Introduction to the Cloud Security Alliance
The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes research into best practices for securing cloud computing and the use of cloud technologies to secure other forms of computing.
What Does the CSA Do?
The CSA uses the expertise of industry practitioners, associations, and governments, as well as its corporate and individual members, to offer research, education, certification, events, and products specific to cloud security. The organization's activities, knowledge, and extensive network benefit the entire cloud community, including cloud service providers (CSPs), customers, entrepreneurs, and governments. CSA also offers a forum through which all parties can work together to create and maintain a trusted cloud ecosystem.
Who Can Join the CSA?
CSA membership is available to any interested parties with the expertise to contribute to the security of cloud computing.
Cloud Security Alliance Research Areas
CSA leads a number of ongoing research initiatives through which it provides white papers, tools, and reports to help companies and vendors secure cloud computing services.
CSA Working Groups
CSA working groups target 32 cloud security domains and address almost every aspect of cloud security. These include the following:
- The CSA IoT Working Group develops relevant use cases for internet of things (IoT) implementations and establishes actionable guidance to enable security practitioners to secure their deployments.
- The CSA Application Containers and Microservices Working Group conducts research on application containers and microservices security. It is charged with publishing guidance and best practices for the secure use of application containers and microservices.
- The CSA SaaS Governance Working Group encourages and defines mechanisms to promote cooperation and helps vendors and customers work closely together to manage software-as-a-service risks and guarantee the security of customer data and the resilience of the SaaS cloud infrastructure.
CSA Programs and Partnerships
CSA offers numerous programs and partnerships to promote cloud security.
CSA Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR)
The CSA Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR) is a program for security assurance in the cloud. STAR incorporates the principles of transparency, rigorous auditing, and the harmonization of standards. The STAR program offers several benefits, including "indications of best practices and validation of security posture of cloud offerings," according to the CSA website.
CSA Code of Conduct for GDPR Compliance
The CSA Code of Conduct for GDPR Compliance offers a consistent and comprehensive framework to help companies comply with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. CSA Code of Conduct offers a compliance tool to achieve GDPR compliance, as well as transparency guidelines regarding the level of data protection offered by a cloud service provider.
CSA Membership
CSA offers three membership options:
Corporate Membership for Solution Providers
Corporate Membership for Solution Providers offers a venue for members to learn about the latest developments in the cloud, showcase their expertise to a global audience, and connect with users.
Corporate Membership for Enterprises
Corporate Membership for Enterprises provides information, tools, and guidance to help members realize the benefits of their cloud investments.
Individual Membership
Individual Membership offers any individual with an interest in cloud computing and the expertise to help make it more secure a complimentary individual membership based on a minimum level of participation. CSA currently has 90,000 individual members, 80 global chapters, and 400 corporate members.
CSA Certifications
CSA offers professional cloud security certifications to help individuals and organizations validate their expertise in cloud security. Here are some of the popular certifications offered by CSA:
CSA STAR Certification:
- CSA STAR (Security, Trust and Assurance Registry) Certification is an independent third-party assessment of the security of a cloud service provider (CSP).
- The certification is based on the ISO/IEC 27001 standard, along with the CSA's Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) and Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire (CAIQ).
- STAR Certification helps CSPs demonstrate their commitment to security and provides transparency to customers.
Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK):
- CCSK is an industry-leading cloud security certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of cloud security issues and best practices across various cloud computing domains.
- The exam is web-based, and the certification is designed for IT and information security professionals.
- CCSK certification is a prerequisite for the CSA STAR program.
CSA Cloud Audit:
- CSA Cloud Audit is a comprehensive certification that evaluates the CSP's internal controls, governance, risk management, and compliance program.
- The certification is based on the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) and covers all cloud service models, including SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.
- The certification helps CSPs improve their security posture and provides assurance to customers that their data is secure in the cloud.
CSA Security Trust and Assurance Registry (STAR) Self-Assessment:
- CSA STAR Self-Assessment is a free tool for CSPs to assess and document their security posture based on the CSA's CCM and CAIQ.
- The self-assessment helps CSPs identify security gaps and develop a roadmap for continuous improvement.
- The self-assessment results are published in the CSA STAR Registry, providing transparency to customers and demonstrating the CSP's commitment to security.
In summary, CSA certifications provide a way for individuals and organizations to validate their expertise in cloud security and demonstrate their commitment to security to customers. These certifications also help CSPs improve their security posture and provide transparency to customers, creating a trusted cloud ecosystem.
