What key concept delineates the responsibilities of service providers and clients in cloud computing?

The Shared Responsibility Model is crucial for understanding the distribution of responsibilities between service providers and clients in cloud computing. This model defines which aspects of security and compliance are managed by the service provider and which aspects the client must handle.

Under this model, the cloud provider is responsible for the security of the infrastructure, including the physical servers, storage, and networking components, as well as ensuring the availability and resilience of the services they offer. Clients, on the other hand, are typically responsible for configuring and managing their applications, data, and user access within the cloud environment.

This delineation helps organizations understand their own security obligations and ensures that they are aware of the areas where they need to implement safeguards, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security posture. By clarifying these responsibilities, the Shared Responsibility Model fosters better collaboration between clients and providers and assists organizations in achieving compliance with various regulatory frameworks.