Microsoft certification 2024: Eight certifications to boost your cloud and cyber security skills

Introduction

Are you looking for a way to advance your career in the fast-growing fields of cloud computing and cyber security? Do you want to demonstrate your expertise and stand out from the crowd? If so, you might consider getting a Microsoft certification in 2024.

Microsoft certifications are globally recognized credentials that test your skills in various aspects of Microsoft technologies. They can help you land your dream job, get promoted, or earn an attractive salary. They can also boost your confidence and credibility as a professional.

This blog post introduces you to eight Microsoft certifications that can help you enhance your cloud and cyber security skills. These certifications cover Azure fundamentals, data fundamentals, security operations, identity and access management, information protection, and more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there is a certification that suits your level and goals.

1. Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

If you are new to cloud computing or want to learn the basics of Azure, the Azure Fundamentals certification is your starting point for your cloud journey. This certification will help you understand the core concepts of cloud services, such as cloud models, cloud security, cloud pricing, and cloud support. You will also learn to use Azure services for computing, storage, networking, databases, analytics, AI, and IoT.

The Azure Fundamentals certification will not demand prior experience or technical background. It is suitable for anyone who wants to gain a foundational knowledge of Azure and cloud computing. You can prepare for the exam by taking the free online course [Azure Fundamentals]( https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/offers/30-days-to-learn-it ) on Microsoft Learn.

2. Data Fundamentals (DP-900)

If you are interested in working with data or want to learn the basics of data in the cloud, the Data Fundamentals certification is for you. This certification will help you understand the core concepts of data, such as data types, data sources, data analysis, and data visualization. You will also learn to use Azure data services for relational and non-relational data, big data, data warehousing, and data processing.

The Data Fundamentals certification does not require any prior experience or technical background. It is suitable for anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of data in the cloud. You can prepare for the exam by taking the free online course [Data Fundamentals]( https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/training-and-certifications/ ) on Microsoft Learn.

3. Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

If you want to learn the fundamentals of security, compliance, and identity in the cloud, the Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification is for you. This certification will help you understand the key concepts and best practices of securing and managing cloud resources, data, and identities. You will also learn to use Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions, such as Azure Security Center, Azure Sentinel, Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft 365 Compliance Center, and Azure Active Directory.

The Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification does not require any prior experience or technical background. It is suitable for anyone who wants to understand cloud security, compliance, and identity. You can prepare for the exam by taking the free online course [Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals](https://www.analyticsinsight.net/microsoft-certification-2024-10-courses-to-boost-your-skills/) on Microsoft Learn.

4. Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

If you have some experience in administering Azure resources and want to take your skills to the next level, the Azure Administrator Associate certification is for you. This certification helps you showcase your competency in managing and monitoring Azure services, such as virtual machines, virtual networks, storage accounts, Azure Active Directory, Azure Backup, and Azure Site Recovery. Also, you will learn how to implement and manage security, governance, and cost optimization in Azure.

The Azure Administrator Associate certification requires at least six months of hands-on experience administering Azure resources and a solid understanding of core Azure services, security, and governance. You can prepare for the exam by learning with help of Microsoft-certified experts from CloudThat, an Authorized Microsoft Certified Solutions Partner. Know more about AZ-104 CloudThat Offerings

5. Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)

If you want to work as a security analyst or a security engineer, the Security Operations Analyst Associate certification is for you. This certification helps you to showcase your competency in detecting, investigating, and responding to security incidents and threats in the cloud. You will also learn to use Microsoft security solutions, such as Azure Sentinel, Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Defender, and Microsoft Cloud App Security, to protect and monitor your cloud environment.

The Security Operations Analyst Associate certification requires at least one year of experience in security operations, as well as a good understanding of Microsoft security solutions, cloud security concepts, and security best practices. You can prepare for the exam by taking the free online course [Security Operations Analyst] on Microsoft Learn. Also, you can seek Instructor-led virtual classroom or In-person training from CloudThat. You can know more about CloudThat’s Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)

6. Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)

If you want to work as an identity and access administrator or a security administrator, the Identity and Access Administrator Associate certification is for you. This certification will help you demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and manage identity and access solutions in the cloud. You will also learn to use Azure Active Directory, Azure AD Connect, Azure AD Identity Protection, Azure AD Privileged Identity Management, and Azure AD B2C to manage and secure user identities, devices, and applications.

The Identity and Access Administrator Associate certification requires at least one year of experience in identity and access management, as well as a good understanding of Azure Active Directory, Azure AD Connect, and hybrid identity scenarios. You can prepare for the exam through self-learning via an online course [Identity and Access Administrator] on Microsoft Learn. Also, you can get access to instructor-led virtual classrooms or In-person training from CloudThat. To know more, visit Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)

7. Information Protection Administrator Associate (SC-400)

If you want to work as an information protection or compliance administrator, the Information Protection Administrator Associate certification is for you. This certification will help you demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and manage cloud information protection and governance solutions. You will also learn to use Microsoft 365 Compliance Center, Microsoft Information Protection, Azure Information Protection, and Microsoft 365 Insider Risk Management to protect and manage sensitive data, documents, and emails.

The Information Protection Administrator Associate certification requires at least one year of experience in information protection and governance and a good understanding of Microsoft 365 Compliance Center, Microsoft Information Protection, and data protection regulations. You can prepare for the exam through self-learning via an online course [Information Protection Administrator] on Microsoft Learn. Also, you can get access to instructor-led virtual classrooms or In-person training from CloudThat. To know more, visit Information Protection Administrator Associate (SC-400).

8. Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)

This certification exam is newly launched by Microsoft in 2023. It validates your ability to translate a cybersecurity strategy into capabilities that protect an organization’s assets, business, and operations. You will learn to use Microsoft security technologies and follow Zero Trust principles and best practices.

To earn this certification, you must pass the SC-100 exam, which covers security best practices, security operations, identity and access, infrastructure security, and application and data security. You should also have experience and expertise in at least one of these areas.

The SC-100 exam is challenging but rewarding. Passing the SC-100 exam will prove your competence, increase your confidence, and advance your career as a Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect.

Conclusion

As you can see, many Microsoft certifications can help you boost your cloud and cyber security skills in 2024. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a certification that matches your level and goals. By getting a Microsoft certification, you can prove your competence, increase your confidence, and advance your career.

So, what are you waiting for? Choose your challenge, complete the training, and prepare for the exam. You can also take advantage of the [Microsoft Cloud Skills Challenge] to get 50% off the exam fee. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn new skills and earn a valuable credential. Good luck and happy learning!

About CloudThat

Established in 2012, CloudThat is a leading Cloud Training and Cloud Consulting services provider in India, USA, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Being a pioneer in the Cloud domain, CloudThat has special expertise in catering to mid-market and enterprise clients in all the major Cloud service providers like AWS, Microsoft, GCP, VMware, Databricks, HP, and more. Uniquely positioned to be a single source for both training and consulting for cloud technologies like Cloud Migration, Data Platforms, DevOps, IoT, and the latest technologies like AI/ML, it is a top-tier partner with AWS and Microsoft, winning more than 8 awards combined in 11 years. Recently, it was recognized as the ‘Think Big’ partner from AWS and won the Microsoft Superstars FY 2023 award in Asia & India. Leveraging their position as a leader in the market, CloudThat has trained 650k+ professionals in 500+ cloud certifications and delivered 300+ consulting projects for 100+ corporates in 28+ countries.