STAR for AI Level 2

The Cloud Security Alliance has introduced STAR for AI Level 2, a new assurance layer designed to help organizations demonstrate transparent, independently validated security and governance practices for AI systems.

As AI deployments accelerate in every industry — from SaaS applications to highly autonomous systems — organizations are facing mounting pressure to prove their AI governance is not only documented, but tested, verified, and trustworthy. STAR for AI Level 2 provides exactly that. This new program builds on the well-established STAR ecosystem, extending it to AI governance, AI risk management, model controls, data protection, and operational integrity.

Photo: Obraz autorstwa DC Studio na Freepik

STAR for AI Level 2 is an independent third-party attestation that evaluates an organization’s adherence to:

➡️ CSA AI Governance & Controls Framework

➡️ AI Controls Matrix (AICM)

➡️ Capabilities-Based Risk Assessment (CBRA)

➡️ ISO standards and mapping alignments

➡️ SOC2–aligned principles for security, confidentiality, and operational integrity

STAR for AI Level 2 becomes the equivalent of a "SOC 2 for AI" — offering customers, regulators, and partners a higher degree of trust.

✅ A Standardized, Global Approach to AI Security

While AI regulation varies worldwide, STAR for AI Level 2 offers a unified, globally recognized assurance model that aligns with leading industry frameworks.

✅ Independent, Evidence-Based Validation

Where Level 1 focuses on self-assessment, Level 2 requires auditors to examine:

➡️ governance structures,

➡️ risk assessments,

➡️ model lifecycle controls,

➡️ data and privacy safeguards,

➡️ operational processes,

➡️ supply chain dependencies,

➡️ monitoring and drift detection,

➡️ incident response and rollback mechanisms.

✅ Supports Regulatory Readiness

STAR for AI Level 2 helps organizations prepare for emerging AI regulations, including:

➡️ AI Act,

➡️ NISTAIRMF,

➡️ ISO 42001,

➡️ Sector-specific AI assurance requirements.

As a CSA Corporate Member, we strongly welcome the introduction of STAR for AI Level 2. It fills a crucial gap between traditional cloud hasztag#assurance and the new reality of AI-driven environments.

We support organizations by providing:

➡️ STAR Level 1 support (questionnaires, control mapping, documentation preparation)

➡️ Gap analysis for STAR Level 2 readiness

➡️ Consulting and advisory on AI governance and AI controls

➡️ Independent attestations aligned with CSA STAR programs

This assurance layer is becoming increasingly important for vendors, SaaS providers, and AI-enabled platforms wishing to prove trustworthy operations to customers and regulators.

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Author: Sebastian Burgemejster