CSA STAR

Security Assurance for the Cloud

Improve Security Posture through CSA STAR’s Integrated Certification Program

The Cloud Security Alliance’s Security, Trust, Assurance, and Risk (CSA STAR) is one of the most powerful certification programs for cloud service providers (CSPs). The CSA STAR program integrates multiple security standards, including SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001 and GDPR, advancing cloud governance and compliance for CSPs into an integrated security system that helps eliminate compliance gaps and avoid unmitigated risks.

Organizations who achieve CSA STAR certification can expect accelerated business growth all while building and maintaining a robust security program. Because of the blended nature of CSA STAR’s associated standards and frameworks, CSPs not only improve their posture as a trusted cloud vendor but are included as part of a credible marketplace database that’s recognized from a global perspective.

How CSA STAR Works

CSA STAR is based on several foundational tools, including the:

Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) which outlines all cloud-specific security controls;
Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire (CAIQ), including a list of 295 questions for cloud customers to ask their providers; and,
CSA Code of Conduct for GDPR Compliance.

Once certified, your organization can register to be a part of the STAR Registry, a global database of organizations who demonstrate security and privacy best practices. Certification toward CSA STAR contains two levels, a self-assessment, third-party auditing, and continuous management. Read more for details on each of these levels.

Level 1: Self-Assessment

Level 1 is the first step toward CSA STAR certification and is open to all organizations. The self-assessment phase is a good fit for organizations who want to boost trust by demonstrating the transparency of the security controls in place.

During the self-assessment phase, CSPs complete a CAIQ to document compliance with the CCM. STAR Self-Assessments are updated annually. Additionally, The GDPR Code of Conduct Self-Assessment covers compliance to GDPR. After publishing all necessary documents to the STAR Registry, CSPs will receive a Compliance Mark that’s valid for one year.

Level 2: Attestation and Certification

Level 2 includes an attestation and certification phase through a rigorous assessment process. Organizations who’ve already completed assessments through frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 can benefit from this phase, increasing security assurance and privacy in their cloud environments.

Attestation: The CSA STAR Attestation is a combination of CSA and AICPA Trust Service Criteria that are used for SOC 2 engagements. STAR Attestations last one year with a minimum period of six months.

Certification: Certification under CSA STAR program is an assessment of the security of a CSP. The certification process leverages requirements of ISO/IEC 27001 with the CSA Cloud Control Matrix. STAR certifications last three years, and once complete, CSPs can register as “STAR Certified” under the STAR Registry.

Why BARR for CSA STAR?

Trusted advisor to some of the fastest growing cloud service providers (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) in the country
Serving the most regulated industries including technology, financial services, healthcare and government
Clients range from high-growth startups to Fortune 1000 companies

Nearly 100% client retention rate
Competitive, fixed rates to accommodate growing enterprises
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