CSA STAR Level 1 vs Level 2: Self-Assessment vs Certification

CSA STAR packages assurance around the Cloud Controls Matrix. The level you claim changes what procurement will accept.

Related: Hub · CAIQ v4 · CCM v4.

Level summary: Level 1 — self-assessment (commonly CAIQ against CCM). Level 2 — third-party certification / attestation pathways against CCM. Continuous monitoring / higher STAR offerings may exist for mature programmes — confirm current CSA STAR catalogue language for anything beyond L1/L2.

Level 1 — Self-Assessment

Complete CAIQ / CCM self-assessment
Publish or share results with customers under NDA
Fastest path; lowest independent assurance

Level 2 — Third-Party

Independent assessment against CCM
Stronger procurement signal than self-assessment alone
Needs scoped evidence, not only a filled questionnaire

Choosing a Level

Enterprise buyers increasingly expect Level 2 or mapped SOC 2 / ISO evidence. Level 1 still helps early-stage CSPs answer RFPs. See STAR vs SOC 2.

How CyberSilo Helps

Map CCM controls in CyberSilo CSA (Compliance Standards Automation)
Monitoring evidence with ThreatHawk SIEM
Advisory for STAR readiness — contact CyberSilo

Pick a Level, Then Build Evidence

Scope CAIQ or Level 2 evidence packs with CyberSilo advisory and CSA tracking.

Talk to CyberSilo CCM / STAR Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Level 1 a certification?

No. Level 1 is self-assessment. Level 2 involves third-party certification/attestation pathways.

Do we need both STAR and SOC 2?

Many CSPs hold SOC 2 and map CCM/STAR for cloud-specific buyer questionnaires — they are complementary, not identical.

Does Level 2 replace CCM?

No. CCM remains the control catalogue STAR assessments use.

Hub · CAIQ · CyberSilo CSA

CSA STAR Level 1 vs Level 2: Self-Assessment vs Certification

Level 1 — Self-Assessment

Level 2 — Third-Party

Choosing a Level