What is the shared responsibility model?

In cloud computing, the Shared Responsibility Model is a central concept defining the security roles between cloud service providers (CSPs) and their customers. This framework ensures accountability and cooperation in safeguarding data and resources, with CSPs responsible for infrastructure security and customers for data protection.

Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model

The Shared Responsibility Model is a fundamental framework in cloud security, crucial for organizations leveraging cloud computing services. It delineates the security responsibilities between the cloud service provider (CSP) and the customers. This division of responsibilities ensures accountability and a collective effort to safeguard data and resources in the cloud environment.

CSP Responsibilities: Securing the Cloud Infrastructure

Under this model, the CSP assumes specific security responsibilities, primarily for the infrastructure that underpins the cloud platform. These responsibilities encompass:

1. Infrastructure Security: The CSP is accountable for safeguarding the physical hardware, software, and the overall physical environment of their data centres. This includes protection against physical threats like natural disasters and ensuring the resilience and availability of the cloud infrastructure.
2. Network and Server Security: Managing the security of servers, network infrastructure, and data centre facilities falls under the purview of the CSP. This involves implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Customer Responsibilities: Protecting Data and Applications

Customers, on the other hand, carry distinct security responsibilities, focusing on safeguarding their data and applications hosted within the cloud environment. These responsibilities encompass:

1. Access Controls: Customers are responsible for configuring and managing access controls within their cloud accounts. This includes setting permissions, user roles, and defining who can access what resources.
2. Data Encryption: Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of their data is a key responsibility. Customers should implement encryption mechanisms to protect data both at rest and in transit.
3. Application Security: For applications hosted in the cloud, customers must take proactive measures. This includes securing the application code, patching vulnerabilities, and deploying additional security layers, such as a Web Application Firewall (WAF).

Illustrating the Model in Practice

To illustrate how this model works in practice, consider the example of a customer deploying a web application within a cloud environment. Here's how the responsibilities align:

• CSP Responsibility: The CSP secures the underlying infrastructure supporting the web application, encompassing server security, network protection, and data centre resilience.
• Customer Responsibility: The customer's focus lies on securing the web application itself. This involves implementing security measures like a Web Application Firewall (WAF), ensuring the application code is free from vulnerabilities, and managing user access to prevent unauthorized entry.

In essence, the Shared Responsibility Model is a collaborative approach that emphasizes the importance of both the CSP and the customer in maintaining the security of cloud-based assets. It's crucial for organizations to thoroughly understand their respective roles and responsibilities within this model to ensure the overall security and compliance of their cloud deployments.