Find the right Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) expert in Germany, matched in minutes from over 15,000 CVs with the power of AI.
CCSK holders bring practical cloud security knowledge across shared responsibility, cloud risk, architecture, data protection, identity, and incident response. Engage vetted professionals fast and with precision, whether you need remote support or help for a Germany-based project.
About the certification
What CCSK covers
The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge, often called CCSK, is the Cloud Security Alliance certification for practical cloud security understanding. It focuses on how to secure cloud services in real projects, not on a single vendor stack.
- Cloud computing concepts and service models
- Shared responsibility in cloud environments
- Governance, risk, and compliance in the cloud
- Identity, access, and key management
- Data protection, encryption, and incident handling
Who holds it
CCSK is common among cloud security architects, security engineers, consultants, and compliance specialists. It also suits freelancers who advise on cloud migrations, platform hardening, or security reviews for multi-cloud and hybrid setups.
For companies in Germany, it is a useful signal when the project needs clear cloud security judgment and the freelancer must work with technical teams, auditors, or business stakeholders in English or German.
Skills behind the badge
A freelancer with CCSK should be able to discuss cloud threats, control design, and governance choices with confidence. The certification is closely tied to the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix and the Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing.
- Assess cloud risks and map controls
- Design secure IAM and privilege boundaries
- Protect sensitive data across cloud services
- Review logging, monitoring, and incident response
- Align cloud use with policy and compliance needs
When to hire CCSK talent
CCSK is a strong fit for cloud migration programs, security assessments, policy work, and architecture reviews. It helps when a team needs someone who can bridge engineering and governance without getting stuck in vendor-specific detail.
A company engaging CCSK talent can expect structured thinking about cloud control gaps, secure service use, and practical trade-offs. That is valuable in early design work, due diligence, and remediation planning.
What it signals in Germany
In Germany, CCSK is relevant for organizations that work with cloud vendors, regulated data, or cross-border teams. It can be especially useful when a freelancer needs to support remote workshops, documentation, or review sessions with local security and compliance teams.
The certification does not replace hands-on cloud experience, but it shows that the holder understands the language, models, and control areas that matter in real cloud security work.
Preparation and renewal
People preparing for CCSK usually study the CSA guidance, cloud control frameworks, and common security practices across identity, network, and data layers. The exam is known for broad cloud security knowledge rather than narrow product skills.
Because the certification is issued by the Cloud Security Alliance, holders should also stay current with evolving cloud guidance and the CSA ecosystem. That makes CCSK a credible signal for ongoing cloud security work, not just a one-time theory test.
Meet FRATCH Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)
Enrique Gallardo
Data Security
Last position:
Security Architect at Capgemini
I implemented a Zero-Trust architecture for robust, military-grade maritime container mini data centers based on VMware & Tanzu to support containerized GIS workloads for ground forces. The main focus was on securing communications, workload protection, and data access in contested electronic battle environments affected by jamming, interception, signal manipulation, and constantly changing operational conditions. I designed and architected use cases so that every element of workload, identity, and system could continue to operate independently and securely even in degraded or disrupted scenarios. In parallel, I defined the enterprise and solution security architecture with LeanIX, Bizzdesign, and HOPEX as enterprise architecture, repository, and governance platforms to maintain architecture inventory, relationships, traceability, target pictures, and security governance in complex environments. For the architectural designs, I used Sparx Enterprise Architect to describe formal architecture views, interfaces, trust boundaries, and system architecture in both IT and OT environments. IriusRisk was used for threat modeling of the solution to identify architecture-driven risks, derive security requirements, and detect countermeasures and design gaps directly from the solution models. Risk and compliance management was supported with Archer. Architecture decisions, control gaps, and operational risks were translated into controlled governance and auditable compliance measures. For documentation, collaboration, and visual design, I used Confluence to maintain Architecture Decision Records, Security Blueprints, and workflows. I used Lucidchart and draw.io to create design artifacts tailored to stakeholders. I also defined OT security concepts with support from electrical and mechanical engineers in the areas of oil, vehicle onboard systems, rail, power plants, pharma, gas turbines, and nuclear technology. I created the end-to-end OT security strategy, starting with global policy, developed into standards and procedures, and finally aligned with Bell-LaPadula, Purdue Model, SABSA, TOGAF ADM, CENELEC 50701, IEC 62443, and NIST standards. In addition, I worked with engineering team leads to identify critical KBP assets and place them under protective measures that segmented SCADA, PLC, and HMI assets. I drove collaboration between Security, IT, and OT teams to create standardized workflows and use cases for the OT security solution catalog, while integrating Defense-in-Depth and Zero-Trust principles into operational environments. A key part of my work was integrating multidisciplinary engineering, security, and operations stakeholders into a unified security blueprinting strategy and ensuring that architecture, threat modeling, governance, and documentation were technically strong and operationally practical.
Volker Kühn
Freelance IT Auditor and Consultant for Customer Service Processes
Last position:
Head of Application Management at Bundeswehr FuhrparkServices GmbH
- Led 34 specialists in application management and software engineering
- Developed and ran fleet management for 45,000 vehicles for the German Armed Forces using SAP R/3 and SAP S/4 Hana modules
- Provided and enhanced software for rental and leasing business as well as mapping all company processes of BwFPS, including mobile apps
- Supported the electrification of the Bundeswehr vehicle fleet
- Developed and operated cloud-based custom solutions
- Responsible for the security architecture of the entire IT landscape, following the IT security requirements of the Bundeswehr, BSI IT-Grundschutz, and critical infrastructures
- Secured terrestrial communication networks, mobile networks, IT middleware, and applications against cyberattacks
- Migrated the fleet management system to SAP S/4 Hana, achieving efficiency gains
- Developed a complexity index for the IT landscape and reduced it through retirement, modernization, and interface removal
- Used AI models to support procurement processes, knowledge management, and process simplification
André Beran
External Attack Surface Assessment & Cybersecurity Readiness Checks
Last position:
External Attack Surface Assessment & Cybersecurity Readiness Checks at Graydaxe Cybersecurity GmbH
- Conducting cybersecurity readiness checks based on an in-house assessment methodology
- Analyzing the external attack surface using the Graydaxe EASM platform
- Assessing maturity levels and deriving prioritized recommendations for action
Vladimir Mildenberger
IT & Cybersecurity Project Manager
Last position:
IT & Cybersecurity Project Manager at Technology company / IT security solutions
- Planning, directing, and implementing IT security projects focused on Palo Alto solutions (e.g., Next-Gen Firewalls, Prisma Access, Cortex, SASE, Zero Trust)
- Coordinating interdisciplinary teams and resources throughout all project phases
- Managing project scope, schedule, budget, and quality according to client goals
- Active stakeholder management and ensuring transparency and communication
- Risk management: identifying, assessing, and controlling project-related risks
- Creating and maintaining project plans, budget overviews, and reports
- Ensuring customer satisfaction through high-quality project and relationship management
- Applying established project management methods such as PMI, PRINCE2, or SCRUM for structured project execution
Marijn Scholtens
Cloud Solutions Architect or Senior Software Engineer
Last position:
Senior Software Engineer at Puls Security GmbH
Optimizing and acceleration of our Gitlab CI pipeline
Conceptual work for the PoC of the Zero Trust system
Extension of the policy-engine backend in Go
Extension of the policy-testing mechanism in Python
Architectural design of the PEP component of Zero Trust
Documentation of the product
Technologies: Zero Trust, Go, Python, Gitlab CI, Docker, JWT, Domain-Driven Design
Mohamed Ghassen Brahim
Founder & CEO
Last position:
Lead / Principal Cloud, AI & Security Architect at Freelancer / CC Conceptualise GmbH
Projects:
Project: RWE – Development of a company-wide Zero Trust cybersecurity architecture (CITADEL) Role: Senior Enterprise Cybersecurity Architect / Zero Trust Architect Company: RWE AG Description: Concept and implementation of the strategic CITADEL cybersecurity target architecture at RWE, based on the Zero Trust architecture principle and aligned with regulatory requirements such as NIS2, ISO 27001 and company-wide security governance policies. The goal was to build a measurable, auditable and scalable security architecture with a strong focus on Identity Governance, compliance transparency and operational manageability. Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Zero Trust architecture design: Developed a company-wide Zero Trust reference architecture (Identity, Device, Network, Application, Data) including trust zones, control points and enforcement mechanisms according to NIS2.
- Identity & Access Governance (IGA): Designed and introduced IGA governance structures including role models, recertification processes, segregation of duties (SoD) and lifecycle management for identities and access.
- Security governance & KPIs: Defined and implemented security KPIs and metrics to manage Zero Trust maturity, identity risks and compliance at the management level.
- Compliance & reporting: Built standardized compliance reports and dashboards to support internal audits, external assessments and regulatory evidence (e.g. NIS2).
- Architecture & stakeholder alignment: Worked closely with Enterprise Architecture, IT operations and business units to integrate the CITADEL architecture into existing IT and security landscapes.
- Strategic security consulting: Advised programs and projects on Zero Trust compliance, identity centricity and regulatory requirements in the energy and critical infrastructure (KRITIS) environment. Technologies & Methods: Zero Trust Architecture, NIS2, Identity Governance & Administration (IGA), IAM, RBAC, SoD, Entra ID, SailPoint, Zscaler, Terraform / IaC, Policy as Code, security KPIs, compliance reporting, NIST 2.0, ISO 27001, Enterprise Security Architecture, governance frameworks, risk & control management
Project: Scalable AI Workbench Platform on Microsoft Azure Role: Cloud Architect & Engineer Company: Siemens Energy Description: Design, development and operation of a secure, modular cloud infrastructure to support Data Science, Machine Learning and AI applications for various engineering teams at Siemens Energy. Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Cloud architecture: Designed and implemented an Infrastructure-as-Code solution (Terraform) for automated provisioning of Azure resources (Resource Groups, Storage Accounts, Cosmos DB, Application Insights, networking, PostgreSQL Flexible Server, Azure Container Apps, Azure Container Registry).
- Developer portal: Used Backstage with custom frontend and backend plugins (Node.js, TypeScript, React.js, PostgreSQL, Container Apps) to enable self-service and empower developers, data scientists and AI/ML engineers.
- Role-based access control: Implemented Azure RBAC to grant targeted access (e.g. Storage Blob Data Contributor, Reader) to engineering groups (e.g. AI Engineers) for relevant resources.
- Data platform engineering: Built and configured a multi-layered storage landscape (Raw, Curated, Vector data), including automated container creation and access control for advanced analytics and AI workloads.
- DevOps integration: Integrated with Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipelines to automate deployment, monitoring and compliance.
- Security & compliance: Implemented Private Endpoints, network policies and Managed Identities to ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.
- Collaboration: Worked closely with cross-functional teams to align the cloud infrastructure with business and technical requirements and drive digital transformation at Siemens Energy. Technologies: Azure, Terraform, Azure DevOps, Cosmos DB, Application Insights, Azure Storage, Private Endpoints, Azure Synapse, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Entra ID, RBAC, Backstage, Node.js, React.js, PostgreSQL, Python (automation), Git
Kevin Engelhardt
CISO as a Service
Last position:
CISO as a Service at Joint Venture International Insurance
- Leading security operations and governance, ensuring continuous ISO 27001 conformity
- Enabling the secure integration of SaaS and AI tools across the organisation
- Driving AI strategy and governance to ensure responsible and compliant adoption
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
16 years
Position duration
1.6 years
Positions per freelancer
11
Top business areas
Information Technology, Project Management, Product Development
Top industries
Information Technology, Energy, Automotive
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Audit, Business Intelligence
Bachelor's degree or higher
100%
Master's degree or higher
71%
Doctorate
14%
Certifications per freelancer
23
Most common languages
German, English, Spanish
Speak two or more languages
100%
Daily Rate Distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers holding this certification are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Average rates for Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) & Seniority distribution
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more info? We have all the details about FRATCH
The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) validates practical understanding of cloud security principles, controls, and governance. It shows that the holder can think about cloud risk, shared responsibility, identity, data protection, and incident response in a real project context. It is broad, vendor-neutral, and rooted in the Cloud Security Alliance view of cloud security.
CCSK is a foundation-level cloud security certification, so it focuses on core concepts and control thinking rather than deep specialisation. More advanced certifications often test broader hands-on experience, senior-level architecture decisions, or a specific security domain. For many companies, CCSK is a good sign that the freelancer can join cloud security work quickly and speak the right language.
CCSK suits cloud security architects, security consultants, compliance specialists, and engineers who advise on cloud design or reviews. It is also a good fit for freelancers who work across governance and technical teams. If a project involves cloud migration, control mapping, or security assessment, this certification is often relevant.
The CCSK covers cloud concepts, shared responsibility, governance, identity and access, data security, logging, and incident handling. It also connects strongly to the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix and related cloud guidance. That makes it useful for work that needs a structured view of cloud controls rather than product-specific features.
CCSK is not only about theory, but it is also not a pure hands-on platform certification. Candidates usually benefit from experience with cloud projects, security reviews, or governance tasks, because the exam expects practical judgment. A strong background in security fundamentals helps, especially if the person already works with cloud environments.
CCSK preparation usually means studying CSA materials, cloud security guidance, and common control patterns across cloud services. Many candidates also review real-world topics such as IAM, encryption, logging, and shared responsibility. The best preparation combines reading with practical cloud security experience.
CCSK holders should stay up to date with changes in cloud platforms, CSA guidance, and current security practices. The certification is tied to a fast-moving field, so continuing learning matters even after the exam. Companies often value people who keep their cloud security knowledge current through ongoing work and study.
CCSK is useful in cloud migrations, security architecture reviews, compliance projects, and vendor risk assessments. It matters most in sectors that rely heavily on cloud services or handle sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, technology, and regulated enterprise environments. In Germany, it is especially relevant when teams need clear cloud security guidance across local and international stakeholders.
The average hourly rate for freelancers with Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) in Germany is 111 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 891 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers with Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) in Germany, 100% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 71% hold at least a Master's degree, and 14% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers with Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) in Germany have 16 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 1.6 years.
The most common languages among freelancers with Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) in Germany are German (100%), English (100%), and Spanish (43%).
The most common industries among freelancers with Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) in Germany are Information Technology (100%), Energy (71%), and Automotive (57%).
The most common business areas among freelancers with Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) in Germany are Information Technology (100%), Project Management (86%), and Product Development (57%).
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
