Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Automating reporting on compliance controls at cloud scale (SEC232)

Summary

The session focused on the challenges of compliance frameworks in cloud computing and how Datadog can help automate and simplify compliance reporting.
Andrew Krug from Datadog and Andrew Capobianco from Tally shared insights on their journey with compliance, specifically PCI DSS, and how they leveraged Datadog's Cloud Security Management (CSM) tool.
The talk highlighted the importance of translating compliance controls into actionable tasks for engineers, using infrastructure as code, and automating the remediation process.
Tally's approach to PCI compliance involved segmenting their environments into compliance zones, using AWS and Terraform for infrastructure, and Datadog CSM for mapping controls to AWS configurations.
The session included a demo of Datadog CSM, showcasing features like posture score, configuration-to-control mapping, and detailed remediation guidance.
Datadog's workflow capabilities were discussed, allowing for integration with CI/CD pipelines and JIRA for incident management.
The importance of identity risk management was emphasized, with Datadog's CIEM (Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management) feature evaluating identity policies for dangerous conditions.
The session concluded with a mention of Datadog Cloud Security Atlas, a resource for understanding cloud risks, and a reminder that compliance should be seen as a minimum standard, not the end goal.

Compliance in cloud environments is complex due to the dynamic nature of cloud resources and the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation.
Infrastructure as code and automation are critical for managing compliance at scale, allowing for rapid deployment and consistent application of security controls.
Tools like Datadog CSM can significantly reduce the burden of compliance by providing clear mappings between compliance controls and cloud configurations, as well as offering remediation guidance.
The concept of "compliance zones" can help limit the scope of audits and focus security controls where they are most needed.
The session highlighted the evolving nature of security and compliance tools, with features like identity risk management and integration with other platforms (e.g., JIRA) becoming increasingly important.
The discussion around Datadog's CIEM feature underscores the industry's focus on managing identity and access as a critical component of cloud security.
The emphasis on exceeding compliance standards reflects a broader industry trend towards proactive security measures that go beyond checking boxes to genuinely protect resources and data.