CSA’s Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) is a security framework for cloud computing. It contains 197 control objectives structured into 17 domains. These domains cover all key aspects of cloud technology.

You can use CCM to systematically assess a cloud implementation. CCM also provides guidance on which actors within the cloud supply chain should implement which controls.

CCM Domains

Today we’re taking a closer look at the second domain of CCM: Application & Interface Security (AIS). The AIS domain consists of seven control specifications:

• Application and Interface Security Policy and Procedures
• Application and Interface Security Baseline Requirements
• Application Security Metrics
• Secure Application Design and Development
• Automated Application Security Testing
• Automated Secure Application Deployment
• Application Vulnerability Remediation

This domain focuses on securing the software applications and interfaces used within cloud environments. Effective implementation of application security controls is crucial for cloud service providers (CSPs) to safeguard their entire cloud landscape.

However, CSPs and Cloud Service Customers (CSCs) share the responsibility for securing cloud infrastructure. CSPs must secure the foundational infrastructure and maintain secure runtime environments. CSCs must secure their own applications and interfaces, ensure proper configuration, and upgrade systems as needed.

When CSPs and CSCs align their AIS efforts, they reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and strengthen data security. Collaboration between the two parties also fosters better communication, enabling quicker responses to threats.

Below, further explore the AIS domain and its best practices for ensuring a robust security posture.

AIS Controls

The AIS domain targets risks associated with the design, development, and operation of applications and interfaces in the cloud. As complexity continues to increase, it is essential to integrate information security practices throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

The AIS domain contains seven key control areas:

Application and Interface Security Policy and Procedures

Establish, document, approve, communicate, apply, evaluate and maintain policies and procedures for application security to provide guidance to the appropriate planning, delivery and support of the organization's application security capabilities. Review and update the policies and procedures at least annually.

Creating application security policies helps guide the planning and delivery of secure applications. This keeps security at the forefront throughout the SDLC.

Application Security Baseline Requirements

Establish, document and maintain baseline requirements for securing different applications.

Organizations must document baseline security requirements for different applications. This ensures alignment with compliance standards and business needs.

Application Security Metrics

Define and implement technical and operational metrics in alignment with business objectives, security requirements, and compliance obligations.

Security metrics help monitor the effectiveness of controls. They align operational security with business objectives and regulatory compliance.

Secure Application Design and Development

Define and implement a SDLC process for application design, development, deployment, and operation in accordance with security requirements defined by the organization.

Application development teams should integrate threat modeling, secure coding practices, and automated testing into their SDLC.

Automated Application Security Testing

Implement a testing strategy, including criteria for acceptance of new information systems, upgrades and new versions, which provides application security assurance and maintains compliance while enabling organizational speed of delivery goals. Automate when applicable and possible.

Automation accelerates testing processes. This improves the detection and resolution of vulnerabilities while supporting compliance.

Automated Secure Application Deployment

Establish and implement strategies and capabilities for secure, standardized, and compliant application deployment. Automate where possible.

Automating deployment standardizes configurations and reduces manual errors.

Application Vulnerability Remediation

Define and implement a process to remediate application security vulnerabilities, automating remediation when possible.

Timely remediation of security flaws is critical. Automating these processes allows organizations to quickly address issues without disrupting operations.

The Shared Security Responsibility Model and AIS

A critical component of cloud security is understanding the Shared Security Responsibility Model (SSRM). The SSRM clarifies which security roles and responsibilities go to the CSP versus the CSC. This prevents security gaps caused by assumptions about what the other party will handle.

CSPs manage the underlying infrastructure, ensure secure runtime environments, and conduct baseline security testing. They also provide APIs and application platforms that follow secure coding practices.

CSCs, on the other hand, focus on securing their applications deployed on the cloud. This includes secure coding practices, safeguarding data, and continuous monitoring of compliance with security controls.

Clearly assigning these responsibilities leads to less confusion and smoother cloud operations.

Conclusion

The AIS domain within CCM serves as valuable guidance for securing cloud applications and interfaces. By following the best practices outlined in the AIS domain, organizations can:

• Enhance security throughout the application lifecycle
• Automate testing and deployment processes to improve efficiency
• Monitor the effectiveness of controls to align security with business objectives
• Automate processes to quickly address application security vulnerabilities

Check out the CCM v4 Implementation Guidelines to get an in depth understanding of all 197 CCM control specifications.