Understanding the Shared Responsibility Model When Using the Cloud

Cloud technology is changing how we do business, and it has quickly become an essential component of helping organizations scale effectively. But with all of its advantages, shifting to the cloud also comes with a unique set of security risks that we must be prepared for. 

One crucial aspect of handling these risks is the idea of shared responsibility. This concept means that both the cloud provider and the business client have specific roles in keeping cloud environments secure. 

By working together under this shared responsibility model, businesses and cloud service providers (CSPs) can build a strong defense against cyber threats and protect sensitive customer data.

The Shared Responsibility Demystified

Whether your business has been operating in a cloud environment for some time now or has just recently started implementing certain cloud services into your operational structure, you no doubt have heard the term “shared responsibility” by now. But what exactly does it mean?

To put it simply, the shared responsibility model is designed to create a mutual level of accountability between CSPs and their clients when implementing protective measures to keep data and systems secure. This is similar to a landlord-tenant agreement when it comes to working together to keep structural integrity and the interior of a building in good condition.

When following shared responsibility models in cloud environments, CSPs are responsible for managing varying layers of the underlying infrastructure to keep stored information secure, and businesses support these initiatives by establishing secure user access protocols, encrypting their data, and monitoring their databases and networks for suspicious activities.

The Cloud Provider’s Core Responsibilities

In order for a CSP to provide essential business services, it’s important that they take on a variety of responsibilities when it comes to protecting their client’s information. This includes:

Physical Security Measures

CSPs are required to invest in the security of their data centers. This involves implementing secure building access protocols and proper surveillance to ensure that no unauthorized individuals can gain access to protected server rooms.

Many service providers will also employ security personnel to deter individuals from accessing restricted areas and equip their data centers with advanced temperature control systems to avoid system damage from fires or other environmental risks.

Hardened Network Security

CSPs are in charge of building and maintaining incredibly secure infrastructures to handle the massive scale of cloud computing. These infrastructures must ensure that customer data remains confidential and accessible at all times to only authorized users.

A core principle of CSP security is the creation of isolated network environments. This form of segmentation helps to prevent any unauthorized access or mixing of data between different users or organizations sharing the same cloud infrastructure.

Secure Hardware and Virtualization Services

When supporting virtualized service offerings, CSPs are also responsible for keeping the hypervisors secured, which allows resources to be shared across physical servers. 

To do this, they need to use strict security measures to guarantee the isolation and integrity of these virtual machines, preventing unauthorized access or data breaches that could compromise one virtual machine from spilling over to others.

Different Cloud Service Models and Shifting Accountabilities

Shared responsibility isn’t a static agreement between a CSP and their clients. Instead, varying levels of security responsibilities will shift depending on the type of cloud service model being used.

Below are the most common cloud security models and their associated accountabilities for a business:

• IaaS (The DIY Approach): Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) models involve a CSP playing a minor role in providing cloud-based services to a client’s customer base. While a CSP will provide a virtualized infrastructure necessary to run applications or services, the client will be responsible for everything else on their end. This includes managing operating systems, any necessary firmware or applications to run services, and collecting and storing customer data.
• PaaS (The Middle Ground): Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) models are a middle-ground approach to providing cloud-based services and have the most balanced responsibilities regarding security. Here, a CSP will manage the underlying platform to provision services while the client will develop applications, deploy them appropriately, and manage all of the data.
• SaaS (The Hands-Off Approach): Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models give businesses a more hands-off approach when accessing or providing cloud services. In these scenarios clients focus on managing a user’s access level and their data, while a CSP handles everything else.

The Business’s Core Responsibilities

Contrary to what some businesses may think when they start migrating more of their operations into the cloud, there are a number of responsibilities they have when ensuring the safety of their customer’s sensitive information.

Below are some of the core responsibilities all businesses have when moving to the cloud:

Safeguarding Your Data

Protecting your customer’s data is critical. When operating in cloud environments or using hybrid models, implementing encryption methods for data in transit and at rest is an important element of avoiding data breaches. It’s important to categorize your data by sensitivity levels and use the necessary classification policies to fine-tune your security measures.

Completing regular backups and creating practice scenarios like tabletop exercises are other important ways to safeguard your data against breaches or loss. While your cloud service provider may offer its own backup or recovery options, remember that you often bear the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding customer data.

Controlling User Access

Managing who can access your cloud services is crucial. You should enforce strong password policies and mandate the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) with all of your users.

You should also regularly review or revoke access for individuals who have left the organization or changed roles to minimize potential risks.

Securing Your Systems

When you control the operating systems running on your cloud virtual machines (a common scenario in IaaS), it’s typically your responsibility to ensure their security.

In this situation, you should strengthen these systems by disabling any unnecessary services, getting rid of default settings, and sticking to industry best security practices to minimize vulnerabilities.

Working with penetration testing services can also help you identify and address security weaknesses in your systems. By regularly conducting penetration tests, you can stay ahead of potential threats by placing them against ethical hacking scenarios that mimic the same tactics attackers would use when trying to gain access to your systems.

Meeting Industry Standards

As a cloud user, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your cloud setup meets any industry-specific or regulatory compliance standards, such as PCI DSS for payment card data, HIPAA for healthcare data, or GDPR for personal data.

Depending on your organization and industry, you might need to undergo an ISO or SOC audit to prove that you have the right level of security in place or ensure your business meets strict data privacy standards when looking to achieve and maintain HITRUST certifications. Be sure to understand the compliance requirements that apply to you and adjust your cloud implementation planning accordingly.

Working Closely With Your CSP for Improved Security

Shared responsibility models should be actively maintained in close collaboration with CSPs. This will involve:

• Open Communication With CSP – Clear and open communication with your CSP’s security team is critical so that you can discuss any concerns and receive updates on any security improvements. Regular meetings and proactive communication can help identify and address potential security gaps before they are exploited.
• Effective Incident Response Planning – It’s important to create and maintain an effective incident response plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both the business and the CSP when recovering from major security issues. This should include all necessary procedures when escalating minor issues to more significant ones as well as all of the necessary stakeholders who will be involved in the recovery process.
• Regular Vendor Risk Assessments – Cyber threats are only continuing to escalate, and it’s important to conduct regular vendor risk assessments to evaluate the security posture of your CSP and identify any vulnerabilities that may be present. This should include a thorough examination of the CSP’s security controls as well as their own compliance with important industry regulations.

Putting Together a Solid Action Plan

Understanding the shared responsibility model is crucial for protecting your cloud-based data. This model outlines your and your CSP’s distinct roles in maintaining security and forms the foundation for a strong defense strategy.

Remember that cloud security is an ongoing process. It’s important to stay aware of evolving threats and adjust your security measures to mitigate them effectively. By following your CSP’s best practices and incorporating additional security layers where necessary, you can create a more secure cloud environment, safeguarding your organization and its clients.