Shared Responsibility Model Overview

The Shared Responsibility Model is a fundamental cloud computing concept that clearly outlines the division of responsibilities in securing the cloud environment between Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) and customers. This model helps both parties understand their roles in maintaining the security and compliance of cloud-based systems.

1. Cloud Service Provider’s (CSP) Responsibilities in the Shared Responsibility Model:
• Physical Security: Protects data centres, servers, and networking infrastructure.
• Infrastructure Security: Ensures secure cloud infrastructure through patches, virtualization management, and redundancy.
• Network Controls: Defends against network threats using encryption, firewalls, and intrusion prevention.
• Compliance: Maintains industry compliance with standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR.

2. Customer’s Responsibilities in the Shared Responsibility Model:

• Data Security: Encrypts and backs up data, ensuring robust access control.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Manages access, sets up MFA, and monitors logs.
• Application Security: Updates and secures applications, including patch management and vulnerability scans.
• Configuration Management: Ensures proper configuration to prevent security breaches.
• Compliance and Auditing: Conducts audits and compliance checks to meet required standards.

Importance of the Shared Responsibility Model

This model is helpful to understand as it helps clarify the boundaries between what the CSP handles and what the customer must manage. Failure to understand or oversee these responsibilities can expose security breaches, data losses and out-of-compliance with regulations. For example, assuming that the CSP handles everything could result in weak access controls or unencrypted data, leaving the cloud environment open to attacks.

By adhering to the shared responsibility model, the CSP and the customer can work together to ensure the cloud environment is secure, compliant, and resilient to threats. This collaboration is essential for leveraging the full potential of cloud computing while minimizing risks.

Shared Responsibility in Different Cloud Models

1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service):
• CSP: Manages the physical infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking.
• Customer: Manages the OS, applications, data, and access control.

2. PaaS (Platform as a Service):
• CSP: Manages the infrastructure and platform, including OS, middleware, and runtime.
• Customer: Focuses on data, applications, and access control.

3. SaaS (Software as a Service):
• CSP: Manages everything from the infrastructure to the application itself.
• Customer: Primarily responsible for data security, user access, and ensuring compliance.

Related Articles:

● Why Cloud Security Governance Training Course with InfosecTrain?

● What is Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) in Cloud Computing?

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