The AWS shared responsibility model is a key concept to understand when working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and it’s particularly important if you’re preparing for the “AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03)” exam. It forms a critical part of AWS’s efforts to ensure the highest standards of cloud computing security.
What is the AWS shared responsibility model?
The AWS shared responsibility model is a security framework designed to aid users in understanding their share of obligations when it comes to their AWS environment. AWS manages the security of its cloud, and the user is responsible for security in the cloud.
Specifically, while AWS takes full responsibility for the foundation layers of the cloud infrastructure (like global infrastructure and software on the AWS side), the user assumes duties for managing the guest operating system, associated application software, as well as the configuration of the AWS provided security group firewall.
To illustrate, the following table breaks down responsibility based on different services like EC2 (Infrastructure as a Service), RDS (Platform as a Service), and S3 (Software as a Service):
| Services | AWS | Customer |
|---|---|---|
| EC2 | Physical infrastructure, Virtualization layer | Guest OS, Apps, Network Traffic |
| RDS | Physical infrastructure, Virtualization layer, Operating system, Database software | Apps, Network Traffic |
| S3 | Physical infrastructure, Virtualization layer, Operating system, App | Content of stored data |
AWS shared responsibility model and compliance
In terms of regulatory compliance, the shared responsibility model also helps to clarify accountability. AWS takes on the responsibilities linked to ensuring the infrastructure of its services meet various compliance standards. On the other hand, the customers hold the responsibility to ensure their applications and data hosted on AWS are compliant with the relevant regulations.
Implementing the shared responsibility model
To effectively implement the shared responsibility model, it’s important to follow recommended best practices like:
- Apply a principle of least privilege: Manage who has access to your resources and ensure they have only the necessary permission.
- Employ strong password policies: Implement AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), which allows for secure control access to AWS services and resources.
- Enable AWS CloudTrail: Provides visibility into user activity by recording actions taken in your AWS Management Console, AWS SDKs, command line tools, and other services. This is key for auditing and review.
- Protect your data: AWS provides numerous encryption and key management services; one of them is AWS Key Management Service (KMS).
Example:
import boto3
client = boto3.client(‘kms’)
response = client.create_key(
Description=’Key to protect critical data’,
KeyUsage=’ENCRYPT_DECRYPT’,
CustomerMasterKeySpec=’SYMMETRIC_DEFAULT’,
)
Remember, when it comes to security and compliance, it’s not just about technology but also about the policies and processes you implement. As you continue your journey towards becoming an AWS certified solutions architect, ensure that you understand and can effectively apply this shared responsibility model.
Practice Test
True or False: In the AWS shared responsibility model, Amazon is fully responsible for the security of everything.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In the AWS shared responsibility model, AWS is responsible for the security ‘of’ the cloud while customers are responsible for the security ‘in’ the cloud.
What does AWS is responsible for according to the shared responsibility model? (Multiple select)
- a. Encryption of all data
- b. Physical security of data centers
- c. Customer data
- d. Network infrastructure
Answer: b, d
Explanation: According to the shared responsibility model, AWS is responsible for the security of the cloud which includes physical security of data centers and network infrastructure.
True or False: Customers are responsible for maintaining access control lists in AWS as per the shared responsibility model.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: As per the shared responsibility model, the customers are responsible for data management tasks like maintaining access control lists.
In the AWS shared responsibility model, who is responsible for managing guest operating systems?
- a. AWS
- b. Customers
- c. Third-party providers
- d. All of the above
Answer: b
Explanation: AWS is not responsible for operating system management, that remains the customer’s responsibility under the shared responsibility model.
True or False: In the AWS shared responsibility model, AWS is responsible for the security ‘in’ the cloud.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: AWS is responsible for the security ‘of’ the cloud, while customers are responsible for the security ‘in’ the cloud.
Who is responsible for security group and firewall rule configurations in the AWS shared responsibility model?
- a. AWS
- b. Customers
- c. Both AWS and customers
- d. Neither AWS nor customers
Answer: b
Explanation: As per this model, the customer is responsible for configuring security groups and firewall rules.
True or False: The shared responsibility model means AWS can access customer data whenever required for security purposes.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: As per AWS policies and shared responsibility model, AWS does not access customer data unless required for support purposes and always under customer control.
In AWS shared responsibility model, who is responsible for managing patches on the guest OS and Applications?
- a. AWS
- b. Customers
- c. Trojans
- d. None of the above
Answer: b
Explanation: It’s the customer’s responsibility to manage and deploy patches on the guest OS and Applications as per AWS shared responsibility model.
True or False: Customer is responsible for maintaining physical security of data centers in AWS shared responsibility model?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: This is AWS’s responsibility under the shared responsibility model. AWS is responsible for protecting the infrastructure that runs all of the services offered in the AWS cloud.
Who is responsible for Database encryption in the AWS shared responsibility model?
- a. AWS
- b. Customers
- c. Both
- d. None of the above
Answer: c
Explanation: Both AWS and the customer have shared responsibilities in database encryption. AWS generally manages encryption at rest, but the customers are also responsible for data & application-level encryption.
True or False: AWS is responsible for managing data life-cycle within their accounts in AWS shared responsibility model?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Customers bear the responsibility for managing data life-cycle within their accounts in AWS shared responsibility model.
Who is responsible for network traffic protection in the AWS shared responsibility model?
- a. AWS
- b. Customers
- c. Both AWS and customers
- d. Neither AWS nor customers
Answer: c
Explanation: Both AWS and the customer have shared responsibilities in network traffic protection. AWS provides services for network security, while customers are responsible for configuring these services appropriately.
True or False: AWS is responsible for disaster recovery planning in AWS shared responsibility model?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: As per the shared responsibility model, customers are responsible for their own disaster recovery planning.
Who is responsible for configuring and managing Amazon RDS DB instances in the AWS shared responsibility model?
- a. AWS
- b. Customers
- c. Both AWS and customers
- d. Neither AWS nor customers
Answer: b
Explanation: In the shared responsibility model, customers are responsible for configuring and managing their Amazon RDS DB instances.
True or False: Customer is responsible for securing edge network devices in AWS shared responsibility model?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In the shared responsibility model, AWS is responsible for the secure global infrastructure including edge network devices.
Interview Questions
What is AWS’s Shared Responsibility Model?
The Shared Responsibility Model is a concept in AWS where security and compliance responsibilities are shared between AWS and the user. AWS manages security OF the cloud, while the user is responsible for security IN the cloud.
In the Shared Responsibility Model, what responsibilities lie with AWS?
AWS is responsible for the security OF the cloud, which includes the hardware, software, networking, and facilities that support AWS Services.
In the Shared Responsibility Model, what responsibilities lie with the user?
The user is responsible for security IN the cloud. This includes things like customer data, identity and access management, encryption and network protection, operating system and network configuration, and client and endpoint protection.
What does the term “security OF the cloud” in the Shared Responsibility Model imply?
“Security OF the cloud” means AWS is responsible for protecting the infrastructure that runs AWS Services. This includes protecting the hardware, software, networking, and facilities that support the services.
What does the term “security IN the cloud” in the Shared Responsibility Model imply?
“Security IN the cloud” refers to the user’s responsibilities in securing their own customer data and managing their own security configurations within their AWS Service environment.
How does the Shared Responsibility Model benefit AWS users?
The Shared Responsibility Model allows AWS users to leverage AWS’s extensive security capabilities and expertise, while also giving them control and flexibility in securely managing their own data and applications.
Does the Shared Responsibility Model differ for different AWS Services?
Yes, the balance of responsibilities can change depending on the service. This is defined in the service’s terms and conditions. For example, in IaaS services like EC2, the user has many responsibilities, while in PaaS services like Lambda, AWS takes on more responsibility.
What are some tools AWS provides to help users fulfill their responsibilities for security IN the cloud?
AWS offers several tools to help users with their security responsibilities, including Identity and Access Management (IAM), AWS Key Management Service (KMS), AWS Shield for DDoS protection, and AWS Security Hub for security and compliance.
Is AWS responsible for securing user applications hosted on AWS?
No, securing customer applications is the responsibility of the user. AWS is responsible for the security OF the cloud, but securing the data or applications IN the cloud falls to the user.
Who is responsible for patching the guest operating system on an Amazon EC2 instance in the AWS Shared Responsibility Model?
The user/customer is responsible for patching the guest operating system and any applications running on Amazon EC2 instances. AWS just ensures that the underlying infrastructure for these instances is secure.
What is the role of AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management) in the Shared Responsibility Model?
AWS IAM helps users manage their responsibilities for security IN the cloud by enabling them to control access to AWS services and resources securely. It allows users to create and manage AWS users and groups and use permissions to allow and deny their access to AWS resources.
Are AWS Cognito users part of the Shared Responsibility Model?
ToYes, management and control of AWS Cognito user identities are part of the customer’s security responsibilities IN the cloud, such as managing user access, managing identities, and responding to incidents.
Does Amazon have responsibility for data loss in the Shared Responsibility Model?
While AWS does have responsibility for the durability and availability of the infrastructure that hosts AWS services, data loss due to factors like accidental deletion, unauthorised access, or data leakage falls under the user’s responsibility.
Who is responsible for ensuring data encryption in AWS under the Shared Responsibility Model?
The responsibility lies with the user. Although AWS offers services and tools to facilitate data encryption, it is the customer’s responsibility to implement and manage those services to protect their specific data.
Is AWS responsible for managing security group rules, ACLs, and routing tables for the customer’s VPC?
No, management of security group rules, ACLs, and routing tables for the customer’s VPC falls under the customer’s responsibility of security IN the cloud. AWS is responsible for ensuring the infrastructure for these services is secure.
extutorials.com