Which standard is primarily used to assess cloud service providers for security practices?

The standard primarily used to assess cloud service providers for security practices is the Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR). This standard provides a framework for cloud service providers to demonstrate their security practices and compliance through rigorous assessments. It is focused specifically on the cloud context, promoting transparency and accountability in how cloud services protect data and maintain security measures.

STAR incorporates principles and controls derived from widely accepted standards, such as ISO 27001, but tailors them to the cloud environment. This focus ensures that organizations using cloud services can evaluate their potential providers based on a recognized and credible benchmark, making informed decisions about security benefits and risks.

In contrast, other standards, such as PCI DSS, are primarily focused on payment card data security, and GDPR relates to data protection and privacy, particularly in Europe, rather than specifically addressing cloud service security practices. CMMI is a framework that addresses process improvement rather than specific security assessments. So, STAR being specifically designed for cloud services set it apart as the most relevant standard in this context.