What is a Cloud Security Framework?

Despite the storage and computing limitations of on-premises EDA tools, many chip designers hesitate to switch to cloud-based solutions due to security concerns. Often, these concerns arise from a lack of control over the underlying cloud infrastructure and the security measures used to protect it. It can also be challenging to understand which aspects of cloud security are the end user's responsibility and which are covered by the cloud services provider. Cloud security frameworks guide providers and clients in protecting cloud resources.

What is a Cloud Security Framework?

A cloud security framework is a set of guidelines and best practices for protecting cloud resources. Some of these frameworks are broad and designed for general use, while others are industry specific (e.g., healthcare or defense).

Some popular cloud security frameworks include:

• NIST: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) published a framework called “Guidelines on Security and Privacy in Public Cloud Computing.” These guidelines, which apply to providers and end-users in any industry, recommend strategies and tools to address key cloud security issues.
• CSA STAR: The Cloud Security Alliance’s Security Trust Assurance and Risk (CSA STAR) framework defines cloud security best practices and validates the security posture of cloud service providers. CSA STAR includes:
  •  The Cloud Control Matrix (CCM), which outlines the best cloud-specific security controls.
  • The Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire (CAIQ) provides clients with a list of questions to ask cloud providers to assess their CCM compliance.
  •  The Code of Conduct for GDPR Compliance gives guidance for complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• ISO 27001/27017: This International Organization for Standards (ISO) framework defines guidelines for information security. The original 27001 standard applies to on-premises systems whereas the 27017 update sets out new guidelines that are specific to cloud computing infrastructure.

These cloud security frameworks are designed with both providers and end-users in mind. Cloud services use the shared responsibility model, meaning providers are responsible for certain aspects of security (such as physically securing their infrastructure with door locks), and customers are responsible for the rest. 

Cloud security frameworks help providers improve their security posture and define the exact security measures they’re responsible for. The frameworks also help end-users understand which questions to ask before trusting a provider. Finally, they include recommendations for the specific policies, practices, and tools clients should use to hold up their end of the shared responsibility model.