Difference Between Cloud Solutions Architect and Cloud Security Architect

Introduction

Many learners and organizations looking to develop their cloud skills are often unclear about the difference in the role of a Cloud Solutions Architect and Security Architect. Security being the topmost concern for companies looking at cloud migrations, Cloud Security Architect roles are in great demand among digital enterprises.

Cloud computing has created new possibilities for file storage, privacy, and connectivity. Due to the increasing number of organizations moving their solutions and services onto the cloud, the need for cloud security experts who have gone through AWS certification training has risen sharply in recent years. In this article, we will discuss in-depth the difference between Security Architect vs Cloud Solutions Architect.

Cloud Solutions Architect

Before we dive deeper into the differences between and Security Architect, let us first understand what a Cloud Architect is.

A cloud solution architect is responsible for creating and designing an enterprise-class, extensible, and cloud-based platform. They are cloud specialists—establishing and supervising the organization's cloud computing infrastructure—including mapping cloud adoption strategy, software architecture, cloud administration, surveillance, etc. It also entails monitoring the needs for application architecture and the deployment of applications in cloud environments.

Responsibilities of Cloud Solutions Architect
The responsibilities of the Solutions Architect include:

• Interacting with various stakeholders to define the business requirements
• A strong understanding of the current technology environment
• Documenting requirements and prospective solutions
• A foresight on the barriers of the project
• Preparing solution plans with the right choice of AWS services and technology
• Ensuring adherence to security, performance, and other types of compliance
• Supervising the cloud solution development/implementation process

Cloud Security Architect

A Cloud Security Architect manages and executes cloud security and hygiene evaluations for existing clients and develops security audits and research work. They assist IT teams in designing, creating, and managing cloud-based security solutions. Cloud Security Architects also develop cloud security policies and guidelines for public, corporate, and hybrid clouds.

A cloud security architect solves more complex challenges and participates in the creation and upgrade of data security solutions to ensure that they remain relevant to the needs of customers and the changing industrial landscape.

Responsibilities of Cloud Security Architect
The responsibilities of Cloud Security Architect include:

• Designing cloud security solutions to protect data on the cloud. The measures can include authentication techniques, encryption, access management, intrusion detection and alarms, security monitoring etc.
• Developing new protocols periodically to upgrade the cloud security system in the organization
• Installing and maintaining the security software throughout the organization
• Creating awareness about the importance of security and sharing security tips with the employees
• Staying updated with the latest forms of threat and identifying solutions to mitigate them
• Ensuring that the security architecture of the organization is in-line with the business goals and objectives

Cloud Solutions Architect vs Cloud Security Architect – Differences

Recruitment Patterns of Cloud Security Architect

Several industries hire cloud security architects and solution architects, including:

• IT: IT organizations across the globe provide top-notch services to their clients and usually have critical data in their possession. Cloud security architects enhance the protection of an organization’s digital assets against malicious attacks, helping organizations focus on customer experience.

• Finance: The financial services industry comprises financial institutions, including banks, investment businesses, lenders, financing companies, real estate agents, and insurance organizations storing critical data. This sector is a major employer of cloud security architects helping organizations perform risk assessments, identify associated consequences, and execute risk management techniques.
• Healthcare: The healthcare industry comprises economic sectors that offer services to practice medicine with curative, preventative, regenerative, and therapeutic interventions. Among its responsibilities is the creation and marketing of products and services that aid in the preservation and restoration of one's health. Cloud security architects are among the most sought-after positions in this industry to help healthcare managers stay abreast of recent data security technical breakthroughs and best practices.
• Defense: The defense sector provides governments with defense assets in the marine, ground, aviation, and network infrastructure domains to support present and future defense and military objectives. Military contractors collaborate with governments as crucial strategic partners for significant operations globally. They engage cloud security architects to protect themselves from risks and implement an effective cybersecurity program.

After looking at the key differences between Cloud Solutions Architect and Cloud Security Architect, here's some more information that should help your search for the right skills.

AWS Certified Cloud Security Specialty Certification

You must pass the AWS Certified Cloud Security specialty certification exam (SCS-C01) to get this certification. The exam consists of five domains: Incident Response, Logging and Monitoring, Infrastructure Security, Identity and Access Management, and Data Protection, and costs $300.  Learn more about this certification through NetCom Learning’s AWS Certification Roadmap.

Improve your cloud security knowledge with NetCom Learning

NetCom Learning offers training courses on Architecting on AWS to help understand AWS services and how they fit into cloud-based solutions. Enroll in the AWS Architect training course and take an exam to earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate certification. The 3-day instructor-led training course includes practical labs and gives you an immersive learning experience. Learn about the Well-Architected Framework, AWS architecting best practices, securing the architecture and other vital topics.

You can also opt for the AWS Security Essentials course to learn the essential elements of AWS cloud security, including access control, data encryption, and the security of your AWS infrastructure's network access.

The  Security Engineering on AWS training explains how to utilize AWS security services effectively and keep your data safe in the cloud. It is recommended for those aiming to get the AWS Certified Security-Specialty credential.

As for the Cloud Solutions Architect vs Cloud Security Architect comparison, you can take your career to new heights with a cloud certification on either of these skills. Top cloud security certifications may open new doors to employment, better companies, and greater salaries for both these roles.