Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 Professional Certificate

A special thanks to the M365 team at Microsoft for the close collaboration throughout this effort. No prior knowledge is required to enroll in this program, however, having a familiarity with Azure technologies and a solid understanding of computer networking and hybrid environments is highly recommended. When you complete this professional certificate, you will have skills that enable you to confidently attempt the AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies exam. Based on agency feedback, expert insight, Microsoft product updates, and extensive collaboration from Microsoft and other partners, Version 1.0 of the M365 Secure Configuration Baselines incorporates over 100 modifications to the initial draft.

These final Baselines have been refined and improved through extensive engagement with partners and from experiences gained from on-the-ground implementation efforts with agencies. In October 2022, CISA released the draft M365 Secure Configuration Baselines for public comment and received hundreds of responses from public and private sector partners. In parallel, we conducted a dozen pilot projects at federal agencies to target the adoption of advanced cloud security practices while testing our guidance and recommended configurations in practice. These pilots demonstrated not only how critical these configuration baselines are to enhancing cybersecurity, but also how valuable it is to have comprehensive guidance to drive cross-organizational adoption in line with enterprise risk management. Our pilot effort also reinforced how simple the ScubaGear tool is to use, and provided insight into agency resource needs for full adoption. All participating agency teams were able to adopt a higher security baseline for their M365 email and cloud environments with existing resources- expertise they already had available.

Recommended experience

Since launch, ScubaGear has been downloaded over 4,000 times and its results, coupled with our SCuBA Baselines, have helped countless agencies and organizations take meaningful steps forward to elevate their cybersecurity posture. The program content aligns with the AZ-500 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies exam, validating your preparedness to implement, manage, and monitor security. Additionally, the final projects, based on real-life scenarios, demonstrate your ability to utilize tools and services to complete tasks expected by employers.

Through this program, you will gain skills that top-tier companies actively seek, showcasing your job-readiness for a career in security technologies. If you are an Azure administrator, this is the right course to steer your microsoft azure security career toward IT security. Each course in this program combines concepts, practice exercises, and hands-on exercises in Azure. With Azure being used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies, Azure security experts are in high demand.

Advance your career with an online degree

We address the real-world needs of customers by seamlessly integrating Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, LinkedIn, GitHub, Microsoft Power Platform, and Azure to unlock business value for every organization—from large enterprises to family-run businesses. When you complete this program, you will have a range of simulated project implementations to use as work samples during interviews. Learners who pass all 7 courses will receive a voucher for 50% off the AZ-500 certificate exam. Learners who complete this program will receive 50% off of the AZ-500 Microsoft Certification Exam. This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person.

Though these results may vary across organizations, applying the M365 Secure Configuration Baselines is not only essential in this cyber threat environment, but it is a relatively low level of effort for most cyber teams. In terms of job responsibilities, you will be able to implement and manage security controls ensuring proper access management, network security, and data protection. You would have gained the skills to monitor security events, investigate incidents, and respond promptly to mitigate potential risks or breaches.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

• This tool decreases the effort required for agencies (or any organization) to assess their tenant configurations by producing a detailed as-is report to serve as a starting point.
• We appreciate the contributions of all those who supported this effort over the past year.
• While the final M365 baselines differ from the draft in meaningful ways, a few key improvements are of note.
• No prior knowledge is required to enroll in this program, however, having a familiarity with Azure technologies and a solid understanding of computer networking and hybrid environments is highly recommended.
• In this next revolution of digital transformation, growth is being driven by technology.

An Azure security engineer oversees the security aspects of Azure, multi-cloud, and hybrid environments. Their job entails managing the overall security posture, proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, conducting threat modeling, and implementing threat protection measures. In addition, they collaborate with architects, administrators, and developers to design and implement secure solutions that align with security and compliance standards. Azure security engineers may also play a role in incident response activities, effectively mitigating and resolving security incidents as needed.

Manage Security Operations

In addition, the skills gained will help you identify vulnerabilities and gaps in an organization’s Azure infrastructure and provide recommendations to enhance the security posture. You will be able to conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance within Azure environments. In support of our pilot efforts, CISA also released our assessment tool, ScubaGear, to help organizations rapidly assess their M365 services against CISA’s recommended policies. This tool decreases the effort required for agencies (or any organization) to assess their tenant configurations by producing a detailed as-is report to serve as a starting point.

• In parallel, we conducted a dozen pilot projects at federal agencies to target the adoption of advanced cloud security practices while testing our guidance and recommended configurations in practice.
• Azure security engineers may also play a role in incident response activities, effectively mitigating and resolving security incidents as needed.
• With Azure being used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies, Azure security experts are in high demand.