The Reality of Responsibility & Accountability for Customer and CSP
The Truth Is Rarely Pure and Never Simple
In the early days of cloud adoption, there was a common misconception that the cloud service provider (CSP) was wholly responsible for security. However, the reality is quite different. With the widespread adoption of service models like Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), there emerged a shared responsibility model between the CSP and their customers.
Under this model, the CSP is responsible for the security of the underlying cloud infrastructure and foundation services. This includes the physical data centres, hardware, networking, hypervisors, and base operating systems. The customer, on the other hand, assumes responsibility for securing their data, applications, identity and access management, and meeting compliance requirements. Simply put, the CSP secures the cloud while the customer is accountable for security in the cloud.
Navigating this complex web of responsibility requires comprehensive policies, procedures, and constant communication between stakeholders. Ambiguity within the model often leads to dangerous gaps in cloud security. As cloud architectures become more intricate, the lines of accountability can get blurred. Emerging technologies like serverless computing edge networking & Artificial Intelligence further complicate the landscape where responsibilities can vary between service model.
There Are Three Sides to Every Cloud Incident: Your Side, Their Side, And the Truth.
The shared responsibility model has significant implications in regulated industries like healthcare and finance. Legislation such as HIPAA and GDPR place the onus on cloud customers to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive data. Failing to meet these obligations can result in hefty fines and reputation damage.
A conspicuous example is data leakage of private information. The CSP will claim the incident occurred due to lack of access controls and auditing. This highlights the accountability of cloud customers in actively managing and monitoring how their data is handled.
On the other hand, compliance requirements also extend to the CSP side. The below is a list of potential CSP vulnerabilities, where the key criteria are that the root cause is due to something under the CSP’s control, not the customer’s use of the service. (i.e the famous AWS S3 bucket default Public Access)
- Data breaches due to vulnerabilities in the CSP’s infrastructure or applications. The CSP is usually responsible for securing their own systems.
- Outages caused by failures of the CSP’s systems and networks. The CSP is responsible for ensuring availability and resiliency.
- Insecure default configurations set by the CSP. The CSP should provide secure defaults.
- Weak authentication mechanisms or policies enforced by the CSP. The CSP controls authentication systems.
- Inadequate physical security of CSP data centres and hardware. The CSP must protect their facilities.
- Insufficient patching or vulnerability management in CSP managed services or software. The CSP should maintain their services.
- Account hijacking through compromises of the CSP’s account systems. The CSP must protect account security.
- DDoS attacks enabled by poor network architecture or DDoS protection by the CSP. The CSP is responsible for network design and DDoS mitigation.
- Cryptographic keys leaked by the CSP. The CSP must safeguard keys.
- Access granted to CSP systems without proper customer consent. The CSP must implement access controls.
This exemplifies how CSPs must be cognizant of the regulatory implications of their infrastructure and clientele. Compliance in the cloud is ultimately a joint accountability.
Best Practices for Shared Responsibility
The first step is understanding the division of responsibility as per the specific service model – SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS. The next crucial practice is continuous communication between the CSP and customer regarding security roles, policies, controls, and compliance.
From the CSP side, best practices involve providing security features and tools for customers to manage data access, encryption, vulnerability scanning, and risk assessment. Transparency through audit reports and certifications also builds customer trust.
Customers must implement robust identity and access management, data encryption, security monitoring, and backup. Leveraging CSPM (Cloud Security Posture Management) tools is vital for visibility across hybrid cloud environments as well as routinely validating security controls through audits and testing.
Ultimately, the shared responsibility model is effective only when grounded in cooperation, transparency, and shared accountability between CSPs and customers.
Emerging Technologies and the Future of Cloud Security
Rapid innovation in the cloud domain has introduced new technologies that can both augment and disrupt security:
- AI and ML: Algorithms can analyse threats, detect anomalies, and enable automated response. But they also increase risks related to data privacy and algorithmic bias
- Containers: Containerized applications boost portability and resilience. But vulnerabilities in container environments can provide a larger attack surface.
- Serverless computing: Automated provisioning and microservices aid scalability. However, traditional security models do not adapt well to ephemeral serverless architectures.
To harness the benefits of these emerging technologies while balancing risks, the shared responsibility model needs to evolve into a collaborative framework based on mutual transparency and unified accountability.
The Road Ahead: Shared Responsibility in the Multicloud Era
As cloud adoption matures, organizations are shifting from single CSPs to complex multicloud environments spanning private clouds, public clouds, and SaaS applications. This amplified heterogeneity requires security responsibilities to be mapped across diverse platforms, providers, and supply chains.
In this landscape, the shared responsibility model remains relevant but must be bolstered through standards, certifications, and regulations that codify exactly what customers and CSPs are accountable for across regulatory zones and geopolitical boundaries. Initiatives to further promote cloud security practices and unified standards will pave the road ahead.
Conclusion: The Reality of Securing the Cloud
In closing, the shared responsibility model remains integral to cloud security but needs continued evolution to address emerging threats and technologies. As cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, responsibility and accountability have never been more crucial.
Cloud customers must complement CSP safeguards by implementing layers of defense for data, identity, apps, operating systems, and networks. Regular audits, testing and training are equally essential.
Meanwhile, CSP transparency, unified standards and proactive collaboration will cement confidence in the cloud. The reality is that securing the cloud is a nuanced, ever-changing landscape. Success requires shared vigilance, ownership and collective responsibility between providers and customers.
Further Reading
The Open Cloud Vulnerability & Security Issue Database
The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA) & The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA)
European Union Agency for Cybersecurity
AWS Compliance reports and certifications
Microsoft Azure audits and certifications
Related Articles
Differences Between On-Prem and Cloud Network Security
How Can ITM Help You?
IT Minister covers all aspects of Cyber Security including but not limited to Home cyber Security Managed Solutions to automated, Manage Threat Intelligence, Digital Forensic Investigations, Penetration Testing, Mobile Device Management, Cloud Security Best Practice & Secure Architecture by Design and Cyber Security Training. Our objective is to support organisations and consumers at every step of their cyber maturity journey. Contact Us for more information.