Compliance – Introduction to AWS Security Concepts and the Shared Responsibility Model

Compliance

Ensuring compliance in the cloud means that your operations and workloads running in the cloud align with various regulatory standards and requirements. These could range from industry-specific regulations such as HIPAA for healthcare or PCI DSS for payment card information, to broader regulations such as GDPR for data protection in the European Union (EU). It also means following best practices for cloud security and operations, such as those outlined in the AWS Well-Architected Framework.

Achieving and maintaining compliance in the cloud can be complicated due to the ever-changing nature of the cloud, the shared responsibility model, and the global reach of cloud platforms. For instance, data residency requirements that dictate where data can be stored and processed can pose challenges when operating in a global cloud environment across multiple regions.

AWS offers a suite of services and features designed to assist customers in meeting their compliance needs. AWS Artifact, for example, provides on-demand access to AWS compliance reports, while AWS Config allows you to audit the configurations of your AWS resources. AWS also upholds a comprehensive compliance program, boasting certifications and attestations for a wide array of global and regional regulations.

It is crucial to remember that while AWS provides tools to facilitate compliance, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance rests with the customer. Grasping the shared responsibility model and effectively utilizing AWS compliance features are key to maintaining compliance in the cloud. For instance, while AWS Artifact helps with compliance, it only reflects the compliance status of AWS’s infrastructure and services, and does not extend to the infrastructures or services deployed and configured by customers. Therefore, even if AWS is SOC2-compliant, it doesn’t automatically mean that the applications and workloads you deploy will be as well. In subsequent sections and chapters, we will explore these aspects in greater depth, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to traverse the intricate landscape of cloud compliance. We will also discuss specific strategies and best practices for achieving and maintaining compliance in the cloud.