Describe the shared responsibility model in AWS security.

The Shared Responsibility Model in AWS is a framework that defines the distribution of security responsibilities between AWS (Amazon Web Services) and the customer. This model helps clarify who is responsible for securing what aspects of the cloud infrastructure. Understanding and adhering to this model is crucial for ensuring a secure and compliant environment in the cloud.

1. AWS Responsibility - Security of the Cloud:
   • Global Infrastructure Security:
     • AWS is responsible for securing its global infrastructure, including data centers, networking, and hardware.
     • Physical security measures, such as access controls, surveillance, and environmental controls, are managed by AWS.
   • Hypervisor Security:
     • AWS manages the virtualization layer and ensures the security of the hypervisor, preventing unauthorized access to the underlying infrastructure.
   • Managed Services Security:
     • Services like Amazon S3, Amazon RDS, and others are considered managed services. AWS takes responsibility for securing these services and ensuring their availability and reliability.
   • Compliance Certification:
     • AWS undergoes third-party audits and certifications to validate compliance with various industry standards. This includes certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and others.
   • Security Patching of Host Operating System:
     • AWS is responsible for applying security patches to the host operating system of its infrastructure to protect against known vulnerabilities.
2. Customer Responsibility - Security in the Cloud:
   • Data Security:
     • Customers are responsible for securing their data within AWS services. This includes defining access controls, encryption, and managing data integrity.
   • Identity and Access Management (IAM):
     • Customers must set up and manage IAM policies to control user access to AWS resources. This involves defining roles, permissions, and access policies.
   • Network Security:
     • Customers are responsible for configuring network security, including Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) configurations, subnet setups, and security groups.
   • Application Security:
     • Securing the applications, including code and runtime configurations, is the responsibility of the customer.
   • Data Encryption:
     • Customers are responsible for encrypting data in transit and at rest. This involves using SSL/TLS for communication and encrypting data stored in AWS services.
   • Security Groups and NACLs:
     • Configuration and management of security groups (firewall rules for instances) and network access control lists (NACLs) fall under the customer's responsibility.
   • Incident Response:
     • In case of security incidents or breaches, customers are responsible for promptly responding to and investigating these events.