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AWS compliance is a program helping businesses meet popular cybersecurity controls. Standard security institutions usually set these controls. The AWS compliance program allows companies in regulated industries to meet international security standards. These standards include protocols from NIST, HIPAA, and GDPR. The program’s shared security responsibility framework helps users manage any risks that could arise.
Amazon Web Services educates users on various compliance requirements that are vital to cloud security. AWS publishes technical white papers, reports, and other resources.
What Certifications Are in the AWS Compliance Program?
The AWS Compliance Program includes a broad set of globally recognized certifications and attestations that demonstrate AWS’s adherence to industry standards for security, privacy, and operational integrity. These include:
SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 – Independent audit reports that evaluate AWS’s controls over financial reporting and general security practices.
ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018 – International standards for information security management, cloud security, and protection of personal data in the cloud.
PCI DSS – Certification that AWS services meet Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards for handling credit card transactions.
FedRAMP – Authorization for use by U.S. federal agencies, ensuring AWS meets strict government security standards.
HIPAA – AWS offers services that can be configured to support HIPAA-compliant workloads involving protected health information (PHI).
GDPR Readiness – AWS provides features and contractual commitments to help customers meet General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements.
These certifications are regularly assessed by independent auditors and are listed in AWS Artifact, where customers can access the latest reports.
How Does AWS Help Users Stay Compliant?
AWS provides a shared responsibility model, where AWS manages the security of the cloud (infrastructure, hardware, and foundational services), and customers are responsible for security in the cloud (data, access, and configurations). To help users meet their compliance obligations, AWS offers:
AWS Artifact – A central portal for accessing audit reports and compliance documentation.
Security & Compliance Controls – Built-in tools like AWS Config, CloudTrail, and IAM let users monitor, log, and enforce compliance policies.
Service Certifications – Many AWS services are pre-certified for standards like HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC, and ISO, simplifying compliance for regulated workloads.
Encryption & Data Residency Options – AWS gives users fine-grained control over encryption keys, access policies, and where data is stored.
Well-Architected Framework – Provides guidance and tools to help users design secure, compliant cloud environments from day one.
Compliance Resources and Services
AWS offers a variety of specialized services and documentation to help organizations streamline compliance efforts:
AWS Compliance Center – A centralized hub with region-specific compliance guides, whitepapers, customer use cases, and FAQs tailored to regulatory needs by country and industry.
AWS Audit Manager – Automates evidence collection for audits and assessments, helping teams continuously evaluate controls against frameworks like NIST, CIS, and custom requirements.
AWS Marketplace Compliance Solutions – Third-party tools available through the AWS Marketplace that offer audit readiness, policy enforcement, and compliance automation features.
Dedicated Compliance Specialists – For eligible customers, AWS offers access to compliance and risk professionals who can help interpret requirements and guide implementation.
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