A cloud service provider is unable to provide an independent assessment of controls.
Which of the following is the BEST way to obtain assurance that the provider can adequately protect the organization's information?
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A. B. C. D.B.
The best way to obtain assurance that a cloud service provider can adequately protect an organization's information is by invoking the right to audit per the contract (Option B).
Explanation: A cloud service provider is responsible for maintaining and securing an organization's data in the cloud. However, an independent assessment of controls is required to ensure that the provider can adequately protect the organization's information. If the provider is unable to provide an independent assessment of controls, it indicates that there is a lack of transparency in the provider's security controls.
To obtain assurance, the organization should invoke the right to audit per the contract. The right to audit clause should be included in the contract between the organization and the cloud service provider. The clause should specify the type of audit, scope, frequency, and the requirement for the provider to cooperate with the audit.
The audit will help the organization to assess the provider's security controls and identify any gaps or weaknesses. The audit may include reviewing policies, procedures, and security controls, testing security controls, and verifying compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
Checking references supplied by the provider's other customers (Option A) may provide some insights into the provider's performance but does not provide assurance of the provider's security controls. The references may be biased, and the organization may not have the same security requirements as the referenced customers.
Reviewing the provider's information security policy (Option C) and self-assessment (Option D) may provide some information about the provider's security controls. However, these documents may not provide a complete picture of the provider's security controls, and the organization cannot rely solely on them for assurance.
In conclusion, the best way to obtain assurance that a cloud service provider can adequately protect an organization's information is by invoking the right to audit per the contract. The audit will help the organization to assess the provider's security controls and identify any gaps or weaknesses.