The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is a trusted authority on modern cloud security. For organizations managing enterprise customer demands and navigating compliance questionnaires, CSA’s STAR program offers a path toward greater efficiency and credibility.
The CSA is widely recognized for its Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire (CAIQ), a tool designed to reduce the burden of responding to dozens of different security questionnaires. However, while the CAIQ brought much-needed structure, many enterprises still rely on their frameworks and requirements when assessing vendors.
To streamline and strengthen third-party due diligence, CSA created the Security, Trust, Assurance, and Risk (STAR) program. This tiered certification and attestation framework validates cloud security practices through independent review. For cloud-first organizations, CSA STAR can help meet enterprise expectations and eliminate redundant questionnaires.
What Is the CSA STAR Program?
At the heart of the CSA STAR program is the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM), a comprehensive set of security requirements covering modern cloud risks such as virtualization, API security, and data portability. Organizations that meet these requirements can be listed in CSA’s public registry, helping to reduce the need for bespoke customer audits.
There are two levels of participation:
Level 1: Self-Assessment
Organizations document how their internal controls meet CCM objectives and submit this to CSA for review and public posting. While useful, this level is rarely sufficient on its own to meet enterprise due diligence standards.
Level 2: Third-Party Attestation or Certification
This level involves a formal review by an independent audit or certification body. A successful assessment results in a published Level 2 status in the CSA registry, which many enterprise customers accept as a substitute for lengthy security reviews.
Certification vs. Attestation: What’s the Difference?
CSA STAR Level 2 can be achieved through certification or attestation, depending on your business’s needs and audit preferences.
- Certification resembles ISO/IEC 27001 in that it uses a defined checklist approach where controls are measured against CCM objectives and nonconformities are noted.
- Attestation aligns with frameworks like SOC 2 by providing flexibility in defining and assessing controls. The attestation results in a narrative report issued by a CPA firm outlining the organization’s compliance posture.
Both paths are equally recognized by CSA and listed identically in the registry. The choice largely comes down to whether you’re working with a certification body, an assurance firm, or both (in the case of dual-qualified providers).
Why Consider CSA STAR?
CSA STAR is gaining traction as a modern, cloud-specific alternative to traditional frameworks. While standards like SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 remain common, many enterprises now treat them as minimum requirements—especially as automated compliance platforms have made these certifications more accessible, sometimes at the expense of rigor.
CSA STAR goes deeper. It addresses the evolving landscape of cloud risks, including device management, human behavior, and data governance. As a result, it’s increasingly preferred by enterprises evaluating medium- to high-risk vendors.
We’ve observed significant growth in CSA STAR adoption. Just a few years ago, it was rarely mentioned. Today, it’s a standard consideration in vendor conversations, particularly for those looking to demonstrate stronger cloud security practices.
How Do I Get Started With CSA STAR?
Implementing CSA STAR doesn’t mean starting from scratch. You can often build on existing certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001 or pair it with a SOC 2 audit using a combined SOC 2 + CSA STAR attestation approach. This method offers flexibility and efficiency, particularly when aligned with frameworks like GDPR or HIPAA.
At Sensiba, our readiness platform supports CSA STAR alongside 11 other standards, allowing you to reduce duplication and simplify cross-framework compliance. Whether you’re looking to meet enterprise client requirements or elevate your overall security posture, CSA STAR can be a powerful addition to your strategy.
Ready to explore CSA STAR certification or attestation? Contact us to discuss your options or start a readiness assessment tailored to your goals.
