Security in AWS Well-Architected

Cloud security at AWS is the highest priority. As an AWS customer, you benefit from data centers and network architectures that are built to meet the requirements of the most security-sensitive organizations.

Security is a shared responsibility between AWS and you. The shared responsibility model describes this as security of the cloud and security in the cloud:

• Security of the cloud: AWS is responsible for protecting the infrastructure that runs AWS services in the AWS Cloud. AWS also provides you with services that you can use securely. Third-party auditors regularly test and verify the effectiveness of our security as part of the AWS Compliance Programs. To learn about the compliance programs that apply to AWS Well-Architected, see AWS Services in Scope by Compliance Program.

• Security in the cloud: Your responsibility is determined by the AWS service that you use. You are also responsible for other factors including the sensitivity of your data, your company's requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.

This documentation helps you understand how to apply the shared responsibility model when using AWS Well-Architected services. The following topics show you how to configure these services to meet your security and compliance objectives. You also learn how to use other AWS services that help you monitor and secure your resources.

The security information in this chapter applies to both the AWS Well-Architected Tool and AWS Well-Architected Agent. Where the access model differs between services, service-specific guidance is provided.

Topics

• Data handling and privacy

• Shared responsibility for AI-generated content

• Data protection in AWS Well-Architected

• Compliance validation for AWS Well-Architected

• Incident response in AWS Well-Architected

• Resilience in AWS Well-Architected

• Infrastructure security in AWS Well-Architected

• Configuration and vulnerability analysis in AWS Well-Architected

• Identity and access management for AWS Well-Architected

• Cross-service confused deputy prevention

• Logging AWS Well-Architected API calls with AWS CloudTrail

Data handling and privacy

AWS WA Agent analyzes resource telemetry, usage patterns, and configuration data from your AWS environment. It does not access the contents of your data stores such as Amazon S3 objects or database records.

All permissions granted to AWS WA Agent through the managed policy use read-only actions (Get*, List*, Describe*). AWS WA Agent cannot create, modify, or delete resources in your accounts.

Shared responsibility for AI-generated content

AWS WA Agent does not execute AI-generated remediation steps on your behalf. AI-generated guided actions are provided for your review and validation. You are responsible for reviewing, testing, and executing these steps in your environment.

Remediation derived from AWS Trusted Advisor checks uses pre-built SSM Runbooks that are deterministic and tested. AWS WA Agent can trigger these on your behalf with your consent.