HANDS-ON LABS

SKILL NEEDED FOR THE MOST DEMANDING CAREER

COMMON SKILLS IN DEMAND

The most demanding skills for Cloud Engineers, DevSecOps, and Okta specialists center on Cloud Platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), DevOps Practices (CI/CD, IaC, Containers/Kubernetes), Automation, Linux, Networking, and crucial Security; Okta roles specifically demand strong Identity & Access Management (IAM), SAML, OAuth, and coding (JavaScript/Python), while DevSecOps deeply integrates security into every phase, requiring automated security testing, threat modeling, and rapid vulnerability response alongside general cloud/DevOps skills. 

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Core Cloud Engineering Skills (Foundation for All)

• Cloud Platforms: Deep knowledge of major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Linux/OS: Strong proficiency in Linux/Unix environments.
• Networking: Understanding TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, load balancing.
• Automation: Scripting (Python, Bash) and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible).
• Virtualization & Containers: VMware, Docker, Kubernetes.
• DevOps & CI/CD: Jenkins, GitLab CI, pipelines, fast software delivery. 

DevSecOps Skills (Security Integration)

• Security: Cloud Security, Security Principles, Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA).
• SDLC Security: Integrating security into the entire Software Development Lifecycle.
• Automation: Security automation, automated testing (SAST/DAST).
• Incident Response: Rapid vulnerability remediation and threat management.
• Tools: Security-focused IaC, container security, threat modeling. 

Okta-Specific Skills (Identity & Access)

• IAM Expertise: Core Identity & Access Management concepts.
• Protocols: Deep understanding of SAML, OAuth, OIDC.
• Programming: JavaScript or Python for Okta integrations and APIs.
• Okta Products: Proficiency with Okta Identity Cloud, Universal Directory, Lifecycle Management. 

Key Takeaway

• Cloud Engineering provides the platform skills.
• DevSecOps adds a layer of security automation across the lifecycle.
• Okta specializes in identity security, requiring deep IAM and coding knowledge.
• Combining these, especially security (DevSecOps) and identity (Okta) within cloud platforms, offers the highest demand