Shared Responsibility Model for EC2

🔐 Shared Responsibility Model for EC2

AWS and you share security responsibilities — AWS manages the cloud infrastructure, while you manage what’s inside your EC2 instances.

1️⃣ AWS Responsibilities

AWS is responsible for security of the cloud, including:

• 🏢 Data centers & infrastructure — physical security, power, networking, and facilities

• 🛡 Isolation of physical hosts — especially for dedicated hosts

• 🔧 Hardware management — replacing faulty servers

• 📜 Compliance — ensuring infrastructure meets regulations

2️⃣ Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for security in the cloud, including:

• 🔑 Security groups & network rules — control who can access your EC2 instances

• 🖥 Operating system management — Windows/Linux updates, patches, and configurations

• 🛠 Installed software & utilities — manage and secure all applications inside your EC2

• 🧩 IAM Roles & permissions — assign proper roles to provide AWS credentials securely

• 🔒 Data security — encrypt, backup, and secure all data on the instance

3️⃣ Key Takeaways

• AWS provides the virtual machine, but you control everything inside it.

• Always patch OS and software to stay secure.

• Use IAM roles instead of storing keys on EC2 for safe access to AWS services.

• Define strict security group rules to prevent unauthorized access.

💡 Exam Tip:

Remember this simple rule:

✅ Understanding this model is critical for EC2 security, cost optimization, and exam scenarios.