ITM550 CASE 3

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Trident University International *

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550

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Information Systems

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Dec 6, 2023

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Uploaded by demontezf

Demontez M. Fisher Trident University International ITM550 Network Planning & Administration Dr. James Koerlin 18 Nov 2023

Several security standards have been developed to establish best practices and guidelines for securing cloud implementations. These standards address various aspects of cloud security, including data protection, access control, compliance, and risk management. Some of the key security standards for securing cloud implementations include ISO/IEC 27001, NIST SP 800-53, & CSA Security guidance. ISO/IEC 27001 ISO/IEC 27001 is the world's best-known standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It defines requirements an ISMS must meet. ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard that outlines best practices for implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). The goal of ISO 27001 is to help organizations protect their critical information assets and comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements (Hanna, 2022). It offers a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring its security by applying risk management processes. This standard maintains proper risk management, by identifying, analyzing, and addressing information security risks. In addition to risk management, establishing a framework of policies, procedures, and controls to manage information security risks is an across the board standard that ISO/IEC 27001 specializes in. Regularly improving the Information Security Management System to adapt to changing threats and environments is paramount to this international standard. Organizations can get certified by a third-party certification body after demonstrating compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 requirements. Certification involves an audit of the organization’s ISMS to ensure it meets the standard’s criteria. Implementing ISO/IEC 27001 can vary depending on the organization's size, industry, and specific security needs, but it serves as a valuable framework for ensuring robust information security practices (Heath, 2023).

NIST SP 800-53 Issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this publication offers a comprehensive set of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations. It includes guidelines specifically applicable to cloud systems. The SP 800-53 guidelines were created to heighten the security of the information systems used within the federal government (Lord, 2023). It offers a comprehensive set of security controls categorized into families. These controls cover various aspects of information security, such as access control, incident response & cryptography. NIST SP 800-53 also emphasizes a risk-based approach to security, allowing organizations to tailor their security measures based on their specific risks and needs. The implementation guidelines provides guidance on implementing and assessing the effectiveness of security controls. It helps organizations understand the intent of each control and how to apply it within their systems. Overall, NIST SP 800-53 serves as a valuable reference for organizations seeking to enhance their security posture, providing a thorough catalog of controls and best practices to mitigate various cybersecurity risks. CSA Security Guidance The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) provides a comprehensive guide outlining best practices for securing different aspects of cloud computing, including data security, identity and access management, and compliance. The guidance covers a wide range of security best practices specifically tailored for cloud environments, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). CSA guidance is designed to be vendor- agnostic, allowing organizations to apply these principles and recommendations across different cloud service providers. It also helps standardize security practices across cloud environments, offering a consistent framework for organizations adopting or already operating in the cloud.

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Overall, the CSA Security Guidance acts as a valuable roadmap for organizations navigating the complexities of securing cloud-based operations. It offers practical advice, strategies, and recommendations to enhance the security posture of cloud environments. CSA STAR (Security, Trust, Assurance, and Risk) This program encompasses a framework for cloud security assurance and compliance. It includes the CSA STAR Registry, a publicly accessible registry where cloud service providers (CSPs) can showcase their security and compliance posture based on self-assessments or third-party audits against CSA’s Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM). CSA offers various types of training to security professionals and cloud providers like Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), & CSA Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR) Certification Training. CCSK is a widely recognized certification provided by CSA, focusing on cloud security fundamentals, best practices, and various aspects of cloud security architecture, governance, risk, and compliance. STAR training is designed for cloud providers aiming to achieve STAR certification. It helps them understand the requirements and processes involved in obtaining certification. Recommendations Security Standards Compliance: Ensure that the company complies with industry- standard security certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, or CSA STAR. Request monthly or quarterly evidence of compliance and regularly updated certification. (Vasilevsky, 2023).

Data Encryption: Data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest. Ensure the cloud provider offers strong encryption mechanisms and secure key management practices. Access Control and Identity Management: Be able to implement robust identity and access management (IAM) controls to govern who can access what data within the cloud environment. Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible. Incident Response and Disaster Recovery: Confirm the cloud provider has well-defined incident response and disaster recovery plans in place. Review their procedures for handling security incidents and ensuring business continuity. Regular Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular audits or assessments of the cloud environment to ensure compliance with security policies and standards. Consider third- party audits for an unbiased evaluation. By ensuring the cloud provider meets stringent security and compliance standards, the financial firm can mitigate risks associated with data breaches, compliance violations, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Regular monitoring and assessments of the cloud environment are essential to maintain a high level of security assurance.

References Hanna, K. T. (2022, December 13). What is ISO 27001? – TechTarget definition . WhatIs.com. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/ISO-27001 ISO/IEC 27001:2022 . ISO. (2022, October 25). https://www.iso.org/standard/27001 CSA . Home. (n.d.). https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/ Force, J. T. (2020, December 10). Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and organizations . CSRC. https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final Nate Lord, N., Groot, J. D., & Brook, C. (n.d.). What is NIST SP 800-53? (definition & compliance tips) . Digital Guardian. https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/what-nist-sp-800-53- definition-and-tips-nist-sp-800-53-compliance Vasilevsky, H. (2023, September 14). Cloud accounting software: How to Streamline Financial Management . Synder blog. https://synder.com/blog/cloud-accounting-software/ CSA Star & ISO/IEC 27001 certified organizations: CSA . CSA STAR & ISO/IEC 27001 Certified Organizations | CSA. (n.d.). https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/blog/2022/07/27/what-is- csa-star-certification-and-why-it-is-important-for-iso-iec-27001-certified-organizations/

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ITM550 CASE 3

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