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

“Hybrid cloud deployments commonly use secure network connections such as VPNs or dedicated links (e.g., Direct Connect or ExpressRoute) to integrate on-premises data centers with public cloud environments.”

— CSA Security Guidance v4.0 – Domain 1.1.2.3: Deployment Models

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) primarily provides users with storage, computing resources, and networking capabilities. In the IaaS model, cloud providers offer virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can rent servers, storage, and networking equipment without needing to manage the physical hardware themselves. This allows for flexible scaling and resource management according to the users' needs.

FaaS focuses on serverless computing where users run code in response to events. PaaS provides a platform that allows users to develop, run, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. SaaS delivers fully managed applications over the internet, where users access software without managing the infrastructure.

The core tenet of Zero Trust is that no entity—internal or external—should be trusted by default. Every request for access must be authenticated, authorized, and encrypted based on granular access policies and continuous validation of identity, device health, location, and behavior.

ZT eliminates reliance on traditional network perimeter models (which B and A describe), focusing instead on microsegmentation and dynamic policy enforcement to prevent lateral movement within a network.

This approach is detailed in Domain 7: Infrastructure Security of the CCSK guidance. It emphasizes identity-aware access control, continuous monitoring, and contextual risk assessment as foundational elements of a secure Zero Trust framework.

Cloud computing is adopted mainly for its cost-effectiveness and the ability to accelerate time-to-market, enhancing business agility. Reference: [Security Guidance v5, Domain 1 - Cloud Benefits]

The use of third-party libraries in software development can introduce supply chain risks because these libraries might contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Since third-party libraries often come from external sources, they might not be thoroughly vetted or maintained with the same level of scrutiny as in-house code. Vulnerabilities in these libraries can lead to security breaches, data leaks, or other forms of exploitation if not properly managed and updated.

Although many third-party libraries are open-source, they still require proper vetting for security and compatibility. Integration issues, while a concern, are not directly related to the supply chain risks posed by vulnerabilities. While increased complexity is a challenge, it does not directly relate to security risks or supply chain concerns.

Updating forensics tools for virtual machines (VMs) and containers is critical because cloud environments can differ significantly from traditional on-premises environments. As cloud technologies evolve, it is important to ensure that forensic tools are compatible with the latest cloud infrastructure, such as VMs, containers, and serverless architectures. Thisensures that the tools can effectively collect, analyze, and preserve evidence in the event of a security incident, allowing for accurate and efficient incident analysis.

Complying with cloud service level agreements (SLAs)) is not the primary reason for updating forensics tools, although some SLAs may require certain levels of incident response capabilities. Streamlining communication with cloud service providers and customers) is important, but the primary concern is the ability to analyze incidents, not just communication. Increasing the speed of incident response team deployments) is a consideration, but ensuring the tools are up to date and compatible is the main priority for effective incident analysis.

Control objectives are specific goals or outcomes designed to minimize risk and maintain a secure environment. They are part of a broader governance framework and provide clear, measurable targets that organizations aim to achieve in order to meet security, compliance, and operational goals. Control objectives help guide the implementation of security measures and ensure the organization’s security posture aligns with its risk management strategy.

Implementation guidance provides detailed instructions on how to implement controls but does not set specific goals. Policies define the high-level principles and rules that guide behavior and decision-making, but they are more general than control objectives. Control specifications typically define how specific controls are implemented but do not establish the overarching goals that guide risk management.