"Is my data in the cloud really secure?"
This is one of the most common questions that comes up in conversations about cloud migration. Data protection should be an absolute priority in any IT strategy, regardless of the size of the company.
What is the co-responsibility model?
The starting point for understanding security in AWS isthe Shared Responsibility Model. In short, both Amazon Web Services and you, the user, are responsible for security, but each within their own scope.
This model perfectly illustrates the analogy with a car: the manufacturer ensures that the vehicle meets safety standards—just as AWS takes care of securing the cloud infrastructure. In turn, the driver (i.e., the user) must know how to use it properly—by configuring services appropriately and protecting access to data.
Sounds logical, doesn't it?
10 steps to security in the AWS cloud
1. Data encryption
Automatic encryption of information both "at rest" and "in motion" using services such as AWS Key Management Service (KMS) and AWS CloudHSM.
2. Access control and identity management
The ability to precisely define who has access to resources and under what conditions, thanks to AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).
3. Risk analysis
Real-time activity monitoring for rapid detection of anomalies and potentially dangerous activities—with Amazon GuardDuty.
4. Application and network protection
Preventing DDoS attacks and other network threats using AWS WAF and AWS Shield.
5. Compliance with regulatory requirements
Tools supporting compliance with industry standards, such as PCI DSS or HIPAA – with the support of AWS Artifact.
6. Logging in and auditing
The ability to log all user and API activities in the AWS environment—thanks to AWS CloudTrail.
7. Protection of sensitive data
Using artificial intelligence to identify and secure confidential information – with the help of Amazon Macie.
8. Identification of hazards
A tool for in-depth analysis and visualization of security incidents – Amazon Detective.
9. AWS Environment Management
Centralization of management and security policies in organizations using multiple accounts – made possible by AWS Control Tower.
10. Expert recommendations
A service that continuously analyzes your AWS environment and recommends best practices in areas such as security, costs, performance, and reliability – AWS Trusted Advisor.
Want to enhance cloud security?
Implementing these tools can significantly increase your organization's resilience to threats and give you greater control over your data in the cloud.
If you would like to discuss how to secure your AWS environment, please contact us!
About the author:
Monika Szeja
Business Development Manager at Trek2Summit
As a Business Development Manager, I focus on building strong customer relationships and business development. I am passionate about understanding customer needs and helping solve their problems with AWS and Microsoft cloud solutions.