Cloud computing is an evolving paradigm with tremendous momentum, but its unique aspects are exacerbating security and privacy challenges. However, when it comes to security, Cloud providers and customers must share the responsibility for security and privacy in cloud computing environments, but sharing levels will differ for different delivery models, which in turn affect cloud extensibility:
In SaaS
The providers typically enable services with a large number of integrated features, resulting in less extensibility for customers. Providers are more responsible for the security and privacy of application services, more so in public than private clouds where the client organization might have stringent security requirements and provide the needed enforcement services. Private clouds could also demand more extensibility to accommodate customized requirements.
In PaaS
The goal is to enable developers to build their own applications on top of the platforms provided. Thus, customers are primarily responsible for protecting the applications they build and run on the platforms. Providers are then responsible for isolating the customers’ applications and work spaces from one another. For more on Azure PaaS – Read more
In IaaS
This is the most extensible delivery model and provides few, if any, application-like features. It’s expected that the consumers secure the operating systems, applications, and content. The cloud provider still must provide some basic, low-level data protection capabilities. For more on Azure IaaS – Read more
Multi-tenancy is another feature unique to clouds, especially in public clouds. Essentially, it allows cloud providers to manage resource utilization more efficiently by partitioning a virtualized, shared infrastructure among various customers. From a customer’s perspective, the notion of using a shared infrastructure could be a huge concern. However, the level of resource sharing and available protection mechanisms can make a big difference.
For more information on Azure Best Practices- Read more