KPU’s Melville School of Business Breaks New Ground with Cloud Security Program Debut

Over the past 18 months, 83 per cent of companies faced cloud security breaches, costing an average of USD 4.35 million per incident, according to data by IBM. These stats highlight the undeniable shift of cloud security from choice to necessity.

Recognizing the significant role of human error in these breaches, KPU’s Melville School of Business has announced the launch of the inaugural Citation in Cloud Architecture and Security for fall 2024.

“The cloud is undoubtedly more cost-effective for businesses, but its vulnerability is a critical concern,” explains Stephanie Howes, Dean at KPU’s Melville School of Business. “This has led to a demand for skilled individuals capable of managing cloud architecture and security.”

The innovative hybrid-mode citation, potentially the first of its kind in BC, tailors its curriculum for a broad spectrum, including seasoned IT professionals and recent graduates.

Crafted as a response to industry needs, the curriculum provides hands-on training in crafting secure cloud realms, building robust infrastructures and adhering to industry benchmarks. With a focus on crafting resilient systems, deploying security measures and ensuring compliance, the program equips students to address real-world challenges.

Through practical exercises like ethical hacking, students gain insights into potential vulnerabilities, aiming to prevent future breaches. Comprising five specialized courses covering Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design, Operations, Legal, Risk & Compliance, Data and Infrastructure Security, and Application Security, the citation positions students to be industry-ready upon completion.

“We envision graduates not only with technical prowess but also with problem-solving finesse and collaborative leadership skills, contributing to shaping the dynamic landscape of cloud technology,” says Howes. This initiative aligns with the urgency highlighted by IBM’s report, indicating that cloud-based attacks often exploit newer vulnerabilities, resulting in data loss and ransomware incidents.

In 2022, the top five industries affected by such costly incidents were healthcare, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology and energy. Continuous monitoring of cloud environments is deemed crucial to promptly identify and mitigate risks, reducing data breach costs and improving containment times.

This underscores the crucial role of cloud security and the significance of educational initiatives like KPU’s Citation in preparing professionals to address evolving cyber threats.

“Cloud security, vital for safeguarding data, applications and infrastructure, is reinforced by the rising demand for cloud services,” says Howes. “This necessitates a specialized skill set to address security concerns and contribute to the overall security and continuity of businesses relying on cloud technologies.”

Learn more | kpu.ca/business

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