Secure Application Deployment on GCE

Course Overview:

Module 1: Introduction to Google Compute Engine

What is Google Compute Engine (GCE)?
Understanding VM instances
Overview of GCP security

Module 2: Setting up your Development Environment
Setting up Cloud SDK and GCP Console
Installing necessary software (depending on your application stack)
Basic commands for GCE

Module 3: Basics of Security in GCE
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Principles of least privilege
Service accounts
Roles and permissions
Compute Engine default service account
Key management in GCP
Google Cloud Key Management Service (KMS)

Module 4: Deploying an Application on GCE Securely
Choosing the right Machine type and Image
Harden the VM instance
Disable unnecessary services
Apply security patches
Deploying your application
Secure application secrets
Set up application-level authentication and authorization

Module 5: Network Security
Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) basics
Firewall rules and best practices
Default rules
Creating custom rules
Private IPs and Public IPs
Use of VPN for secure communications

Module 6: Data Security and Storage
Understand disk types: Standard persistent, SSD persistent, and Local SSDs
Encrypting data at rest and in transit
Data backup and recovery best practices

Module 7: Monitoring and Logging
Introduction to Stackdriver/Google Cloud Operations Suite
Setting up Monitoring and Logging for GCE
Setting up alerts based on security metrics or events

Module 8: Automated Security Scans and Updates
Using Google Cloud Security Command Center
Vulnerability assessment tools in GCP
Setting up automated OS patch management

Module 9: Post-Deployment Best Practices
Regularly audit IAM roles and permissions
Check and update firewall rules as needed
Periodically review logs for unusual activities

Module 10: Case Study and Hands-On Lab
Deploy a sample application on GCE securely
Practical assessment: Harden the application and VM
Use monitoring tools to detect potential threats

Module 11: Course Conclusion and Next Steps
Recap of main topics covered
Q&A session
Feedback and course evaluation