Cloud Security Alliance CCSK - Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge v5 (CCSKv5.0)

One of the primary operational challenges associated with using cloud-agnostic container strategies is ensuring management plane compatibility and consistent controls across multiple cloud environments. Cloud-agnostic strategies aim to make containers portable between different cloud providers. However, each cloud provider has its own management tools, APIs, and security controls, which can lead to complexities in maintaining consistent policies, monitoring, and management practices across different cloud environments.

Limiting deployment to a single cloud service is contrary to the goal of a cloud-agnostic strategy, which seeks to avoid reliance on a single cloud provider. Establishing identity and access management protocols is important but not unique to cloud-agnostic strategies; IAM challenges exist regardless of cloud approach. Reducing the amount of cloud storage used is a general optimization concern, not specifically related to cloud-agnostic containers.

The shared security responsibility model in cloud environments clarifies that CSPs and CSCs both have roles, with specific responsibilities varying based on the service model (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). In IaaS, CSCs handle more security, while CSPs manage most security in SaaS. Reference: [CCSK Study Guide, Domain 1 - Cloud Security Scope and Responsibilities][16†source].

Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) tools are designed to help organizations visualize, monitor, and manage the security of their data in the cloud. These tools help ensure that data is properly classified, protected, and compliant with relevant regulations and standards. DSPM tools typically provide capabilities like identifying and managing sensitive data, assessing security risks, and ensuring data security posture is aligned with best practices.

The other options are not the primary focus of DSPM tools:

Firewall management relates to network security rather than data security.

User activity monitoring is more about identity and access management or security information and event management (SIEM).

Encryption is important for data protection but is not the primary function of DSPM, which focuses more on data visibility and management.

Program frameworksplay a critical role in cloud security by helping toorganize overarching security policies and objectives. Frameworks suchas NIST CSF, ISO 27001, or the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) provide structured guidance for defining security components, aligning technical controls with business objectives, and ensuring a comprehensive security program.

From theCCSK v5.0 Study Guide, Domain 3 (Governance and Enterprise Risk Management), Section 3.2:

“Program frameworks, such as the CSA CCM or NIST Cybersecurity Framework, provide a structured approach to organizing security policies, objectives, and technical controls. These frameworks help organizations align their security programs with business goals and ensure comprehensive coverage of security requirements.”

Option C (Program frameworks help organize overarching security policies and objectives) is the correct answer.

Option A (Evaluate the performance of individual security tools) is incorrect because frameworks focus on strategy, not tool performance.

Option B (Focus on implementing specific security technologies) is incorrect because frameworks guide policy, not technology implementation.

Option D (Primarily define compliance requirements) is incorrect because compliance is a subset of framework objectives, not the primary role.

While AI improves threat detection, it also introduces risks as attackers can use it to develop advanced attack methods. Organizations must balance these risks. Reference: [CCSK Study Guide, Domain 12 - AI and Security]

Passwordless authentication removes the reliance on traditional passwords and instead relies on strong, cryptographic-based login mechanisms. The primary technology behind passwordless authentication is the use of local tokens or certificates, particularly implemented through protocols like FIDO2 and WebAuthn.

These mechanisms work by storing a private key on the user’s device (like a hardware security module or TPM), while the public key is stored with the cloud service. When a login attempt is made, the system uses asymmetric cryptography to verify the user—without ever transmitting a secret like a password.

“Passwordless authentication is enabled by mechanisms such as biometric verification and secure local credentials like hardware-bound certificates or tokens. The use of cryptographic authenticators (such as FIDO2) is becoming the cornerstone of secure, phishing-resistant authentication.”

— Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing v4.0, Domain 12: Identity, Entitlement, and Access Management

Also supported by the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) under IAM-12:

“Utilize multifactor authentication or strong authentication mechanisms such as cryptographic tokens or certificates for user access to cloud services.”

— Cloud Controls Matrix v3.0.1 (IAM-12)