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Cloud Security for Startups 2024
Cloud Security for Startups 2024
Who it's for:
Founders, CTOs, product managers, and architects of cloud-based startups

Cloud Security for Startups 2024

Release Date: 12/18/2024

Volunteers from the CSA Israel Chapter produced this publication. The content development falls outside the CSA Research Lifecycle. For any questions and feedback, contact research@cloudsecurityalliance.org.

A SaaS-based startup is a young, growing company that delivers Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) over the Internet. Unlike conventional software requiring installation, startups host SaaS products in the cloud. These products are accessible through web browsers for a seamless experience. SaaS startups frequently showcase an innovative approach, focus on rapid growth, and exemplify efficiency in operations.

Cloud environments are the foundational infrastructure for SaaS-based startups. While existing cloud security guidelines provide valuable insights, SaaS-based startups face distinct challenges requiring a tailored approach.

These companies often begin with small security and development teams and limited budgets. Yet, customers and stakeholders expect them to achieve full maturity in a short timeframe, while also ensuring security throughout the process. This rapid growth requires a delicate balance between innovation, speed, efficiency, and robust security measures.

Recognizing these unique characteristics, it’s evident that startups require specialized security guidelines. These guidelines must break down the maturity process into phases aligned with startup growth and development stages. In 2017, the CSA Israel Chapter released the first version of this document designed to address these needs of cloud-based SaaS startups.

This second version provides more comprehensive guidance, specifically focusing on SaaS-based startups. It emphasizes the strategic decisions and tactical recommendations necessary for achieving enterprise-level security maturity. It also considers the unstructured nature of startup funding rounds and the evolving capabilities of these rapidly growing companies.

Key Takeaways:
  • The characteristics of startup development phases
  • How to choose the right cloud platform
  • How to establish shared security responsibilities with your cloud provider
  • How to build your initial architecture
  • The stages of the secure software development lifecycle
  • Security management best practices
  • Governance, risk, and compliance best practices
  • Security monitoring and incident response best practices
  • Considerations for AI, Zero Trust, and quantum computing
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Acknowledgements

Ravi Kumar
Ravi Kumar
Sr. Site Reliability Engineer at Microsoft Corporation

Ravi Kumar

Sr. Site Reliability Engineer at Microsoft Corporation

Moshe Ferber
Moshe Ferber
CCSK, CCSP, CCAK official instructor, Chairman at Cloud Security Alliance, Israel

Moshe Ferber

CCSK, CCSP, CCAK official instructor, Chairman at Cloud Security Alliance, Israel

Moshe Ferber is a recognized industry expert and popular public speaker, with over 20 years’ experience at various positions ranging from the largest enterprises to innovative startups. Currently Ferber focuses on cloud security as certified instructor for CCSK, CCSP and CCAK certification and participate in various initiative promoting responsible cloud adoption.

Read more

Michael Roza
Michael Roza
Risk, Audit, Control and Compliance Professional at EVC

Michael Roza

Risk, Audit, Control and Compliance Professional at EVC

Since 2012, Michael Roza has been a pivotal member of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) family. He has contributed to over 125 projects, as a Lead Author or Author/Contributor and many more as a Reviewer/Editor.
Michael's extensive contributions encompass critical areas including Artificial Intelligence, Zero Trust/Software Defined Perimeter, Internet of Things, Top Threats, Cloud Control Matrix, DevSecOps, and Key Management. H...

Read more

Alon Kendler
Alon Kendler
Cloud Identity Architect, CISSP

Alon Kendler

Cloud Identity Architect, CISSP

Surendra Kumar
Surendra Kumar
Advisor- Information Security, Fiserv

Surendra Kumar

Advisor- Information Security, Fiserv

Tony Daskalo
Tony Daskalo
Cybersecurity Architecture Team Lead, PwC

Tony Daskalo

Cybersecurity Architecture Team Lead, PwC

Gidi Farkash
Gidi Farkash
VP Operations, Security & IT, Pipl

Gidi Farkash

VP Operations, Security & IT, Pipl

Gidi Farkash is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 25 years of experience in managerial and hands-on roles across various Information and Cyber Security domains. Currently serving as the Head of Security at Pipl, Gidi also holds the esteemed position of President of the (ISC)² Israel Chapter, where he actively contributes to developing and promoting cybersecurity best practices.Throughout his career, Gidi has demonstrated exp...

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Srihari Pakalapati
Srihari Pakalapati
Principal Cloud & Security Architect, Trader Interactive

Srihari Pakalapati

Principal Cloud & Security Architect, Trader Interactive

Daniel Begimher Headshot Missing
Daniel Begimher
Sr. Security Engineer, AWS

Daniel Begimher

Sr. Security Engineer, AWS

Alex Sherman
Alex Sherman
Cloud Cyber Leader, Israel, Deloitte

Alex Sherman

Cloud Cyber Leader, Israel, Deloitte

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