Cloud Fundamentals Course
Cloud Fundamentals
/
Intermediate

Shared Responsibility Model

Definition

A cloud security framework dictating that the Cloud Provider is responsible for the security *OF* the cloud (hardware, physical buildings), and the Customer is responsible for security *IN* the cloud (passwords, firewalls, app code).

Explain Like I'm New

If someone physically breaks into the Amazon data center with a crowbar, it is Amazon's fault. If someone hacks into your database because your password was '12345', it is your fault.

Real World Example

A company uses AWS EC2. AWS guarantees the physical server won't be stolen. But the company fails to update their Linux OS, gets hacked via a malware virus, and sues AWS. The judge dismisses it, citing the Shared Responsibility Model: updating Linux was the customer's job.

Common Use Cases

  • •Security audits
  • •Compliance
  • •Cloud architecture

Architecture & Flow

Interview Questions

basic

  • Who is responsible for locking the front door of the actual data center?

intermediate

  • In a PaaS (Platform as a Service) model, does the customer have MORE or LESS security responsibility than in an IaaS model?

Flash Cards

Question

Who locks the door?

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Answer

The Cloud Provider (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Question

More or less in PaaS?

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Answer

Less. In PaaS, the provider takes over responsibility for updating the Operating System and Network firewalls. The customer is only responsible for their App Code and Data.