In iaas model who is responsible for securing the virtual machine

in iaas model who is responsible for securing the virtual machine

In the IaaS Model, Who is Responsible for Securing the Virtual Machine?

Answer: In the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model, security responsibilities are shared between the cloud service provider and the customer. This concept is known as the “shared responsibility model.”

Responsibilities:

  1. Cloud Service Provider (CSP):

    • Physical Security: The CSP is responsible for securing the physical datacenters, including hardware maintenance, network infrastructure, and environmental controls.
    • Virtualization Layer: Security and maintenance of the hypervisor and possibly some default security configurations.
  2. Customer:

    • Virtual Machine (VM) Security: The customer is responsible for securing the virtual machine itself, including the installation and management of operating systems, applications, and data security.
    • Network Configuration: Implementing firewalls, network security measures, and monitoring traffic.
    • Patch Management: Regularly updating and patching the operating system and applications to protect against vulnerabilities.
    • Access Controls: Setting up user permissions, multifactor authentication, and other identity management practices.

Interactive Question:

To understand this division, think about this: If you were renting an apartment, the landlord would secure the building, but you would be responsible for locking your own doors and windows. How might this analogy help you think about securing a virtual machine?

Summary: In the IaaS model, the CSP secures the physical aspects and virtualization infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for the security of their virtual machines, including management of the operating system, applications, and data.