Data Backup Digest

The Cloud Security Alliance, also referred to as the CSA, is the world’s frontrunner in best practices as related to cloud computing in the 21st century. Collating research, advice and knowledge from a number of industry experts, the CSA is able to call upon the expertise from a large number of professionals. As such, the CSA is able to lend their services in applications involving municipal and federal governments, educational institutions and even private entrepreneurs.

A not-for-profit organization, the CSA was originally formed in December 2008. While their initial startup was under-appreciated, the organization saw a significant boost when selected by the U.S. White House to unveil the government’s new cloud computing plan. The organization has flourished ever since, and they currently have nearly 50,000 members located around the world.

Per the CSA’s own website, their missing statement is: “To promote the use of best practices for providing security assurance within cloud computing, and provide education on the uses of cloud computing to help secure all other forms of computing.”

The CSA’s Focus

While the CSA specializing in cloud-based technology, their limited resources prevent them from covering every possible nuance of the cloud. Instead, the CSA focuses their efforts on a few specific areas, including security guidance, common cloud computing threats, general cloud controls and GRC, or governance, risk and compliance. In fact, the CSA currently boasts more than 25 active research groups at the time of this writing. As such, they are one of the most comprehensive providers of cloud training and education in operation today.

Global Presence

As mentioned, the CSA is an international entity that has its footprint on every continent except Antarctica. With main headquarters located in Seattle, Washington, Singapore and Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as auxiliary locations around the world, they are a highly accessible group with an emphasis on networking, communication and technology.

Membership

Those who are interested in joining the CSA can do so through a variety of means. Perhaps the easiest way to apply is through their LinkedIn group, but interested parties can also receive guidance from a local chapter. New chapters are also emerging all the time, and those with enough motivation can even apply to start their own CSA chapter. Affiliate opportunities as well as corporate-level memberships to the CSA are also available. Pertinent information can be found on their website at www.cloudsecurityalliance.org.

Certification and Training

The CSA even offers certification and specialized training for individuals who want to learn more about cloud computing, cloud-based technologies and IT in general. Their Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge, as its name suggests, specializes in cloud-based security. Alternately, the CSA hosts numerous training classes and seminars, including cloud security training, PCI cloud training, GRC stack training and more.

Find Out More

For more information on the Cloud Security Alliance, including details of their most recent endeavors, feel free to visit their website at www.cloudsecurityalliance.org. Additionally, interested parties can also attend any one of their regularly scheduled seminars and events, which happen in venues around the globe.