Discover the ins and outs of cybersecurity architecture with this handbook, designed to enhance your expertise in implementing and maintaining robust security structures for the ever-evolving digital landscape

Key Features

• Gain insights into the cybersecurity architect role and master key skills to excel in it
• Acquire a diverse skill set for becoming a cybersecurity architect through up-to-date, practical examples
• Discover valuable tips and best practices to launch your career in cybersecurity
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Stepping into the role of a Cybersecurity Architect (CSA) is no mean feat, as it requires both upskilling and a fundamental shift in the way you view cybersecurity altogether. Cybersecurity Architect's Handbook is an all-encompassing guide, introducing the essential skills for aspiring CSAs, outlining a path for cybersecurity engineers and newcomers to evolve into architects, and sharing best practices to enhance the skills of existing CSAs.

Following a brief introduction to the role and foundational concepts, this book will help you understand the day-to-day challenges faced by CSAs, supported by practical examples. You'll gain insights into assessing and improving your organization's security posture, concerning system, hardware, and software security. You'll also get to grips with setting user and system policies and protocols through effective monitoring and enforcement, along with understanding countermeasures that protect the system from unauthorized access attempts.

To prepare you for the road ahead and augment your existing skills, the book provides invaluable tips and practices that will contribute to your success as a CSA. By the end of this book, you'll be well-equipped to take up the CSA role and execute robust security solutions.

What you will learn

• Get to grips with the foundational concepts and basics of cybersecurity
• Understand cybersecurity architecture principles through scenario-based examples
• Navigate the certification landscape and understand key considerations for getting certified
• Implement zero-trust authentication with practical examples and best practices
• Find out how to choose commercial and open source tools
• Address architecture challenges, focusing on mitigating threats and organizational governance

Who this book is for

This book is for cybersecurity professionals looking to transition into a cybersecurity architect role. Solution architects interested in understanding the scope of the role and the necessary skills for success will also find this book useful.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity
2. Cybersecurity Foundation
3. What Is a Cybersecurity Architect and What Are Their Responsibilities?
4. Cybersecurity Architecture Principles, Design, and Analysis
5. Threat, Risk, and Governance Considerations as an Architect
6. Documentation as a Cybersecurity Architect - Valuable Resources and Guidance for a Cybersecurity Architect Role
7. Entry-Level-to-Architect Roadmap
8. The Certification Dilemma
9. Decluttering the Toolset - Part 1
10. Decluttering the Toolset - Part 2
11. Best Practices
12. Being Adaptable as a Cybersecurity Architect
13. Architecture Considerations - Design, Development, and Other Security Strategies - Part 1
14. Architecture Considerations - Design, Development, and Other Security Strategies - Part 2

Review

“When I started reading the Cybersecurity Architect’s Handbook, I thought I would learn a few basic facts about roles and responsibilities. Little did I know that I would be reading one of the most comprehensive guides on becoming a great cybersecurity practitioner. CSA introduces the reader to cybersecurity foundations and then covers governance, stepping stones toward becoming a CSA, and strategies for adapting a security program to ever-changing business goals. My expectations were exceeded when I discovered that this handbook even includes several practical hands-on labs that guide readers through implementing access controls, setting up and configuring a firewall, and applying encryption for data at rest and in transit.

The Cybersecurity Architect’s Handbook is a must-read for anyone aspiring to be an effective cybersecurity professional.”

Corey J. Ball, APIsec Evangelist and Cybersecurity Consulting Manager at Moss Adams

About the Author

Lester E. Nichols III currently resides in North Texas and is the Director Security Architecture/VP Cybersecurity Operations at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Previous experience includes the Director of IT Infrastructure and Security for a development company, SOC oversight manager/Senior Infrastructure Officer within DHS and previous experience in Local/Federal/DoD/financial sectors. Lester has post graduate education with a Master's of Science Degree in Information Assurance from Norwich University, the oldest private military school in the United States, and multiple industry certifications including CISSP and SANS certs, as well as others. Lester is also a contributing author to the Computer Security Handbook 5th-6th Editions by Wiley Press.