Learn about AWS’s Shared Responsibility Model for security and compliance. Discover why customers play a key role in securing their AWS accounts and resources.
Table of Contents
Question
Which group shares responsibility with AWS for the security and compliance of AWS accounts and resources?
A. Outsourced vendors
B. Customers
C. Reseller partners
D. Internet providers
Answer
B. Customers
Explanation
In the AWS Shared Responsibility Model, customers are responsible for security ‘in the cloud’, which includes access control and data management.
The correct answer is B. Customers, as AWS operates on a Shared Responsibility Model for security and compliance. This model delineates the responsibilities between AWS as the cloud provider and its customers.
AWS’s Responsibilities (Security of the Cloud)
AWS manages and secures the infrastructure that runs its services, including:
- Physical hardware
- Networking
- Virtualization layer
- Data centers and facilities
For abstracted services like Amazon S3 or DynamoDB, AWS also secures the operating system and platform.
Customer Responsibilities (Security in the Cloud)
Customers are responsible for securing their data, applications, and configurations within the cloud environment. This includes:
- Managing access controls (e.g., IAM roles, user permissions)
- Encrypting sensitive data
- Configuring firewalls (e.g., security groups)
- Applying software patches to operating systems or applications they control
The level of responsibility varies depending on the type of service used (e.g., IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
Key Concept: Security “of” vs. “in” the Cloud
AWS ensures the security of its global infrastructure.
Customers ensure security in their use of AWS services by managing what they deploy or store in the cloud.
Why Customers Are Responsible
AWS cannot manage customer-specific configurations, data encryption, or access permissions because these aspects are unique to each customer’s use case. For example:
- If a customer stores sensitive data in Amazon S3 without enabling encryption or proper access controls, they are accountable for any resulting security risks.
- Similarly, customers must ensure compliance with applicable regulations by configuring their resources appropriately.
Incorrect Options
A. Outsourced vendors: While third-party vendors may assist in managing cloud environments, they do not share responsibility directly with AWS.
C. Reseller partners: Resellers facilitate access to AWS services but do not partake in security responsibilities.
D. Internet providers: Internet providers ensure connectivity but are unrelated to cloud security responsibilities.
The shared responsibility model empowers customers to maintain control over their data and applications while leveraging AWS’s secure infrastructure. Understanding this model is crucial for passing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 exam and effectively managing cloud security in real-world scenarios.
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