Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) Practice Test 2026 - Free CCSK Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is compliance. This term specifically refers to adhering to external regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern the use of data and technology in a cloud environment. Compliance ensures that organizations meet legal, regulatory, and policy requirements, which can include data protection laws, industry standards such as ISO or PCI DSS, and organizational policies.

In the context of cloud security, compliance is critical because it helps organizations avoid legal penalties, maintain customer trust, and protect sensitive data. By implementing compliance measures, companies can demonstrate that they are managing their cloud services responsibly and in line with agreed-upon standards.

Governance, while related, focuses more broadly on the framework of rules, practices, and processes by which an organization is directed and controlled. It ensures the overall management of the organization rather than specifically addressing adherence to external requirements.

Risk management is a systematic process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks throughout an organization's operations, including in cloud environments, but it's not exclusively about aligning with external requirements.

Accountability refers to the responsibility for actions and decisions made within an organization but does not specifically capture the concept of aligning with external standards and regulations. Therefore, compliance is the most appropriate term in this context.