When does class start/end?
Class hours may vary, please reach out to contact@ascendientlearning.com if you have any questions.
Automate Secure Infrastructure with Packer, Vault and Terraform
Transitioning from traditional infrastructure deployment and management processes can be challenging. Implementing infrastructure as code principles and using best practices leads to repeatable...
Read MoreOverview
Transitioning from traditional infrastructure deployment and management processes can be challenging. Implementing infrastructure as code principles and using best practices leads to repeatable results, fewer manual errors, and overall quicker application releases for your customers. This class focuses on using automation tools to build, deploy, and manage security-hardened infrastructure. Using Packer, students can automate building a golden base image consisting of company policies and best practices. This image can then be deployed with Terraform, using Vault to manage sensitive passwords and secrets.
Skills Gained
Attendees will understand best practices for automated building of secure infrastructure using code, storing that code in version control, and deployment using Terraform and managing secrets with Vault. They will also use Packer to automate building of "golden images".
Who Can Benefit
This class's audience is Developers, DevOps, Architects, Team Leads, Operations, and any other Engineering personnel interested in learning best practices for automating, deploying, managing, and securing infrastructure and application code.
Prerequisites
Attendees should have a basic understanding of Linux and command-line experience.
Course Details
What you learn:
Configuration Management
- Configuration Drift
- Challenges with Manual Configuration
- Infrastructure as Code
- Introduction to Automation Tools: Packer, Terraform, Vault
- Benefits of Configuration Management
Packer
- Introduction
- Features
- Commands
- Terminology
- Language (HCL)
Packer Builders
- Overview
- Builder types: Cloud, Docker, VMware
Provisioners
- Types: Shell, Ansible, Chef
- Cleanup provisioner
- Template syntax
Post Processors
- Overview
- Use cases
- Best practices
Terraform Introduction
- Overview
- Architecture
- Why Terraform?
- Comparison of tools
- Core components
- Fundamental concepts
Programming Structure
- Providers
- Resources
- Variables
- Data sources
- Outputs
- Cloud integration
Resources
- Types and Arguments
- Behavior
- Dependencies
- Local only resources
Variables
- Inputs
- References
- Outputs and Locals
- Overrides
Terraform CLI
- Features
- Commands
- Managing infrastructure
State management
- Local or Remote?
- Remote storage options: S3, AzureRM, Google File Storage
- Integrating with Git
- Challenges with State file locking
- Importing existing resources
Provisioners
- Types of Provisioners
- Remote execute provisioners
- Local execute provisioners
- Storing provisioners in repository
Modules and Workspaces
- Understanding DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle
- Variables and Modules
- Terraform module registry
- Terraform workspace
Security
- The right way to handle Access & Secret keys
- Managing resources in multiple regions
- Terraform and Identity Access Management (IAM)
Vault Introduction
- Overview
- Architecture
- Comparison of tools
- Core components
- Fundamental concepts
- Platforms
Secret Engines
- Static secrets
- Cubbyhole secret engine
- Dynamic secrets
- Encryption
- Authentication
Policies
- Configuration
- Authentication methods
- Syntax
- Constraints
Vault Agent
- Overview
- Auto-Auth
- Methods
- Caching
Putting it all together
- Building images with Packer
- Creating and managing infrastructure with Terraform
- Deploying Vault
- Integration with Kubernetes
- Securely deploying applications
Wrap-up
- Review
- Q&A
- Next steps
Schedule
FAQ
Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?
Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.
What languages are used to deliver training?
Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.
What does GTR stand for?
GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.
How do I find an Ascendient Learning training location?
We have training locations across the United States and Canada - View a complete list of classroom training locations.
Which delivery formats are available?
At Ascendient Learning, we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual, and Self-Paced.
Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?
Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.
What does vendor-authorized training mean?
As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.
Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?
It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.
How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?
We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.
Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?
Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.
Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?
Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.
Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?
We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.
How do I get started with certification?
Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.
Will I get access to content after I complete a course?
You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.
How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?
View our filing status and how to request a W9.
Reviews
Instructor was great, course was mostly very good except for too much focus on pricing
I was very satisfied about how the course was organized. Sean Did a very good work
Very good company. I've done technical trainings at their facility in downtown Montreal in the past and I'Ve always appreciated them.
Class was easy to sign up for and ExitCertified provided very good communication
Fantastic and great training. Tons of hands-on labs to really make you understand the material being thought.
