For the average Joe, cloud compliance can feel like a puzzle—complex and with constantly shifting pieces. Add the volume and variety of regulations across regions to the mix, and compliance becomes more of a headache than a guide.
As more standards get published globally, how can we piece it all together without getting overwhelmed?
As the Global Head of Cloud Compliance at Cisco, I’ve realized that creating a sustainable and adaptable compliance strategy should be done at the platform level. This approach allows us to handle regulations across regions more efficiently and seamlessly.
I’m Gagandeep Singh, and I’m here to tackle how the platform approach addresses the intricacies of global cloud compliance.
Why global compliance is no small feat
How deep do we understand the differences between regional standards?
This question is the foundation of a sustainable and adaptable compliance strategy. Different regions mean different compliance standards, all of which we should adhere to if we operate globally.
For instance, the public sector in the US has been becoming stringent with accreditations and certifications like FedRAMP, StateRAMP and TxRAMP. At the same time, Europe alone already has several compliance standards either implemented or in the pipeline, such as the EU Cybersecurity Certification Scheme (EUCS), the EU Cyber Resilience Act (EU-CRA), and the Spanish Esquema Nacional de Seguridad (ENS) and many more. As a compliance officer working for a US-based provider, my team and I face extra pressure to adapt to these standards while still meeting those of America.
Here comes the problem: each standard requires controls, workflows, and audits—a slow, repetitive, and expensive process.
With the mountain of manual work, it’s like you’re filling a leaky bucket. And with the continuous publishing of new standards, adapting to each one will be a tough nut to crack.
Clearly, we need a more innovative, unified approach to keeping up with these evolving standards and today’s fast-paced digital world.
The platform approach: A hero in global compliance
Now, imagine a solution that cuts through the complexities of global cloud compliance, allowing us to save time and money.
By using the common standard framework and the shared platform approach, this solution isn’t just imagination anymore.
But how does it work?
Rather than treating each regulation separately, the approach consolidates these requirements into a single framework to be implemented in unison. This enables real-time monitoring and updates beyond borders.
At Cisco, our team developed the Cloud Controls Framework, a centralized framework that standardizes and simplifies these requirements. Coupled with the shared platform, we can ensure that our cloud products meet standards across various markets.
Simply put, the platform approach gives us a better grasp of our compliance status at any given time without the need for repetitive work.
This is invaluable for a company with a global reach—it helps us stay compliant without being weighed down by the details of every regional regulation.
Artificial Intelligence and global compliance: Partners hand-in-hand
As we further enter the digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises a more efficient and streamlined process for global compliance, thanks to its automation and analytics capabilities.
Using AI helps our platform anticipate compliance needs by analyzing past patterns on evolving standards. AI algorithms flag potential gaps early on and give us the needed insights to prepare—instead of just waiting until the last minute to adjust our systems.
With AI’s level of foresight, our systems can stay on top of evolving regulations without any blindsides.
AI’s help in global compliance goes beyond automation and data analytics—it allows our teams to monitor our platform in real time.
For instance, AI can flag controls that suddenly fall out of compliance, suggesting corrective actions.
In short, AI enables us to take a proactive approach to compliance, saving us time and preventing costly penalties and disruptions in our system.
Beyond borders: Global compliance from the eyes of a U.S. provider
As U.S. companies extend their reach to the global market, how can we comply with regulations across borders?
We’re balancing standards specific to the U.S., such as FedRAMP, StateRAMP, and SOC2, with globally recognized frameworks like ISO 27001 and ISO 42001. And it doesn’t stop there—Europe has the GDPR, EUCS, and the EU-CRA, which place strict demands on data privacy and cybersecurity. Add the Spanish ENS, and you have another layer of compliance. Similarly, we have ISMAP (Information System Security Management and Assessment Program) in Japan and IRAP (Information Security Registered Assessors Program) in Australia.
So, how do we handle this? With the platform approach.
With this approach, we can centralize these diverse standards to manage updates instantly, streamline audits, and automate compliance processes,
It’s not just about complying with regulations—it’s about efficiency. Instead of running separate compliance programs for each, we can adapt them all at once and apply them across multiple markets with a unified framework.
Let’s take an example.
Suppose the GDPR or ISO 27001 is updated. We can use our centralized framework to adjust all impacted regions simultaneously.
With this approach, we can save time and avoid costly redundancies, letting us deliver compliance confidently while staying agile in an evolving regulatory landscape.
As new standards emerge, the platform approach allows us to stay ready for anything—from global growth to optimizing processes.
Platform approach as the future of global compliance
The future of compliance hinges on adaptability, an essential element of the platform approach. As regulations become more complex, a centralized, adaptable platform enables us to respond quickly, making compliance a competitive strength rather than a chore.
Pic: Example of Cisco’s Federal OpsStack Platform
At the heart of this approach are automation and AI, which allow us to stay ahead, save time, and reduce manual work. Rather than scrambling to meet each new regulation, we’ll simply anticipate, adjust, and focus on more critical strategies.
Beyond streamlining processes, the platform approach also builds trust. With our compliance extending borders, we’ll let our clients feel we’re serious about protecting their data, making credibility our key differentiator.
From reactive to proactive: The platform approach for a compliance strategy for tomorrow
Solving the global compliance puzzle may seem challenging, but it’s achievable with the right tools and mindset. Through a platform-based model, we can transform our compliance into a strategic asset, creating a foundation that will serve us well into the future.
From the moment I familiarized myself with global compliance, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful the platform approach can be. Thanks to technology, A.I., and automation, we’re breaking down the barriers that make compliance a heavy lift.
In today’s rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, simply complying isn’t enough—being proactive will keep you ahead of others.
