Pearson
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Specialization

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Pearson

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Specialization

Your Ultimate Resource for Acing the CKS Exam. Learn key Kubernetes security for CKS with hands-on demos, real scenarios, and expert insights.

Pearson

Instructor: Pearson

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Build, secure, and manage Kubernetes clusters using industry best practices, including CIS benchmarking, network security policies, and role-based access control (RBAC).

  • Harden Kubernetes environments by minimizing attack surfaces, implementing pod and kernel security standards, and protecting sensitive data and service accounts.

  • Develop hands-on expertise in securing cloud-native applications, verifying platform binaries, and managing secrets, while preparing effectively for the CKS certification exam.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

August 2025

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Specialization - 8 course series

What you'll learn

  • Understand CKS certification requirements and create a tailored study strategy for exam success.

  • Build and manage a Kubernetes home lab environment for hands-on, practical learning.

  • Master foundational and advanced Kubernetes security principles, including threat modeling and public key infrastructure.

  • Analyze real-world security incidents and top OWASP risks to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in Kubernetes environments.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cloud Security
Category: Application Security
Category: Cloud-Native Computing
Category: Public Key Infrastructure
Category: Kubernetes
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Vulnerability Assessments
Category: Threat Detection
Category: Threat Management
Category: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
Category: Threat Modeling

What you'll learn

  • Configure and secure Kubernetes clusters using industry-standard network policies and CIS benchmarks.

  • Implement secure ingress with TLS and protect node metadata and endpoints from unauthorized access.

  • Verify platform binaries to ensure authenticity and integrity before deployment.

  • Manage Kubernetes Dashboard security with role-based access control for safe cluster administration.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cyber Security Policies
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Verification And Validation
Category: Configuration Management
Category: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Category: Kubernetes
Category: Application Security
Category: Cloud Security
Category: Network Security
Category: Encryption

What you'll learn

  • Implement and verify secure access controls for the Kubernetes API server.

  • Configure and manage role-based access control (RBAC) for efficient and secure cluster administration.

  • Protect and audit service accounts to minimize security risks within your Kubernetes environment.

  • Plan and execute Kubernetes upgrades to maintain security and operational efficiency.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Security Controls
Category: Authorization (Computing)
Category: User Accounts
Category: Authentications
Category: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Category: Identity and Access Management
Category: Patch Management
Category: Kubernetes
Category: Hardening

What you'll learn

  • Minimize host operating system and network exposure to reduce Kubernetes attack surfaces.

  • Harden the kernel using SecComp, AppArmor, and rigorous security testing.

  • Implement least privilege identity and access management for both host and cloud environments.

  • Configure and validate host firewalls to secure node network access.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Hardening
Category: System Configuration
Category: System Monitoring
Category: Identity and Access Management
Category: Authentications
Category: Kubernetes
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Category: Network Security
Category: Firewall
Category: Authorization (Computing)
Category: Linux Administration

What you'll learn

  • Enforce pod security standards and prevent privilege escalation using security contexts and policy tools.

  • Securely manage Kubernetes secrets, including encryption at rest and best practices for sensitive data.

  • Implement advanced container isolation with sandbox pods, GVisor, and Kata Containers.

  • Enable pod-to-pod encryption with Celium to protect inter-service communications.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Kubernetes
Category: Cloud Security
Category: Security Controls
Category: Microservices
Category: Containerization
Category: Network Security
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Encryption

What you'll learn

  • Secure image registries and enforce image signing to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.

  • Perform static analysis of workloads and containers to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities.

  • Minimize base image footprints to reduce attack surfaces in containerized environments.

  • Scan container images for known vulnerabilities and automate security policy enforcement.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Security Controls
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: CI/CD
Category: Image Analysis
Category: Docker (Software)
Category: DevSecOps
Category: Containerization
Category: Hardening
Category: Kubernetes
Category: Vulnerability Management
Category: Vulnerability Scanning

What you'll learn

  • Enforce container immutability and implement runtime security policies to maintain application integrity.

  • Configure and manage Kubernetes audit logs for comprehensive security oversight and efficient log management.

  • Detect and respond to malicious activity using behavioral analysis and real-time monitoring tools like Falco.

  • Investigate signs of compromise and apply the MITRE ATT&CK framework for effective incident response.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Security Engineering
Category: DevSecOps
Category: Docker (Software)
Category: MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Category: Threat Detection
Category: Security Controls
Category: Incident Response
Category: Event Monitoring
Category: Continuous Monitoring
Category: Containerization
Category: System Monitoring
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Category: Kubernetes
Category: Anomaly Detection

What you'll learn

  • Apply Kubernetes security best practices in realistic, exam-like scenarios.

  • Secure API access, enforce pod security standards, and implement robust network policies.

  • Detect and mitigate vulnerabilities using runtime security tools and advanced monitoring.

  • Configure secret encryption, secure ingress, and enforce network encryption for comprehensive protection.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Scenario Testing
Category: Encryption
Category: YAML
Category: Network Security
Category: Threat Detection
Category: Security Controls
Category: Kubernetes
Category: Containerization
Category: Application Security
Category: Authorization (Computing)
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Authentications

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Instructor

Pearson
Pearson
221 Courses2,129 learners

Offered by

Pearson

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