Gap analysis is performed for what reason?

Gap analysis is a strategic tool used to identify the difference between the current state and desired future state of a process, product, or service. In the context of managing cloud security, the primary purpose of conducting a gap analysis is to ensure all controls are in place and working properly. This comprehensive assessment helps organizations determine whether their current security measures are effective and identify any deficiencies that may leave them vulnerable to threats.

By systematically evaluating existing security controls against established standards, best practices, or compliance requirements, organizations can highlight areas that require improvement. This is crucial for enhancing the overall security posture and ensuring that all necessary protections are implemented and functioning effectively.

While the benchmarking process may be an outcome of conducting a gap analysis, the core reason for performing such analysis revolves around validating and improving security controls. Thus, gap analysis primarily serves to ensure that all layers of security are robust and in compliance with relevant frameworks, ultimately leading to a more secure cloud environment for users and stakeholders.