learn how to secure Azure environments – Comprehensive curriculum tailored specifically to protecting Azure infrastructure and services.
- Gain in-demand skills – Cloud security is a top priority for most organizations today. These skills are highly sought after.
- Prep for certification – The course helps prepare students for the SC-400 exam needed for Microsoft’s Azure Security Engineer certification.
- Hands-on experience – Includes extensive lab exercises to reinforce practical skills securing Azure.
- Authority instructors – Taught by Microsoft certified trainers experienced in securing real-world Azure environments.
- Career advancement – CNSE Azure skills can position students for cloud security roles and higher salaries.
Cons of Taking the CNSE Azure Course
The CNSE Azure course requires a significant time and monetary investment.
Potential limitations include:
- No virtual option – The course is currently only offered via in-person classroom training.
- Expensive – Costs around $2,000-$3,000 for the 4-5 day training. Some organizations may not cover.
- Intense curriculum – Covers a lot of complex concepts and tools. Can be challenging for those without strong baseline Azure skills.
- Rapidly evolving field – Given Azure’s quick release cycle, course material can become outdated if not frequently updated.
While the cost and time investment is substantial, most students find the career benefits well worth it for mastering these critical Azure security skills.
Who Should Take the CNSE Azure Course
The CNSE Azure training is designed specifically for IT professionals responsible for securing Azure environments, such as:
- Cloud security engineers
- Network security engineers working with Azure
- Azure administrators looking to enhance security skills
- Security analysts monitoring Azure environments
- Architects deploying hybrid Azure networks
- MSPs and consultants managing Azure security for clients
Job roles that interact with Azure security daily will gain the most value from the advanced hands-on curriculum.
The course is likely overkill for software developers or roles focused just on Azure app development.
What You Will Learn in the CNSE Azure Course
By the end of the training, students will gain proficiency in Azure security concepts like:
- Core Azure security services – Firewall, Sentinel, Defender tools
- Network security groups, routing, perimeter networks
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) implementation
- Managing hybrid connections and security
- Hardening PaaS services like App Service and AKS
- Azure AD administration and access controls
- Monitoring security across hybrid environments
You’ll be equipped with a systematic approach to securing critical Azure resources using built-in tools and best practices.
Skills You Will Gain from the CNSE Azure Course
Here are key Azure security skills students will master through hands-on practice:
- Deploying Azure Firewall, VPN gateways and bastion hosts
- Implementing Network Security Groups (NSGs)
- Setting up hybrid network connectivity like ExpressRoute
- Hardening and securing Azure App Service workloads
- Configuring Azure AD Conditional Access policies
- Reacting to security alerts and threats within Azure Sentinel
- Managing RBAC roles and access controls
- Monitoring unauthorized sign-in attempts
- Performing security assessments of Azure resources
You’ll gain practical experience you can directly apply to secure Azure environments in your current role.
How Long it Takes to Complete the CNSE Azure Course
The CNSE Azure course takes 4-5 days to complete when taken as an in-person classroom workshop. Classes are typically scheduled as:
- 4 days classroom instruction
- 1 day for certification exam
Classes run during normal business hours from 9am – 5pm each day. Actual schedule may vary slightly by training provider.
You should plan to dedicate full-time hours for the multi-day training to absorb the intensive technical curriculum. The hands-on focus requires your active participation.
CNSE Azure Course Costs & Available Discounts
The CNSE Azure course costs approximately $2,000 – $3,000 depending on the training provider. Cost includes:
- Access to official courseware
- 4-5 days expert instruction
- Hands-on labs and projects
- Practice exams and test vouchers
Many providers offer discounts like early bird savings, group discounts for multiple students, and bundled packages if you sign up for additional classes.
Contact the training provider to ask about available cost savings.
Best Ways to Supplement CNSE Azure Learning
To reinforce the course material and prepare for the certification exam, students should also:
- Review Microsoft’s SC-400 exam study guide
- Take practice tests to identify knowledge gaps
- Reference Microsoft’s Azure Security documentation
- Follow Azure security experts on blogs and social media
- Build real hands-on experience in a test environment
- Explore additional Microsoft Learn Azure security modules
Combining formal training with self-study and hands-on practice is the best formula for success.
Final Recommendation: Is the CNSE Azure Course Worth Taking?
For IT professionals involved in securing Azure environments, the CNSE Azure course is a smart investment. The expertise gained from the hands-on curriculum pays dividends through:
- Improved cloud security skills you can apply immediately
- Preparation for industry-recognized Microsoft certification
- Better able to architect, monitor and troubleshoot Azure security
- Positioning for cloud security roles with higher salaries
Especially for enterprise security teams reliant on Microsoft technologies, this is some of the best Azure security training available.
While the price tag is not insignificant, the career benefits make the CNSE Azure course a worthwhile endeavor for cloud security practitioners.
FAQs
Do I need prior Azure experience to take the course?
Microsoft recommends having 1-2 years experience using Azure. Some foundational Azure administration knowledge will be helpful.
What is the certification exam for CNSE Azure?
The Microsoft SC-400 exam is required to earn the Azure Security Engineer certification.
Is the CNSE Azure course available online?
Currently CNSE Azure is only offered via in-person classroom workshops. Virtual attendance is not available.
What jobs is CNSE Azure good for?
It’s ideal for cloud security engineers, network security analysts, Azure administrators, and related roles focused on Azure security.
Do I need a technical degree to take CNSE Azure?
No specific degree is required, but having IT administration or engineering experience is highly recommended.
How long does the Azure Security Engineer certification last?
Certifications expire after 2 years. You must pass the exam again to renew.