The Shared Responsibility Model is a crucial concept in cloud computing that outlines the division of security duties between a cloud service provider and its customers. As computing services move to the cloud it’s critical to understand the parameters of this model to maintain a mutually successful relationship with your cloud service providers. This model highlights the common responsibilities of both the customer and cloud service providers, which vary depending upon deployment methodology. Common deployment methods are on-premise, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
On-premise is the easiest to describe as the customer is typically 100% responsible for all aspects of the computing services being utilized. On-premise computing services may be an in-house data center or even that server that is running on the shelf in the office closet. When issues arise in this environment, as the customer you need to resolve the issue in-house; troubleshooting everything and anything from the power supply, to the physical components of your computer, to the network, to the maintenance of updates and upgrades to the Operating System and various applications used by your organization. On-premise deployments are becoming rarer due to the cost and complexity of managing IT infrastructure.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing service that provides compute, storage, and networking resources on demand. In this model the cloud service provider is typically responsible for the physical datacenter, physical network (firewalls/security, and hosting of servers and storage. This could be a simple as taking that server in the closet and relocating it to your IaaS provider. As a customer you are still responsible for updates and upgrades to the Operating System and various applications used by your organization, as well as the information and data stored within your various systems. Your cloud service provider is now responsible for the location of where your server physically resides, the network and related security, availability of power etc.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides the same services as IaaS but also middleware, database management systems, development tools business intelligence services. Typically, the cloud service provider takes over the responsibilities for updates and upgrades to the Operating System and may also provide services to maintain various applications used by your organization. Other shared responsibilities in this model may related to Network Controls, applications used by your organization, Identity and directory infrastructure.
Software as a Service (SaaS) allows users to connect to and use cloud-based apps over the Internet. Your SaaS provider is responsible for the physical aspects of the software (data center, computers, network, operating system and application maintenance). As a customer you maintain responsibility for the Information and data in the SaaS, as well as the accounts and identities using the SaaS.
Common sophisticated enterprise SaaS applications are:
- customer relationship management (CRM)
- enterprise resource planning (ERP)
- document management
- web-based email service (e.g. Outlook, Hotmail or Yahoo! Mail)
Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model is crucial for organizations leveraging cloud services. By clearly defining the security duties between cloud service providers and customers, you can improve your organization’s risk management, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. As cloud technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest best practices and adjust your security strategies accordingly. By proactively addressing your security responsibilities, you can build a strong foundation for a successful and secure cloud journey.