What is Cloud Pentesting and GCPN ( and how I prepared for it)

Introduction

As cloud networks and assets become increasingly integral to IT infrastructures, the need for specialized security measures has never been greater. Cloud penetration testing, or cloud pentesting, plays a critical role in assessing these systems. In this post, I’ll explore Cloud Pentesting and the relevant certifications, particularly the GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester (GCPN) certification, and share insights from my GCPN preparation journey.

Why Focus on Cloud Penetration Testing?

Cloud pentesting targets the security of cloud-hosted environments, including their networks, applications, and other assets. Commonly tested assets include:

• Exposed storage, such as S3 buckets
• Insecure configurations, like exposed keys found in public repositories (e.g., GitHub)
• Web applications hosted on cloud platforms, vulnerable to attacks like SQL injection leading to Remote Code Execution (RCE), Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) to access metadata services, command injections, and unsafe file uploads
• Containers and Kubernetes clusters that might be part of the cloud infrastructure

Understanding and mitigating vulnerabilities in these areas are crucial due to their widespread use and the severe implications of a breach.

Certifications, Courses, and Labs for Aspiring Cloud Pentesters

For those interested in specializing in cloud pentesting, numerous courses and certifications can help:

• Attacking and Defending Azure CARTP
• Breaching AWS and Breaching Azure from CloudBreach
• Breaching the Cloud with Beau Bullock
• Hacktrics’ AWS Red Team Apprentice (ARTA) and AWS Red Team Expert (ARTE)
• TryHackMe’s Attacking and Defending AWS
• HackTheBox’s Blacksky
• Xintra’S Attacking and Defending Azure & M365

I had the opportunity to participate in the SANS Work Study program as a moderator for their SEC588: Cloud Penetration Testing course, which includes the GCPN certification.

What is the GCPN Certification?

The GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester (GCPN) certification is designed to validate a practitioner’s skills in conducting cloud-focused penetration tests. It assesses the security of systems, networks, architectures, and specific cloud technologies, making it a valuable credential for professionals in the field.

Preparation for the GCPN Certification

My preparation strategy included:

• Watching instructional videos of SEC588 to get a solid theoretical understanding
• Studying textbooks and revisiting them while creating a detailed index to solidify knowledge
• Dedicating a month of hands-on lab work to apply what I learned in a practical setting

Summary

The GCPN stands out as a premier certification for cloud penetration testing, offering a comprehensive framework to assess and enhance the security of cloud environments.

Next Steps

Continuing education is key in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. I plan to do further hands-on labs, such as PwnLabs, Cybr, and TryHackMe’s AWS pentesting modules, to refine my skills and stay ahead of emerging threats.