The New Shared Fate Model: A Game Changer for Cloud Security

As cloud security challenges grow more complex, Google Cloud is moving beyond the shared responsibility model and introducing a more advanced concept called shared fate. This new model goes beyond just dividing security tasks between cloud providers and customers; it creates a closer partnership to tackle security together.

In the traditional shared responsibility model, cloud providers handle the security of the physical infrastructure and some core services, while customers manage their data, apps, and access. However, this clear separation can leave gaps in security if one side doesn't fully address their responsibilities. For instance, even if the cloud provider secures their infrastructure, an improperly configured customer application could lead to vulnerabilities. With the rapid rise of AI-powered cyber threats, regulatory demands, and a global cybersecurity talent shortage, simply splitting responsibilities isn't enough anymore.

Here’s where the shared fate model shines. Under shared fate, cloud providers don’t just delegate tasks, they work actively alongside customers to improve security. In a way, both sides share the consequences if something goes wrong, creating a true partnership.

How the Shared Fate Model Works:

1. Enhanced Collaboration: In the shared fate model, cloud providers take a more hands-on approach, helping customers manage their security posture. This isn’t about just handing over a to-do list—it’s about **actively assisting** customers in securing their environments, offering support through every step.

Did you know that almost 60% of cloud security breaches stem from customer misconfigurations? Under the shared fate model, this risk is minimized because cloud providers help address these gaps in real time.

2. Actionable Guidance and Resources: Shared fate isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them. Cloud providers now offer detailed resources, frameworks, and real-time advice to help customers meet their security, policy, and regulatory objectives. Whether it’s securing data or controlling access, cloud providers give tailored, actionable steps to keep organizations safe.

In 2023, more than 90% of companies failed to meet some aspect of cloud security best practices? Shared fate can help shrink this gap by providing expert guidance throughout the security lifecycle.

3. Secure by Design: Another key feature of the shared fate model is offering services that are secure by default. Cloud providers design and build their products with strong security features built in, so customers don’t have to spend as much time securing their environments on their own.

By 2025, it’s estimated that 99% of all cloud security failures will be the customer’s fault due to misconfigurations. But with secure-by-design cloud services, those odds dramatically decrease, protecting organizations from their own missteps.

Why Shared Fate Is Necessary:

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, cloud providers can no longer just focus on their portion of the responsibility. For example, **AI-powered attacks** can exploit even the smallest security loopholes. With shared fate, providers and customers are in it together—if something goes wrong, both parties work together to fix the problem and secure the system.

One of the key differences in this model is that the cloud provider is fully invested in the customer’s success. If a security issue arises, the cloud provider is better equipped to support the customer and mitigate damage quickly, which wasn’t always the case under the old shared responsibility model.

Cybercrime is evolving at a faster rate than many companies can keep up with. It’s estimated that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, more profitable than the global drug trade! Shared fate helps address this by creating a stronger, more united front against cyber threats.

A New Era of Cloud Security

The shared fate model is a much-needed evolution in cloud security, emphasizing collaboration between cloud providers and customers. While customers still have some responsibility, cloud providers now play a more active role in securing environments. This integrated approach strengthens defenses against modern threats, creating a more secure future for cloud computing.

With threats becoming more complex and widespread, this partnership could be a game-changer for organizations around the world, ensuring that both sides are fully engaged in the security process.