TL;DR
Cloud adoption has transformed the compliance landscape. MSPs that understand cloud security requirements — and can deliver cloud-aligned GRC services — are meeting one of the most urgent client needs of 2026.
Why cloud security compliance is a priority for every client
The shift to cloud infrastructure has fundamentally changed the compliance environment for most organisations. Data is no longer held exclusively on-premises — it is distributed across SaaS applications, cloud platforms, and third-party services, each of which introduces new risk and compliance obligations.
For managed service providers (MSPs), cloud security compliance is both a challenge and an opportunity. Clients need help understanding what their obligations are in a cloud environment and how to meet them. MSPs that can deliver this expertise are providing genuinely critical value.
Key cloud security compliance requirements
Cloud security compliance spans multiple frameworks and obligations:
- Shared responsibility model — understanding what the cloud provider is responsible for vs what the client is responsible for is foundational to any cloud compliance programme
- ISO 27017 and 27018 — cloud security extensions to ISO 27001 covering cloud service controls and personal data protection in cloud environments
- SOC 2 — relevant for cloud service providers demonstrating security and availability to enterprise clients
- Essential Eight — includes controls (application patching, application control, MFA) that apply in cloud environments
- GDPR / Privacy Act — data residency, processing agreements, and cross-border transfer obligations apply to cloud-hosted data
- DORA (EU financial services) — includes specific requirements for cloud and ICT third-party risk management
How MSPs can deliver cloud security compliance services
Cloud security compliance services MSPs can offer include:
- Cloud security posture assessment (mapping current cloud configuration against framework requirements)
- Shared responsibility mapping (documenting what the client vs the provider is responsible for)
- Cloud-specific risk assessments (identifying risks introduced by cloud migration or expansion)
- Ongoing cloud compliance monitoring
- Data residency and privacy compliance review
How 6clicks supports cloud security GRC delivery
6clicks includes cloud-relevant framework content and assessment templates. The platform's risk register, policy library, and evidence management tools give MSPs everything needed to run structured cloud compliance engagements.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
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