April 16 , 2023

Conducting a Comprehensive Gap Analysis to Bolster Multi-Cloud Security Controls

In today's digital world, multi-cloud environments have become increasingly popular for businesses to store their data and applications. However, with multiple cloud providers, ensuring that the company's security controls meet the requirements to safeguard against potential threats becomes challenging. One way to address this issue is by conducting a gap analysis, which involves evaluating the company's existing security controls in the multi-cloud environment against NIST 800-53 requirements. This blog post will discuss gap analysis, how to conduct it, and why it is essential for businesses.

What is Gap Analysis?

Gap analysis evaluates the current state of a system or organization against a desired shape. In the security context, the company's existing security controls are compared against standards or regulations, such as NIST 800-53, to identify gaps or weaknesses. The gap analysis aims to determine areas where the company's security controls fall short and to develop a plan to address these shortcomings.

What are Security Controls?

Security controls are measures to protect a system or organization's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. They can be physical, technical, or administrative in nature. Examples of security controls include firewalls, access controls, encryption, and security awareness training.

How to Conduct a Gap Analysis?

The following are the steps for the gap assessment:

Step 1: Define the scope of the analysis

Step 1: Define the scope of the analysis

The first step is to define the scope of the analysis, including identifying the systems and processes to be evaluated. This can consist of the company's multi-cloud environments or a subset.

Step 2: Identify the NIST 800-53 requirements

Step 2: Identify the NIST 800-53 requirements

The next step is identifying the specific NIST 800-53 requirements for the evaluated systems and processes. It is accomplished by reviewing the control families and selecting the relevant controls.

Step 3: Evaluate the existing security controls

Step 3: Evaluate the existing security controls

The third step is to evaluate the company's existing security controls in the multi-cloud environment. It is accomplished by reviewing policies, procedures, and technical rules. The evaluation should focus on how well the existing controls meet the NIST 800-53 requirements.

Step 4: Identify gaps or weaknesses

Step 4: Identify gaps or weaknesses

The fourth step is identifying gaps or weaknesses in the company's security controls. It is accomplished by comparing the existing controls against the NIST 800-53 requirements and identifying areas where they fall short.

Step 5: Develop a plan to address gaps or weaknesses

Step 5: Develop a plan to address gaps or weaknesses

The final step is to develop a plan to address the gaps or deficiencies identified in step 4. This plan should include specific actions to improve the company's security controls and bring them into compliance with the NIST 800-53 requirements.

Why is Gap Analysis Important?

Gap analysis is essential for several reasons:

  1. It helps companies identify areas where their security controls fall short and develop a plan to address them.
  2. It ensures that companies meet the security requirements to protect their data and systems.
  3. It can help companies avoid potential data breaches or security incidents.
  4. It can help companies comply with regulations or standards, such as NIST 800-53, that may be required for their industry or customers.

Conclusion

Conducting a gap analysis against NIST 800-53 can help your organization ensure that its security controls meet industry standards and federal regulations. By identifying gaps or weaknesses in your security posture and developing a remediation plan, you can improve your organization's security posture, reduce the risk of data breaches, and comply with federal regulations.

Author : Aristiun (Amit)

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