NIST CSF Security Assessment in the multi-cloud organization - Part 1

Cost of Implementation

Complexity of the Security Framework

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Welcome to our blog on 'How to go about NIST CSF security Assessment in a multi-cloud organization'! If you are looking for a NIST CSF assessment for your multi-cloud organization, you have come to the right place.

The NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF) is a widely used set of standards created by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which provides guidelines to help organizations identify, manage, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. Cloud NIST 800-53 is a subset of the CSF designed to guide organizations on the security of cloud computing environments.

This blog will guide the organization in performing a NIST CSF security assessment in multi-cloud deployment scenarios. We will also provide an overview of the type of cloud security controls recommended for NIST in multi-cloud companies. Let's get started!

Benefits of Implementing NIST CSF:

NIST CSF is designed to help organisations ensure that their data is secure and compliant with regulations. In a nutshell, below are the pros:

Improved Security Posture

Reduced Risk of Data Breaches

Enhanced Compliance with Regulations

Creates an oversight and visibility in the usage

The first goal is to create a scope. Once the scope is finalised, the next step is gathering information about the organisation's security posture. This information can be collected in interviews with staff, security audits, threat assessments, threat modelling and a review of existing security documentation.

Once the security posture is reviewed, identify the gaps in the current environment posture and the NIST CSF requirements. These gaps need to be divided per security domain and existing CISO/ security capabilities, coverage and output. Finally, the organisation must implement the NIST CSF requirements once the gaps are highlighted. This includes configuring the cloud services to meet the NIST CSF requirements and deploying security controls to protect the data.

Steps for conducting a NIST CSF security assessment in the Multi-Cloud oganisation:

Steps for conducting a NIST CSF security assessment in the Multi-Cloud oganisation:

Identify Business Assets and Requirements across categories of SAAS, IAAS, PAAS environments

Assess Security Posture

Develop a Security Roadmap

Implement a Security Framework

Monitor and Maintain Security Posture

When conducting NIST CSF assessment in a multi-cloud scenario, organisations should consider the following:

Steps for conducting a NIST CSF security assessment in the Multi-Cloud oganisation:

The different security controls in place across the different cloud environments

The level of integration between the different cloud environments

The data flows between the different cloud environments

The access controls in place to restrict access to sensitive data

To help secure their multi-cloud environment, organisations should also consider using cloud-native tools, such as cloud security gateways.

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Challenges of Implementing NIST CSF Security Assessment in the Multi-Cloud organisation:



Organisations increasingly opt for a multi-cloud strategy to take advantage of the best cloud providers. However, this can create new security challenges, as each cloud environment may have different security controls. The NIST CSF security assessment can be used to evaluate the security of your cloud infrastructure, identify potential vulnerabilities, and recommend mitigation strategies.

A NIST CSF assessment can help identify gaps in an organisation's security posture and make recommendations for improvement. Utilising the NIST CSF security assessment ensures your company adheres to the highest possible security standards. Using NIST CSF security assessment ensures your multi-cloud organisation is as secure as possible.

Author - Aristiun

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