Final Answer:
For Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the responsibility for securing machines, storage systems, and networks typically falls on the customer. In the IaaS model, the cloud service provider (CSP) is responsible for the security of the infrastructure itself, such as the data centers, physical servers, and virtualization layer. Therefore, the correct answer in this context would be "customer."
Step-by-step explanation:
In the realm of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the division of security responsibilities is crucial for a robust and effective security framework. The cloud service provider (CSP) shoulders the responsibility of securing the underlying infrastructure, encompassing physical servers, data centers, and the virtualization layer. This includes measures such as access controls, physical security, and network defenses at the infrastructure level.
On the other hand, the customer assumes responsibility for securing their specific virtual machines, storage systems, and network configurations. This entails implementing security measures within their operating systems, deploying firewalls, and safeguarding applications and data hosted on the cloud infrastructure. Customers are also tasked with managing user access, encrypting sensitive data, and implementing security best practices within their virtual environments.
This division of responsibilities ensures a collaborative approach to security, where the provider and the customer work in tandem to create a comprehensive and resilient security posture. While the CSP provides a secure infrastructure foundation, customers must implement and manage security measures tailored to their specific applications and data, fostering a shared commitment to maintaining a secure IaaS environment.