Learn who is responsible for decommissioning storage devices in AWS under the Shared Responsibility Model. Understand AWS’s role in securely managing end-of-life storage devices.
Table of Contents
Question
Who is responsible for decommissioning underlying storage devices that reach the end of their useful life used to host data on AWS?
A. Customer
B. AWS
C. Account creator
D. Auditing team
Answer
B. AWS
Explanation
AWS is responsible for decommissioning underlying storage devices that reach the end of their useful life, using methods detailed in DoD 5220.22-M or NIST 800-88. This responsibility falls under the AWS Shared Responsibility Model, where AWS manages the security of the cloud infrastructure, including hardware and physical resources.
AWS’s Role in Decommissioning
When a storage device used to host customer data reaches the end of its lifecycle, AWS initiates a secure decommissioning process. This process ensures that no customer data is exposed during or after the device’s retirement. Techniques such as degaussing (magnetic erasure) and physical destruction are employed to render data irretrievable, adhering to industry standards like NIST 800-88 (Guidelines for Media Sanitization) and DoD 5220.22-M.
While customers are responsible for securing their data within the cloud (e.g., encryption, access controls), AWS assumes responsibility for the physical and operational security of its infrastructure. This includes tasks such as:
- Maintaining hardware.
- Managing data center facilities.
- Securely decommissioning storage devices.
Why AWS Handles This
The decommissioning process requires specialized techniques and compliance with strict regulatory standards, ensuring that sensitive data cannot be recovered. By taking on this responsibility, AWS provides customers with peace of mind regarding data security at the hardware level.
Incorrect Options
A. Customer: Customers manage their data in the cloud but are not involved in physical hardware management or decommissioning.
C. Account Creator: The account creator has no role in hardware lifecycle management.
D. Auditing Team: While auditing teams may review compliance, they do not perform operational tasks like decommissioning.
By securely managing end-of-life storage devices, AWS ensures compliance with global security standards, protecting customer data throughout its lifecycle.
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