Could Shared Fate be the Best Approach for Cloud Security?
Cloud security is a critical concern for any organization that uses cloud services to run their applications and store their data. Cloud security involves protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the cloud resources and data from various threats and risks. However, cloud security is not a simple or straightforward task, as it involves many challenges and complexities.
One of the challenges of cloud security is understanding and applying the shared responsibility model, which defines the roles and responsibilities of the cloud provider and the cloud customer. Depending on the type of cloud service they use (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), the customer may have more or less control and responsibility over their cloud security. However, the shared responsibility model can sometimes create confusion or gaps in cloud security coverage, as different cloud services have different configuration options and security controls.
Another challenge of cloud security is managing the trust and collaboration between the cloud provider and the customer. The cloud provider and the customer may have different goals, expectations, and incentives when it comes to cloud security. The cloud provider may want to maximize their profit and reputation, while the customer may want to minimize their cost and risk. The cloud provider and the customer may also have different levels of expertise, visibility, and access to the cloud environment. This can result in miscommunication, misunderstanding, or conflict in case of a security incident.
To overcome these challenges and achieve better security outcomes in the cloud, a new approach is needed: shared fate. Shared fate is a concept proposed by Google Cloud Security, which aims to improve the security outcomes for cloud customers and providers. Shared fate is based on the idea that both parties have a common interest and stake in securing the cloud environment, and that they should work together as partners rather than adversaries.
Shared fate goes beyond the traditional shared responsibility model, which defines the roles and responsibilities of the cloud provider and the customer based on the type of cloud service they use. While shared responsibility is still important, it can sometimes create confusion or gaps in cloud security coverage, as different cloud services have different configuration options and security controls.
Shared fate sees the cloud provider accepting the reality of where shared responsibility breaks down and steps up to close the gaps. The cloud provider does this by offering secure-by-default infrastructure, security foundations, and secure blueprints that help customers deploy their workloads in a secure way. The cloud provider also provides guidance, transparency, guardrails, and innovative insurance options to help customers measure and mitigate their cloud risks.
Shared fate also involves the cloud provider and the customer interacting more closely and collaboratively to address cloud security challenges. The cloud provider listens to the customer’s feedback and needs, and provides solutions that meet their security requirements. The customer trusts the cloud provider’s expertise and follows their best practices and recommendations. The cloud provider and the customer share information and insights, and respond to security incidents together.
Shared fate is a better way to manage cloud risk because it creates a win-win situation for both parties. The cloud provider benefits from having more satisfied and loyal customers, as well as a more secure and resilient cloud platform. The customer benefits from having more secure and reliable workloads, as well as a more trusted
