Introduction to Shared Responsibility Model
If you are using cloud services, you might have heard of the term “shared responsibility model”. But what does it mean and why is it important for your security and compliance? In this blog post, we will explain the concept of shared responsibility model and how it applies to different cloud service models.
What is the shared responsibility model?
The shared responsibility model is a security and compliance framework that outlines the responsibilities of cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers for securing every aspect of the cloud environment, including hardware, infrastructure, endpoints, data, configurations, settings, operating system (OS), network controls and access rights.
The shared responsibility model is based on the idea that both the CSP and the customer have a role to play in ensuring the security of the cloud. The CSP is responsible for protecting the cloud itself and its underlying infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for protecting their data and other assets they store or run in the cloud.
The shared responsibility model helps customers understand what they need to do to secure their cloud workloads and applications, and avoid assuming that the CSP will take care of everything. It also helps CSPs define their scope of responsibility and provide transparency and assurance to their customers.
How does the shared responsibility model vary across cloud service models?
There are three main cloud service models: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Each of these cloud service models has a different level of abstraction and control for the customer, which affects how the shared responsibility model applies.
SaaS
SaaS is a software delivery model where the vendor centrally hosts an application in the cloud that can be used by a subscriber. Examples of SaaS include Gmail, Salesforce, Dropbox, etc. In this model, the provider is responsible for application security, as well as its maintenance and management. The customer is only responsible for securing their data and identities, and managing their access rights.
PaaS
PaaS is a platform delivery model that can be purchased and used to develop, run and manage applications. Examples of PaaS include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Microsoft Azure App Service, Google App Engine, etc. In this model, the provider is responsible for security of the platform and its infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for securing their applications, data, code and configurations.
IaaS
IaaS is an infrastructure delivery model where a vendor provides a wide range of compute resources such as virtualized servers, storage and network equipment over the internet. Examples of IaaS include AWS EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine, etc. In this model, the customer is responsible for maintaining security of anything they own or install on the cloud infrastructure, such as the operating system, applications, middleware, containers, workloads, data and code.
Why is the shared responsibility model important?
The shared responsibility model is important because it helps customers and providers achieve better security outcomes in the cloud. By clarifying who is responsible for what, it helps avoid gaps or overlaps in security responsibilities that could lead to vulnerabilities or breaches.
The shared responsibility model also enables customers to leverage the security capabilities and expertise of their CSPs, while retaining control over their own data and assets. This way, customers can benefit from the security advantages of the cloud without compromising their own security requirements.
The shared responsibility model also helps customers comply with various regulations and standards that apply to their industry or region. By understanding their role in securing their cloud environment, customers can ensure they meet their compliance obligations and avoid penalties or fines.
How can you implement the shared responsibility model?
To implement the shared responsibility model effectively, you need to do the following:
- Understand your cloud service model and what it entails in terms of security responsibilities.
- Review your CSP’s security policies and practices and ensure they align with your security expectations and requirements.
- Use tools and services provided by your CSP to monitor and manage your cloud security posture.
- Implement security best practices for your own data and assets in the cloud, such as encryption, backup, patching, access control, etc.
- Educate your staff and stakeholders about their roles and responsibilities in securing your cloud environment.
- Regularly audit and review your cloud security status and address any issues or gaps.
Conclusion
The shared responsibility model is a key concept for anyone using cloud services. It defines who is responsible for what in terms of security and compliance in the cloud. By understanding and implementing the shared responsibility model correctly, you can achieve better security outcomes in the cloud and enjoy its benefits without compromising your own security standards.