A Guide to NIST Cloud Security covering controls, standards and best practices, including AI for 2024

The digital landscape continues to evolve, and cloud computing has become an integral part of business operations. As more organizations migrate their workloads to the cloud, the need for robust security measures is increasingly apparent.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cloud Security Standards play a vital role in managing cloud security risks and providing guidelines for organizations to enhance their cloud security posture.

This blog post will take you through the NIST Cloud Security Standards, helping you understand how to achieve cloud security maturity and navigate compliance with these frameworks.

In the following sections, we will unravel the various NIST Cloud Security Standards, discuss the steps to achieve NIST Cloud Security Maturity, develop a risk management framework, and explore how to navigate cloud security compliance with NIST Frameworks.

By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the NIST Cloud Security Standards and their role in securing your organization’s cloud environment.

Key Takeaways

• Understand NIST Cloud Security Standards, guidelines and best practices for 2024
• Assess risks with risk assessment & management. Mitigate risks with access control & identity management. Continuously evaluate the security posture
• Implement a comprehensive risk management framework to achieve cloud security maturity

Understanding NIST Cloud Security Standards

NIST Cloud Security Standards provide comprehensive guidelines and recommendations to assist organizations in managing cloud and cyber security risks. These standards consist of guidelines, advice, and frameworks for cloud services, collectively serving as a valuable resource for organizations looking to enhance their cloud security posture.

As we explore these standards, we will uncover their significance in managing cloud security risks and ensuring security assurance in cloud environments.

We will examine the following NIST publications:

• NIST publications that define cloud computing
• NIST publications that provide public cloud security guidelines
• NIST publications that offer cloud computing recommendations
• NIST publications that present cloud systems access control guidance

We will also touch upon the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, an approach to managing risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

NIST SP 800-144: Guidelines for Public Cloud Security

NIST SP 800-144 is primarily intended for decision-making executives, information officers, and system managers responsible for implementing cloud computing solutions. This publication, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, offers an overview of security and privacy challenges associated with public cloud computing and considerations for organizations utilizing cloud solutions.

NIST SP 800-144’s critical recommendations for public cloud security include securing all cloud computing elements, prioritizing security and privacy, and considering public cloud service providers’ specific security and privacy challenges.

By addressing security and privacy in public cloud computing, NIST SP 800-144 guides protecting sensitive data, managing access controls, and implementing encryption mechanisms, assisting organizations in understanding and mitigating the security and privacy challenges associated with public cloud computing.

NIST SP 800-145: Defining Cloud Computing

Cloud computing enables easy and on-demand access to a shared collection of configurable computing resources over the internet, as specified by NIST. It provides users with great flexibility and convenience. NIST SP 800-145 defines cloud computing, its models, and deployment types, providing a foundation for understanding cloud security.

The publication identifies cloud deployment models as follows:

• Private
• Public
• Community
• Hybrid

These models are based on the operator.

According to the NIST framework, a cloud computing system is characterized by several features. These features include on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service. These essential characteristics contribute to security assurance in the cloud environment.

NIST has identified three primary service models for managing cloud assets: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Grasping these definitions and models is instrumental in developing a sturdy cloud security posture.

NIST SP 800-146: Recommendations for Cloud Computing

NIST SP 800-146 is directed primarily at IT professionals, providing critical recommendations for cloud computing. The publication covers the following topics:

• NIST-defined definition of cloud computing
• Advantages and unresolved issues of cloud computing
• Overview of cloud computing deployment models
• Technical features of cloud computing

This document overviews four cloud deployment options: private, community, public, and hybrid cloud. Each model presents unique advantages and disadvantages when selecting the right cloud solution. Furthermore, NIST SP 800-146 outlines the following technical characteristics of cloud computing:

1.  On-demand self-service,
2. Broad network access,
3. Resource pooling,
4. Rapid elasticity, and
5. Measured service.

Organizations can better manage cloud security risks and ensure a secure cloud environment by understanding these recommendations and technical characteristics.

NIST SP 800 – 210: General Access Control Guidance for Cloud Systems

NIST SP 800-210 guides access control for cloud delivery models, primarily focusing on technical features and components. The publication outlines access control characteristics and guidance for various cloud service models, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and inter-cloud access control.

NIST SP 800-210 offers general access control guidance for cloud systems, emphasizes cloud access control characteristics and guides access control systems for different cloud service models. This guidance assists organizations in implementing access controls in different cloud service models, ensuring the security of cloud systems.

NIST AI RMF 1.0: AI Risk Management Framework

NIST AI RMF 1.0 is a risk management framework designed to assist organizations in managing security risks and challenges associated with AI. NIST AI RMF 1.0 aims to provide an efficient and adaptable framework for organizations to regulate and reduce risks related to AI systems.

The NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) 1.0 is a comprehensive system that includes four main components:

1. Govern: This component involves establishing governance structures and strategies for managing AI risks. It includes defining clear roles and responsibilities, establishing decision-making processes, and setting up mechanisms for accountability and oversight. It also involves developing a strategic vision and goals for AI risk management and policies and procedures to guide AI risk management activities.
2. Map: This component involves identifying and understanding the organization’s AI systems and the associated risks. It includes mapping the AI landscape within the organization, identifying the different AI systems in use, and understanding their functionalities and capabilities. It also involves identifying the risks associated with each AI system, including potential threats and vulnerabilities, and understanding the potential impacts of these risks.
3. Measure: This component involves the assessment and quantification of AI risks. It includes developing and implementing risk assessment and measurement methodologies, collecting and analyzing data on AI risks, and producing risk reports. It also involves monitoring and tracking AI risks over time and updating risk assessments based on new information or changes in the AI landscape.
4. Manage: This component involves taking actions to address AI risks. It includes developing and implementing risk response strategies, such as risk avoidance, reduction, sharing, and acceptance. It also involves monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of risk response actions and making adjustments as necessary. This component also includes establishing mechanisms to learn from past risk management experiences and continuously improve the AI risk management process.

By introducing a risk management framework for AI, NIST AI RMF 1.0 helps organizations address AI-related security risks and challenges, ensuring the security and privacy of their AI systems in the cloud.

Achieving NIST Cloud Security Maturity

Achieving NIST Cloud Security Maturity involves:

1. I am assessing, mitigating, and controlling risks through a comprehensive approach to cloud security.
2. The NIST’s approach to risk assessment and management in cloud security is based on the Risk Management Framework (RMF).
3. This framework integrates security, privacy, and risk management into a comprehensive and flexible process.
4. It provides guidelines and best practices for analyzing information security systems and identifying risks.

We will explore the pathway to achieve NIST Cloud Security Maturity, which encompasses:

• Risk assessment and management for risk assessment
• The implementation of access control and identity management measures for risk mitigation
• Continuous security posture evaluation and improvement for risk control.

Assess Risks: Risk Assessment and Management

Risk assessment and management in cloud security refer to the process of:

1. Identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats to cloud security.
2. Conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests by NIST standards.
3. Abiding by the guidelines provided in NIST Special Publication 800-30.
4. Employing proven cloud security threat detection strategies.
5. Deploying controls to mitigate risks.
6. Assessing the effectiveness of security controls.

NIST SP 800-144 offers guidance on security and privacy in public cloud computing, including considerations related to risk assessment and management in cloud security.

By conducting regular risk assessments and following NIST Special Publication 800-30 guidelines, organizations can effectively identify and manage cloud security risks, ensuring their data’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability in the cloud.

Mitigate Risks: Access Control and Identity Management

Access control and identity management measures are vital to safeguarding sensitive data and resources in the cloud environment.

NIST’s cloud security standards provide multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) to help mitigate access control and identity management risks. These measures minimize potential security breaches and ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive data and resources in the cloud.

Access control and identity management centralize the management and control of authentication and access, thus providing a risk mitigation capability and helping to enforce security policies effectively.

By employing strong authentication and authorization mechanisms, multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and secure protocols for identity management, organizations can enhance their cloud security posture and effectively manage cloud security risks.

Control Risks: Evaluate Your Security Posture Continuously

To control risks and maintain a robust security posture in the cloud, continuously evaluating and improving your security posture and adapting to changing threats and vulnerabilities is necessary. NIST suggests the following strategies:

• Adjusting security control assessment and monitoring frequencies
• Implementing continuous or near real-time monitoring of the cloud provider’s operations
• Utilizing the NIST Cyber Risk Scoring (CRS) Solution
• Leveraging profiles to evaluate security posture in a cloud environment

By following the guidelines in NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-218, Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) Version 1.1, organizations can mitigate the risk of cloud-related threats and vulnerabilities and continuously improve their defensive posture.

This involves:

• Employing automated vulnerability scanning tools as part of the vulnerability assessment process
• Regularly updating security controls to address evolving risks
• Ensuring compliance with federal requirements, such as the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)

Developing a risk management framework

Developing a risk management framework based on NIST recommendations helps organizations address cloud security risks and challenges systematically. The fundamental elements of a cloud security policy NIST risk management framework consist of:

1. Identifying security risks
2. Assessing security risks
3. Mitigating security risks
4. Monitoring security risks

By following the steps outlined in the Risk Management Framework (RMF), organizations can achieve Cloud Security Maturity, ensuring the security of their cloud environments.

We will discuss risk management for cloud providers and tenants, exploring the range of best practices and requirements for both parties to secure their cloud assets and effectively manage cloud security risks.

Risk Management for Cloud Providers

Risk management for cloud providers involves:

• Implementing robust security controls
• Enforcing strict access policies
• Maintaining disaster recovery plans
• Conducting regular risk assessments

By implementing standardized risk management processes, cloud providers can ensure the security and privacy of their cloud infrastructure, as these processes have been evaluated and validated by multiple organizations.

Cloud providers should also educate and train their employees on security best practices. By maintaining a strong security posture and adhering to industry best practices, cloud providers can effectively manage cloud security risks and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their customers’ data.

Risk Management for Cloud Tenants

Risk management for cloud tenants involves:

• Evaluating cloud providers’ security practices
• Defining data ownership policies
• Implementing encryption and backup strategies
• Utilizing cloud security tools
• Establishing clear communication and escalation procedures with providers
• Conducting regular risk assessments and security audits.

By following the NIST recommendations and best practices, cloud tenants can effectively manage cloud security risks, ensuring the security and privacy of their cloud assets. This involves understanding the policies, procedures, and technical controls employed by the cloud provider and considering the essential characteristics of the cloud, such as broad network access and resource pooling.

Navigating Cloud Security Compliance with NIST Frameworks

Navigating cloud security compliance with NIST Frameworks helps organizations achieve compliance with federal regulations and industry best practices. NIST Frameworks, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and NIST SP 800-53, facilitate organizations’ conformity to national laws and industry best practices.

By following these frameworks, organizations can ensure the security of their cloud environments and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

We will explore the NIST Cybersecurity Framework’s flexible approach to cyber risk management and NIST 800-53’s role in providing security controls for federal compliance. With a firm understanding and implementation of these frameworks, organizations can maintain a powerful security posture in the cloud and ease compliance navigation.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A Flexible Approach

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework offers a flexible approach to managing cyber risks, allowing organizations to customize their security strategies. It comprises standards, guidelines, and best practices for managing cybersecurity risks, providing a systemized approach for organizations to evaluate and enhance their cybersecurity posture.

In terms of cloud security compliance, the NIST Framework furnishes frameworks, standards, and best practices to assist organizations in ensuring the security of their cloud environments.

By implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework’s Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover functions, organizations can effectively manage their cloud security risks and maintain compliance with federal regulations and industry best practices.

This flexible approach enables organizations to:

• Identify and understand their cloud security risks
• Implement appropriate safeguards to protect their cloud environments
• Detect and respond to security incidents promptly
• Recover from security incidents and restore normal operations

By following this framework, organizations can ensure a strong security posture in the cloud.

NIST 800-53: Security Controls for Federal Compliance

NIST 800-53 provides security controls for federal compliance, ensuring that organizations meet regulatory requirements and maintain a strong security posture in the cloud. This publication serves as the minimum baseline of security controls for all U.S. federal information systems, excluding specific national security systems, and is continuously updated to address evolving risks and ensure compliance with federal requirements, such as the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

By implementing the security controls outlined in NIST 800-53, organizations can effectively manage cloud security risks and maintain compliance with federal regulations. These controls address various aspects of cloud security, including:

• Access control
• Data encryption
• Configuration management
• Incident response

By implementing these controls, organizations can ensure they meet regulatory requirements and maintain a strong security posture in the cloud.

Summary

Understanding and implementing NIST Cloud Security Standards is essential for organizations to effectively manage cloud security risks and maintain compliance with federal regulations and industry best practices.

Follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by NIST publications, develop a risk management framework, and navigate cloud security compliance with NIST Frameworks. Organizations can enhance their cloud security posture and safeguard their valuable assets in the cloud.

So, take the first step towards a secure cloud environment by embracing the NIST Cloud Security Standards today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NIST in cloud security?

NIST, or National Institute of Standards and Technology, is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, providing standards and guidelines for cloud security to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability in the cloud. These standards provide best practices for securing cloud computing systems.

What are NIST 800 53 controls for the cloud?

NIST SP 800-53 provides security controls for cloud systems, helping organizations protect against privacy breaches, cybersecurity threats, malware attacks and human errors. These security control baselines represent the starting point in determining the requirements to secure federal information systems.

What are the five characteristics of cloud as per NIST?

According to the National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST), cloud computing has five essential characteristics: on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.

What are the three types of cloud defined by the NIST?

The NIST defines three types of cloud services: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

What is the purpose of NIST SP 800-144?

NIST SP 800-144 guides secure and private cloud computing, primarily aimed at system managers and executives.