Cloud Automation and Threats Lecture Summary

Introduction to Cloud Automation

• Cloud and Automation: Key for leveraging the flexibility and elasticity of cloud environments.
• Interaction with Cloud: Done via web console and REST API endpoints.

Basics of Automation

• Scripting: Basic method of automation (Bash, Python, PowerShell, etc.).
  • Used for tasks like resource creation, configuration, and permission management.
  • Risk of errors and obsolescence due to changes in environment.

Orchestration

• Difference from Automation: Focuses on sequencing tasks and managing complex workflows.
• Examples: Creating VMs, configuring services, managing networking.
• Features:
  • Implicit validation to prevent errors.
  • Resource dependency management.
  • State knowledge for deciding necessary actions.
  • Idempotency ensures repeated deployments don't affect existing infrastructure.

Tools for Automation and Orchestration

• Terraform: Infrastructure as Code, manages public cloud resources.
• Ansible: Configuration management, uses YAML Playbooks, no agent required.
• Chef and Puppet: Configuration management, require agents.
• Docker: Container management with limited orchestration.
• Kubernetes: Advanced container orchestration.

Serverless Computing (Function as a Service)

• Concept: Running code without managing infrastructure.
• Characteristics: Pay-per-use, hidden infrastructure, short-lived containers.
• Security Concerns: Cloud-dependent, API security, access control.

Security Threats in Cloud

API Security

• Ensure HTTPS: Secure communication.
• Input Validation: Prevent injection attacks.
• Rate Limiting: Prevent denial of service.

Key Management

• API Keys: Avoid hard-coding, use environment variables.
• Principle of Least Privilege: Specific privileges per key.
• Key Rotation: Regularly change keys, store securely.

Storage Security

• Access Control: Manage permissions carefully to prevent data breaches.
  • Misconfigured S3 buckets are a common issue.

Monitoring and Logging

• Cloud Solutions: Integrated logging and metrics (e.g., AWS CloudWatch).
• Visibility Challenges: Limited visibility compared to on-premises systems.

Exam Preparation

• Remember methods of cloud automation from scripting to orchestration.
• Describe function as a service/serverless computing.
• Enumerate and explain common cloud threats.

---

• Next Topics: VDI, containers, and microservices.
• Recommendation: Like and subscribe for more lectures.