AWS Shared Responsibility Model (SRM) in Security
The AWS Shared Responsibility Model (SRM) is a cloud security framework outlining the security responsibilities of both AWS and its customers. It emphasizes a partnership where AWS is responsible for “Security of the Cloud”, managing the security of the underlying infrastructure, while customers are responsible for “Security in the Cloud”, securing their applications and data within the AWS environment.
Key Points to Remember
- AWS handles security “of” the cloud: This includes physical security of data centres, hardware, software, networking, and facilities that run AWS Cloud services.
- Customers are responsible for security “in” the cloud: This means they’re responsible for securing their applications, data, and configurations, which includes tasks like:
- Managing access permissions using IAM
- Configuring security groups and network ACLs
- Encrypting data
- Managing operating systems, including updates and security patches
Examples
- Amazon EC2: AWS secures the physical servers, virtualization, and network. Customers secure the operating system, applications, and network configurations.
- Amazon S3: AWS secures the storage infrastructure and network. Customers handle bucket policies, encryption, and access controls.
- Amazon RDS: AWS manages the database engine and underlying infrastructure security. Customers configure database security settings, manage access, encryption, and backups.
Understanding Responsibility Boundaries
The biggest challenge with the SRM is potential confusion about responsibilities, which could lead to security vulnerabilities. It’s vital to understand the division clearly to ensure a secure cloud environment.
Benefits of Shared Responsibility
The SRM offers several benefits:
- Reduced operational burden for customers: AWS manages security at the infrastructure level, freeing customers to focus on securing their applications and data.
- Enhanced security: By addressing security at different levels, the model helps create a more secure environment overall.
- Compliance assistance: AWS provides tools and documentation to aid customers in meeting their compliance requirements.
Remember
The SRM is a fundamental concept in AWS security. Understanding the shared responsibilities between AWS and customers is crucial for building a secure and compliant cloud environment.