David Liddle CCSP

My Journey

I’m a Cloud Security Solution Architect with 25+ years of industry experience. I’ve worked for all size of companies with the last 10 years or so spent helping them navigate the complexities of cloud migration and cybersecurity. My career has taken me from hands-on development and infrastructure work to strategic security planning.

I’ve learned the best advice comes from building the systems you’re recommending, you can’t simply spitball theories, you need to grasp what works from a practical standpoint.

I’ve seen the result of countless poor choices and struggles with cloud decisions. This is not because of a lack of ability to deliver but more because being bombarded with conflicting internal demands as well as information from vendors claiming to have “the solution” are often at odds with one another.

Why The StratusPhere?

The name comes from my consultancy background, stratus clouds form the broad, foundational layer of the sky, which felt like the right metaphor for what I wanted to achieve; back then it was about helping businesses build solid cloud foundations, now it’s about wanting to help anyone who cares. The “sPhere” part of the name nods to the bigger picture, the wider ecosystem of security, cost, and strategy that surrounds every cloud decision.

I started this blog because the cloud advice space is drowning in vendor marketing, LinkedIn thought leaders pushing the next “game-changing” platform, and content that exists purely to funnel you toward a product. If you’ve ever followed someone online only to get an immediate pitch for their course, their tool, or their “exclusive framework,” you know exactly what I mean.

I wanted to do something different. The StratusPhere exists to provide practical, actionable guidance based on real-world implementation experience, not best-case smoke and mirrors. That means honest assessments, including telling you when cloud migration isn’t the right move. You’ll need to visit my blog (you’re already here), and you might need to download some deeper content (if you really want to), but you won’t find any marketing nonsense here. I’m not selling the next big thing.

Why CCSP?

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification represents a deep understanding of cloud security architecture, governance, risk management, and compliance. It’s not just about knowing the theory, it’s about applying security principles across complex, distributed cloud environments.

I earned this certification because I believe in continuous learning and staying current with evolving security practices. Cloud security isn’t static; what worked three years ago might be inadequate today. The CCSP requires ongoing commitment to professional development which means staying informed about emerging threats, new compliance requirements, and evolving best practices.

My Approach

I don’t do buzzwords or marketing speak. I won’t promise that “the cloud solves everything” or that “security is simple.” I can’t and it isn’t. But it’s also not as intimidating as it is made out to be. Security used to be one of those non-functional requirements that was addressed at the end of projects. It’s still sometimes seen as an impediment to business requirements. Done right, security does not need to slow your business down or become a blocker. Don’t give security the attention it deserves and you won’t have a business.

My philosophy:

• Practice what you preach - This blog runs on infrastructure secured with the same principles I recommend
• No BS, just facts - If something doesn’t make sense for your business, I’ll tell you
• Real costs, real benefits - I provide actual TCO calculations, not best-case scenarios
• Security-first mindset - Every recommendation considers security implications
• Inclusivity-focused - Practical advice for everyone, provided in a cost-conscious manner

What I Write About

• Cloud migration strategies (when to migrate, when not to, and how to do it right)
• Cybersecurity fundamentals for everyone
• Cost optimization and cloud economics
• Compliance and data sovereignty
• Infrastructure security and resilience
• Digital transformation without the hype
• My journey building real-world platforms

Let’s Connect

I’m always interested in hearing from readers, whether you have questions, suggestions for topics, or just want to discuss cloud strategy.

Professional Enquiries:

• Get in touch: Contact Form
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-liddle/

Content Feedback:

• Spot an error? Please let me know
• Have a topic suggestion? I’m all ears
• Disagree with something? Let’s discuss it

Thanks for reading The StratusPhere. Whether you’re exploring cloud options or dealing with a specific challenge, I hope you find the content useful.

— David, CCSP.