Cloud compliance is the process of meeting cloud security regulations according to a standard framework. Demonstrating cloud compliance is often a prerequisite to successfully doing business in a regulated industry, or with regulated organizations like federal government agencies.
There are many different frameworks, and each one has different requirements and objectives. Since cloud infrastructure comes with a unique security risk profile compared to on-premises hardware, many regulations stipulate specific cloud security requirements.
Compliance is the cornerstone of cloud security
Research suggests that eight out of every ten enterprise computing workloads rely on cloud infrastructure. As more organizations invest in cloud computing capabilities, the need for a uniform approach to cloud security compliance grows more important.
Compliance helps organizations maintain a proactive approach to cloud security. By identifying requirements and taking steps to meet them, IT teams can leverage cloud-based applications and workflows with much greater peace of mind.
8 important compliance standards for cloud-ready organizations
Many organizations pursuing cloud transformation will adhere to one or more cloud security compliance frameworks. Here are some of the most important compliance standards for organizations undergoing cloud transformation:
1. (PCI-DSS)
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) ensures a high level of security for transactions that involve credit card information. Every organization that handles cardholder data must comply with PCI-DSS regardless of its size or the number of transactions it processes.
PCI-DSS protections extend to the cloud environment, as well. Cardholder data stored and processed in the cloud must benefit from comprehensive security architecture, vulnerability management programs, and robust access control.
2. ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is a popular international standard for information security management. It establishes a uniform set of requirements for organizations implementing and maintaining information security systems. ISO 27001-compliant organizations have a deep, systematic approach to ensuring data security for customers, users, and employees.
In the cloud environment, ISO 27001 helps define a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS). It establishes data governance policies and routine workflows for ensuring the continuous improvement of information security workflows. This helps cloud-enabled organizations establish trust with users and partners.
3. NIST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) establishes cybersecurity standards for federal agencies. Although the standards are designed for the federal government, many organizations in the private sector have adopted them voluntarily.
NIST provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for organizations that need to manage cloud security risks. It is generally less technical than some other regulations on this list, giving compliance leaders more flexibility in choosing exactly how they protect cloud infrastructure against a wide range of threats.
4. SOX
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) applies to public companies listed in the United States. It requires these companies to follow strict security controls when storing, managing, and processing financial data. All publicly traded companies in the United States must adhere to SOX regulations or face steep penalties.
Many SOX requirements apply to cloud computing use cases. For example, SOX requires encryption and access control to ensure the accuracy of stored financial data. It also requires audit trails and data backups. If your organization stores financial data in the cloud, all of these requirements must be delivered through the cloud as well.
5. CCPA
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) applies to organizations that collect and process data on California residents, beyond certain thresholds. The regulation requires organizations to allow users to opt out of communications and have their data deleted upon request.
For cloud-enabled organizations, that means following strict requirements about how data is stored and who has control over it. Cloud users must be provided with clear privacy notices and be given the power of request access to their data.
6. HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets a high standard for healthcare cybersecurity. It establishes routine workflows for handling sensitive patient data, defined as Protected Health Information (PHI).
Cloud service providers need to provide special infrastructure to be HIPAA-compliant. They must have robust physical and network security measures in place, and have additional Business Associate Agreements in place with healthcare providers and their partners.
7. FedRAMP
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) establishes a standard set of security processes specifically for cloud infrastructure. This standard applies both to federal agencies and the private sector partners they do business with.
If you use cloud infrastructure and wish to do business with a federal agency, you will need to demonstrate FedRAMP compliance. That means deploying clear controls and policies for continuous monitoring and improvement, and undergoing rigorous assessments that demonstrate your commitment to operational security excellence.
8. GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies to all organizations in the European Union –and– all organizations that process the personal data of EU residents. It is one of the strictest data privacy laws in the world, with clear limitations on what, where, and how data can be stored.
Cloud security can impact GDPR compliance in many ways. Your cloud service provider must maintain compliance and provide you with the audit data you need to ensure compliance as well. You will also need to include mechanisms allowing users to make data deletion requests.
How to achieve cloud compliance
Under the shared responsibility model, cloud service providers must meet certain conditions when allowing customers to use their infrastructure to meet business needs. However, the responsibility for ensuring the security of cloud-hosted data, assets, and applications is on you.
Working with a reputable managed detection and response vendor can make achieving and demonstrating compliance much easier. Enlist the help of veteran cloud security experts to develop a compliance strategy, implement a governance framework, and build compliant cloud infrastructure from the start.
Novawatch can help you achieve and maintain cloud compliance, leveraging best-of-breed technologies to ensure your cloud workflows meet and exceed regulatory requirements. Discover how our cloud security experts can help you continually monitor and update your cloud compliance measures.
