The AWS Shared Responsibility Model is a fundamental framework that delineates the security and compliance responsibilities between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its customers. Understanding this model is crucial for anyone pursuing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, as it highlights how security is a collaborative effort in the cloud environment. In this model, AWS is responsible for the security **of** the cloud. This encompasses the infrastructure that runs all AWS services, including hardware, software, networking, and facilities. AWS manages the physical security of data centers, the underlying hardware, the software that runs AWS services, and ensures the overall availability and reliability of its global infrastructure. Essentially, AWS handles the foundational aspects that make cloud services secure and operational. On the other hand, customers are responsible for security **in** the cloud. This means that while AWS secures the infrastructure, customers must manage their own data, applications, identity and access management (IAM), operating systems, network configurations, and any other software they deploy. Customers must ensure that their data is encrypted, access controls are appropriately set, and that they comply with relevant regulations and best practices. For instance, configuring security groups, managing user permissions, and maintaining the security of their applications fall under the customer’s purview. The shared responsibility model emphasizes that security in the cloud is a joint effort. AWS provides the tools and services needed to secure the environment, but customers must actively use and configure these tools to protect their specific assets and data. This collaboration ensures a robust security posture, where AWS handles the complexity of the underlying infrastructure, allowing customers to focus on securing their applications and data. In summary, the AWS Shared Responsibility Model clearly defines the division of responsibilities between AWS and its customers. AWS manages the security of the cloud infrastructure, while customers are responsible for securing their data and applications within that infrastructure. This model promotes clarity and ensures that both parties understand their roles in maintaining a secure cloud environment.