Governance for Cloud Workloads

Introduction

Governance for cloud workloads has become increasingly important as more organizations adopt cloud technologies. However, there are several governance frameworks available, and choosing the right one can be complex. It's essential to understand what each framework has to offer to mitigate security and compliance risks. In this article, we'll explore three prominent governance frameworks, their features, and how they compare against each other.

Frameworks Comparison

CIS Controls

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) provides a set of critical security controls for organizations. The controls enable organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture by prioritizing critical assets and implementing specific controls.

The CIS controls offer a comprehensive approach to security governance. They provide a framework for a defense-in-depth strategy by addressing multiple security domains, including network security, application security, and data recovery. Furthermore, the CIS controls help companies prioritize security investments by focusing on the highest-value assets and threats.

ISO 27001

ISO 27001 is an international standard that provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). The ISMS aims to help organizations manage sensitive information, such as financial and personal data.

ISO 27001 provides a structured approach to information security governance. It outlines a process-driven framework for risk assessment, controls selection, and risk treatment. The standard covers various areas of information security, including physical and environmental security, operations security, and compliance.

NIST SP 800-53

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed the Special Publication (SP) 800-53, a security and privacy control framework for federal information systems and organizations. The framework provides a comprehensive set of security and privacy controls, such as access control, audit and accountability, and incident response.

NIST SP 800-53 features a structured approach to security governance. It focuses on providing a standardized set of guidelines for implementing and assessing security and privacy controls. It's suitable for government and non-government organizations alike.

Framework Ratings

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the three governance frameworks:

Conclusion

Governance for cloud workloads is critical for mitigating security and compliance risks. Organizations must choose the right governance framework for their specific needs. The CIS controls provide a comprehensive approach to security governance, while ISO 27001 offers a structured approach to information security management. NIST SP 800-53 is suitable for federal information systems and organizations looking for standardized guidelines for implementing and assessing security and privacy controls.

It's essential to assess each framework's strengths and weaknesses and align them with your organization's specific needs. By doing so, you will ensure your governance framework is fit-for-purpose, helping you mitigate the risks and ensuring compliance.

References

1. Center for Internet Security. (2021). CIS controls version 8.1. Retrieved from https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/cis-controls-list/
2. International Organization for Standardization. (2013). ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security management systems - Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/standard/54534.html
3. National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2017). NIST SP 800-53 REV 4 - Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations. Retrieved from https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-53r4.pdf