The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is the world’s leading not-for-profit organization committed toawareness, practical implementation, and credentialing of forward-lookingcybersecurity topics, including AI, cloud, and Zero Trust.

In an era where digital transformation drives business success, CSA standsas the global authority ensuring organizations can operate securely whileharnessing cutting-edge technology. Through the 501(c)3 CSAI Foundation, collaborative volunteer-driven research, globally-accepted standards, andaward-winning vendor-neutral education programs that unite technical experts,industry practitioners, and varied associations, governments, chapters, andcorporate members across six continents, CSA bridges the gap betweeninnovation and pragmatic security execution.

CSA’s flagship Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) stands as the only vendor-neutral framework of cloud-specific securitycontrols, trusted by organizations worldwide and mapped to almost everyleading cybersecurity standard and best practice. In 2025, CSA introducedthe groundbreaking AI Controls Matrix (AICM), the first comprehensive security framework designed specifically forcloud-based AI systems.

Together, the CCM and AICM power CSA’s Security, Trust, Assurance, and Risk (STAR) program, the world’s largest and most complete cloud and AI assurance program.STAR creates a common language between providers and consumers, establishingtrust and shared responsibilities on both sides. The program is comprised ofa portfolio of assessments for cloud and AI providers; a publicly accessible registry of these assessments; a global network of authorized third-party assessmentfirms; assurance and auditing training; and customized portfolios forgovernments, industries, and other consortia.

CSA also hosts numerous volunteer-led research working groups spanning AI, cloud key management, health information management, Identityand Access Management, privacy, quantum-safe security, top cloud computingthreats, Zero Trust, and beyond. CSA Research drives cybersecurity innovation through rigorous, vendor-neutral investigation.Working groups collaborate with the industry, higher education, and governmentto produce freely accessible publications and survey reports about thisdiverse range of topics.

CSA’s very first research publication, Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus In Cloud Computing, has been continuously updated since 2009 and remains the definitive roadmapfor secure cloud adoption. Various research efforts have also been transformedinto action through influential initiatives and awareness campaigns, including the AI Safety Initiative, Compliance Automation Revolution, CxO Trust, FinCloud Security Initiative, and Zero Trust Advancement Center. Each of these initiatives addresses critical industry challenges head-on.

Based on CSA Research, CSA's professional development programs and individual courses set the industry standard for cybersecurity expertise. The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) serves as the benchmark credential for cloud security professionals, while the Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) represents the first vendor-neutral Zero Trust training and certificate program.The Trusted AI Safety Expert (TAISE) program, developed with Northeastern University, prepares professionals to safelylead in the age of AI.

Officially launched in 2026, CSAI is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation dedicatedexclusively to AI security, safety, and trust. While established by CSA, CSAIoperates as an independent, public-interest organization that can accepttax-deductible donations and grants to fund research, education, and initiativesthat serve the broader ecosystem. CSAI is focused on six strategic programs: theAI Risk Observatory, Agentic Best Practices, Education and Credentialing, theCxO Trust for Agentic AI, Global Assurance and Trust, and Future Forward.

Additionally, every year, CSA holds dozens of high-impact educational events around the world and online. These events range from cutting-edge webinars toin-depth workshops and global summits that help professionals enhance theirskills, foster connections, and earn continuing educational credits.

CSA’s work is powered by a diverse membership ecosystem. Leading cloud providers, breakthrough AI innovators, pioneering startups,dynamic Software-as-a-Service providers, and security-conscious enterprisecustomers of all kinds make up a community that includes every type ofstakeholder in the digital security landscape. The distinguished Trusted Cloud Provider and Trusted AI & Cloud Consultant (TAICC) designations recognize CSA Members who go above-and-beyond and exemplify securityexcellence.

Collectively, CSA represents a global movement committed to solving the securityindustry’s problems of both today and tomorrow. Together we can ensure that the cyberspace remains secure, trustworthy, and accessible to all. Visit the CSA website to explore educational resources, join the community, and discover how to accelerateyour own organization's secure digital transformation.

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