Networking

Network Security at all levels

In this, the second of a multi-part series on securing your workloads, I'll look more broadly and why, where, and how, you should be securing your network. I'll look at both the principles and AWS services that help you reduce the risk of network based breaches.

Security

Security at all Layers

Security in depth, defence in depth, layered security, zero trust; all terms that get spoken but often not fully understood. Mainly because much of these security principles have evolved over time and depending on the lens applied a different term has emerged. In this, the first of a series focused

Cost

Cost Savings and Sustainability; Byproducts of Well-Architected

Are cost and sustainability really separate items to think off? I’d argue if you do the other 4 pillars of the well-architected framework they are 90% done.

Well Architected

Wait! IP4 has a cost?

Why has my bill got IP costs is still talked about since AWS started charging for public IPs. This post looks at what you could do to reduce the impact of the charges.

Learning Featured

Don't get trapped by the elephant in the room!

We often get trapped by working out what something is or should be rather than getting started. These are my views on the elephant in the room and why you need to fail fast.

Getting Started Featured

My bill is how much‽

Follow these 5 simple steps to make sure you're not the next person to complain that you had an unexpected AWS bill.

Certification Featured

AWS Golden Jacket; Is it worth the race?

Getting all AWS certifications is not something I set out to achieve at the start. So why did I end up getting them all?

Well Architected Featured

AWS Well-Architected - Why so many get it wrong

Everyone has heard about the Well-Architected Framework but often performs poorly in a review. This looks at why it is misunderstood and how to change your mindset in order to become "well-architected".

Networking

You put what in a public subnet‽

So you've split your VPC into different tiers which is great, but why did you put THAT in your public subnet and not a private one?

Networking Featured

Troubleshooting with VPC Flow Logs

So you built and secured your VPC. But solutions are not working? This article looks at how you can understand VPC Flow Logs and use them to troubleshoot connectivity in AWS.

Networking

How to use NACLs and Security Groups

Where and how should you use NACLs and Security Groups to ensure you have a secure network on AWS.

Networking

Network Access Control Lists vs Security Groups

What are NACLs and Security Groups? What are the differences? How do they work? This post hopes to explain the different mechanisms used so you have a better understanding of how to use them.

Community Builder

Are you "The One"

My CloudFormation challenge for the AWS Global Certified Community code challenge.

Networking

Why use a Transit Gateway

Transit Gateway or VPC Peering? A common question but not an easy answer. This is why I recommend Transit Gateway for anything over a POC.

Certification

What it's like as an AWS Certification Subject Matter Expert (SME)

What is an AWS Certification SME? How can I become an SME? Why should I be an SME? This post gives an insight to my time as an AWS Certification SME for Professional and Specialty certifications.

CloudFormation

Creating a Well-Architected VPC

So how do we make our VPC Well-Architected and Secure? This post gives you one option for a Well-Architected VPC.

Training

Cheat Sheet or Quick Reference?

Cheat Sheet or Quick Reference? What's in the name? In this post I give my view on the use of cheat sheets. I'll also explain why I hate them (cheat sheets) and the misuse of the term.

Basics Featured

Useful AWS Training Resources

Change in technology is like a river, it never stops flowing, and at times can feel like a flood. These resources should help you keep ahead of the game.

Networking Featured

How to Well-Architect network connectivity to AWS services.

With multiple ways to access AWS Services which is the best? I look at 3 common access patterns and see if they hold up to the Well-Architected Framework.

Basics

Setting up your AWS account

What to do once you've signed up to AWS.

Community Builder

AWS Community Builders

So I've become an AWS Community Builder. This post explains why I applied and why I'm excited for the next 12 months.

Certificartion Featured

4x or 1x Certified - Does it matter?

What is more important to showcase? Quantity or type of certifications? This post looks at how I view the number of certs people highlight on social platforms.

Certificartion

Career Routes

Are certifications need? Maybe not, but if you decide you need or want them what's the best route?

CloudFormation

CloudFormation 101

In this post we will look at the basics of CloudFormation, what you need to know and how to get started in writing templates. So you may be asking why I am writing a post about template basics when I have said I'll try not repeat information available

Basics

Security 101

Securing the cloud is critical but can be overwhelming to start. This post looks at 4 areas you need to think about to get started.