This comprehensive, hands-on program is designed to equip you with the practical skills and strategic knowledge needed to secure cloud-native applications, harden Kubernetes clusters, and confidently pass the CKS certification exam. Through real-world scenarios, interactive labs, and expert guidance, you’ll learn to implement robust security measures, mitigate risks, and ensure the integrity of your Kubernetes environments—preparing you to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving cloud infrastructure.
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Specialization
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) Specialization
Your Ultimate Resource for Acing the CKS Exam. Learn key Kubernetes security for CKS with hands-on demos, real scenarios, and expert insights.
Instructor: Pearson
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 month at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 month at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
Build, secure, and manage Kubernetes clusters using industry best practices, including CIS benchmarking, network security policies, and role-based access control (RBAC).
Harden Kubernetes environments by minimizing attack surfaces, implementing pod and kernel security standards, and protecting sensitive data and service accounts.
Develop hands-on expertise in securing cloud-native applications, verifying platform binaries, and managing secrets, while preparing effectively for the CKS certification exam.
Overview
Skills you'll gain
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
Recently updated!
August 2025
30 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from Pearson
Specialization - 8 course series
What you'll learn
Understand CKS certification requirements and create a tailored study strategy for exam success.
Build and manage a Kubernetes home lab environment for hands-on, practical learning.
Master foundational and advanced Kubernetes security principles, including threat modeling and public key infrastructure.
Analyze real-world security incidents and top OWASP risks to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in Kubernetes environments.
Skills you'll gain
Kubernetes, Cloud Security, Public Key Infrastructure, Threat Modeling, Threat Detection, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Threat Management, Cloud-Native Computing, Application Security, Cloud Applications, Infrastructure Security, and Vulnerability Assessments
What you'll learn
Configure and secure Kubernetes clusters using industry-standard network policies and CIS benchmarks.
Implement secure ingress with TLS and protect node metadata and endpoints from unauthorized access.
Verify platform binaries to ensure authenticity and integrity before deployment.
Manage Kubernetes Dashboard security with role-based access control for safe cluster administration.
Skills you'll gain
Kubernetes, Network Security, Application Security, Infrastructure Security, Configuration Management, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Cyber Security Policies, Encryption, Cloud Security, and Verification And Validation
What you'll learn
Implement and verify secure access controls for the Kubernetes API server.
Configure and manage role-based access control (RBAC) for efficient and secure cluster administration.
Protect and audit service accounts to minimize security risks within your Kubernetes environment.
Plan and execute Kubernetes upgrades to maintain security and operational efficiency.
Skills you'll gain
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Kubernetes, Patch Management, Security Controls, User Accounts, Authorization (Computing), Authentications, Hardening, and Identity and Access Management
What you'll learn
Minimize host operating system and network exposure to reduce Kubernetes attack surfaces.
Harden the kernel using SecComp, AppArmor, and rigorous security testing.
Implement least privilege identity and access management for both host and cloud environments.
Configure and validate host firewalls to secure node network access.
Skills you'll gain
Hardening, Identity and Access Management, Kubernetes, Infrastructure Security, Network Security, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Security Controls, System Configuration, Linux Administration, Authorization (Computing), and Firewall
What you'll learn
Enforce pod security standards and prevent privilege escalation using security contexts and policy tools.
Securely manage Kubernetes secrets, including encryption at rest and best practices for sensitive data.
Implement advanced container isolation with sandbox pods, GVisor, and Kata Containers.
Enable pod-to-pod encryption with Celium to protect inter-service communications.
Skills you'll gain
Kubernetes, Encryption, Containerization, Security Controls, Infrastructure Security, Microservices, Cloud Security, and Network Security
What you'll learn
Secure image registries and enforce image signing to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
Perform static analysis of workloads and containers to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities.
Minimize base image footprints to reduce attack surfaces in containerized environments.
Scan container images for known vulnerabilities and automate security policy enforcement.
Skills you'll gain
Vulnerability Scanning, Image Analysis, Containerization, Vulnerability Management, Infrastructure Security, Docker (Software), Kubernetes, CI/CD, Security Controls, DevSecOps, and Hardening
What you'll learn
Enforce container immutability and implement runtime security policies to maintain application integrity.
Configure and manage Kubernetes audit logs for comprehensive security oversight and efficient log management.
Detect and respond to malicious activity using behavioral analysis and real-time monitoring tools like Falco.
Investigate signs of compromise and apply the MITRE ATT&CK framework for effective incident response.
Skills you'll gain
Continuous Monitoring, Incident Response, Threat Detection, Anomaly Detection, Containerization, Security Controls, Kubernetes, Infrastructure Security, DevSecOps, System Monitoring, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Security Engineering, Docker (Software), MITRE ATT&CK Framework, and Event Monitoring
What you'll learn
Apply Kubernetes security best practices in realistic, exam-like scenarios.
Secure API access, enforce pod security standards, and implement robust network policies.
Detect and mitigate vulnerabilities using runtime security tools and advanced monitoring.
Configure secret encryption, secure ingress, and enforce network encryption for comprehensive protection.
Skills you'll gain
Hardening, Continuous Monitoring, Encryption, Threat Detection, Infrastructure Security, Kubernetes, Containerization, API Gateway, Scenario Testing, Authentications, Application Security, Security Engineering, Network Security, and Authorization (Computing)
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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Frequently asked questions
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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Financial aid available,