What are the key cloud security best practices for shared responsibility models?

1 What is a shared responsibility model?

A shared responsibility model is a framework that outlines the division of security tasks and accountabilities between the cloud service provider (CSP) and the cloud customer. Depending on the type and level of cloud service, such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), or software as a service (SaaS), the CSP and the customer may have different degrees of control and responsibility over the cloud environment. Generally, the CSP is responsible for securing the cloud infrastructure, such as the hardware, software, networks, and facilities, while the customer is responsible for securing the data and applications that run on the cloud platform. However, the exact scope and boundaries of each party's responsibility may vary depending on the specific cloud service agreement and contract.

2 Why is a shared responsibility model important?

A shared responsibility model is important because it clarifies the expectations and obligations of both the CSP and the customer in ensuring cloud security. It helps to avoid confusion, gaps, overlaps, and conflicts in security roles and tasks, which could lead to vulnerabilities, breaches, or compliance issues. It also helps to allocate the appropriate resources, tools, and processes for each security domain and function, such as identity and access management, encryption, backup, monitoring, auditing, and incident response. By following a shared responsibility model, both the CSP and the customer can achieve a higher level of security and trust in the cloud.

3 How to implement a shared responsibility model?

In order to implement a shared responsibility model, you must first understand the type and level of cloud service you are using or providing. Refer to the CSP's documentation, guidelines, policies, and the cloud service agreement and contract to determine the scope and boundaries of your responsibility. Next, assess the security risks and requirements of your cloud environment, data, and applications, using frameworks and standards like ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, or CIS Benchmarks. Implement the security controls and measures that are within your responsibility with tools such as encryption, authentication, authorization, firewall, antivirus, backup, patching, logging, alerting, and testing. Monitor and review your cloud security performance and compliance regularly with dashboards, reports, audits, scans, and feedback. Make sure to update your security controls and measures as needed.

4 What are the key cloud security best practices for shared responsibility models?

When it comes to cloud security best practices for shared responsibility models, there are several key points to keep in mind. Effective communication and collaboration with your CSP and customer is essential, and you should document and update your cloud security policies and procedures as appropriate. Your staff and users should be educated on cloud security awareness and skills, and enforced with strict security policies and standards for accessing and using cloud resources and data. It's also important to encrypt and protect your data at rest and in transit, as well as backup your data regularly. To ensure secure applications and configurations, you should use secure coding and development practices, scan your applications for vulnerabilities, patch them frequently, and monitor your cloud activities. In the event of a security issue or breach, you should report it to your CSP and customer immediately, following the incident response plan.

5 What are the benefits of following a shared responsibility model?

Following a shared responsibility model can bring you many benefits, such as improving your cloud security posture and resilience, enhancing your compliance and governance, increasing your efficiency and effectiveness, and building your trust and reputation. It can also reduce the likelihood and impact of security threats and attacks, help you meet regulatory and legal requirements, optimize your security resources, tools, and processes, and strengthen your relationship with your CSP and customer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?