What is the purpose of the shared responsibility model?

The purpose of the shared responsibility model is to clearly delineate the security responsibilities between the cloud service provider and the customer in a public cloud environment. This model is crucial because it ensures that both parties understand their roles and responsibilities regarding the security of the cloud infrastructure and the data stored within it.

In a shared responsibility model, the cloud provider typically handles the security of the cloud infrastructure, including physical security of data centers and the security of the underlying hardware and software. Conversely, the customer is responsible for securing their applications, data, and configurations within the cloud service. This separation of responsibilities helps organizations to effectively manage their security posture and avoid vulnerabilities that could arise from misunderstandings about who is responsible for which aspects of security.

Understanding this model is fundamental for organizations transitioning to cloud services, as it allows them to make informed decisions about their security strategies, compliance requirements, and risk management practices.