AWS operates under a Shared Responsibility Model, where security and compliance responsibilities are divided between AWS and the customer. AWS is responsible for Security OF the Cloud, which encompasses protecting the infrastructure that runs all services offered in the AWS Cloud. This infrastructu…AWS operates under a Shared Responsibility Model, where security and compliance responsibilities are divided between AWS and the customer. AWS is responsible for Security OF the Cloud, which encompasses protecting the infrastructure that runs all services offered in the AWS Cloud. This infrastructure includes hardware, software, networking, and facilities that run AWS Cloud services. AWS responsibilities cover several key areas. First, Physical Security involves protecting data centers with strict access controls, surveillance, and environmental safeguards against natural disasters and unauthorized entry. Second, Infrastructure Security means AWS manages the global infrastructure including Regions, Availability Zones, and Edge Locations, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance. Third, Network Infrastructure requires AWS to secure the network layer, implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and DDoS protection through services like AWS Shield. Fourth, Hypervisor Security involves AWS managing the virtualization layer that separates customer instances, ensuring isolation between different customer workloads. Fifth, Hardware Maintenance means AWS handles server maintenance, storage devices, and networking equipment replacements and upgrades. Sixth, Managed Services Security applies when using fully managed services like RDS, DynamoDB, or Lambda, where AWS takes responsibility for operating system patching, database software updates, and configuration management. Seventh, Compliance Certifications require AWS to maintain numerous compliance certifications including SOC, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO standards, providing audit reports through AWS Artifact. Eighth, Software Security means AWS patches and updates the underlying infrastructure software components. AWS also provides security features and services that customers can use to enhance their security posture, though implementing these remains the customer responsibility. Understanding this division helps organizations properly allocate security resources and ensures no gaps exist in their overall cloud security strategy.
AWS Responsibilities in the Shared Responsibility Model
Understanding AWS responsibilities is fundamental to passing the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam and working effectively with AWS services.
Why This Is Important AWS operates under a Shared Responsibility Model, which clearly divides security obligations between AWS and the customer. Knowing what AWS handles helps you understand what you don't need to manage, reduces security gaps, and ensures compliance with industry standards.
What Are AWS Responsibilities? AWS is responsible for the security OF the cloud. This encompasses all the infrastructure that runs AWS Cloud services. Specifically, AWS manages:
• Physical Security: Data centers, including access control, surveillance, and environmental controls • Hardware Infrastructure: Servers, storage devices, and networking equipment • Software Infrastructure: Host operating systems, virtualization layer, and service software • Network Infrastructure: Routers, switches, load balancers, and firewalls at the infrastructure level • Global Infrastructure: Regions, Availability Zones, and Edge Locations
How It Works AWS maintains responsibility for components that customers cannot access or modify. For example:
• You cannot visit an AWS data center or inspect physical servers • You cannot patch the hypervisor that runs EC2 instances • You cannot manage the underlying network infrastructure
AWS handles these elements and provides compliance certifications (SOC, ISO, PCI-DSS) as proof of their security practices.
Key AWS-Managed Services Examples: • Managed Services (Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB): AWS handles more responsibility, including OS patching • Infrastructure Services (EC2): AWS handles physical and virtualization layers only
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on AWS Responsibilities
1. Look for physical and infrastructure keywords: If a question mentions data centers, hardware, hypervisors, or physical security, the answer is AWS responsibility
2. Remember the phrase: AWS handles security OF the cloud, customers handle security IN the cloud
3. Managed services shift responsibility: With services like Lambda or RDS, AWS takes on more responsibility (OS patching, database engine updates)
4. Common exam scenarios where AWS is responsible: - Replacing failed hardware - Patching the hypervisor - Physical access controls to data centers - Network infrastructure protection - Disposing of storage devices securely - Ensuring Availability Zone isolation
5. Trick questions to watch for: Questions may try to confuse you between managed and unmanaged services. For EC2, you patch the OS; for RDS, AWS patches the database engine
6. Compliance certifications: AWS maintains certifications and provides compliance reports through AWS Artifact - this is an AWS responsibility
7. When in doubt: Ask yourself: Can a customer access or modify this component? If no, it is likely an AWS responsibility