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O ver the past 18 months, 83 per cent of com- panies faced cloud security breaches, costing an average of USD 4.35 million per incident, according to data by IBM. These stats highlight the undeniable shift of cloud securi- ty from choice to necessity. Recognizing the significant role of human error in these breaches, KPU's Melville School of Business has announced the launch of the inaugural Citation in Cloud Architecture and Secu- rity for fall 2024. "The cloud is undoubtedly more cost-effective for busi- nesses, but its vulnerability is a critical concern. This has led to a demand for skilled individu- als capable of managing cloud architecture and security," explains Stephanie Howes, Dean at KPU's Melville School of Busi- ness. "The innovative hybrid-mode citation, potentially the first of its kind in BC, tailors its curriculum for a broad spectrum, includ- ing seasoned IT professionals and recent graduates," she says. Crafted as a response to industry needs, the curriculum provides hands-on training in crafting secure cloud realms, building robust infrastructures, and adhering to industry benchmarks. With a focus on crafting resilient systems, deploying security measures, and ensuring compliance, the pro- gram equips students to address real-world challenges. Through practical exercises like ethical hacking, students gain insights into po- tential vulnerabilities, aiming to prevent future breaches. Comprising five specialized courses covering Cloud Concepts, Archi- tecture and Design, Operations, Legal, Risk & Compliance, Data and Infrastructure Security, and Application Security, the cita- tion positions students to be industry-ready upon completion. "We envision graduates not only with technical prowess but also with prob- lem-solving finesse and collaborative leadership skills, contributing to shaping the dynamic landscape of cloud technology," says Howes. This initiative aligns with the urgency highlighted by IBM's report, indi- cating that cloud-based attacks often exploit newer vulnerabilities, resulting in data loss and ransomware incidents. In 2022, the top five costly industries affected by such incidents were healthcare, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, and energy. Continuous monitoring of cloud environments is deemed crucial to promptly identify and mitigate risks, reducing data breach costs and improving containment times. This underscores the crucial role of cloud security and the significance of educational initiatives like KPU's Citation in preparing professionals to address evolving cyber threats. Cloud security, vital for safe- guarding data, applications, and infrastruc- ture, is reinforced by the rising demand for cloud services. This necessitates a special- ized skill set to address security concerns and contribute to the overall security and continuity of businesses relying on cloud technologies, says Dean Howes. KPU's Melville School of Business Breaks New Ground with Cloud Security Program Debut Meeting the soaring demand for skilled experts amid rising cloud security breaches, KPU's Melville School of Business gets ready to launch the inaugural Citation in Cloud Architecture and Security. BY NATALIE BRUCKNER Learn more | kpu.ca/business LinkedIn Instagram Facebook S P O N S O R E D R E P O R T Created by Canada Wide Media in partnership with KPU's Melville School of Business