AWS Lambda security architecture

AWS Lambda provides strong default security controls across identity, network, data, and operational layers. When combined with least-privilege IAM, VPC isolation, encryption, and continuous monitoring, Lambda enables highly secure, serverless workloads with minimal operational overhead.1. Identity and Access Management (IAM)Execution Role • Each Lambda function assumes an IAM execution role at runtime. • Permissions are granted using least-privilege IAM policies, defining access to AWS services such as Amazon S3, DynamoDB, or CloudWatch. • Credentials are short-lived and automatically rotated via AWS STS.Resource-Based Policies • Lambda supports resource-based policies to allow external services (e.g., API Gateway, EventBridge, S3) to invoke the function. • Enables cross-account invocation without sharing IAM roles.Fine-Grained Access Controls • Conditions such as aws:SourceArn and aws:SourceAccount restrict invocation scope. • Integration with IAM permission boundaries and SCPs for enterprise governance.2. Network SecurityVPC Integration • Lambda functions can run inside a VPC, enabling access to private resources. • Security controls include: • Security groups (stateful firewall rules) • Private subnets • VPC endpoints (PrivateLink) to avoid public internet exposureOutbound Traffic Control • Internet access requires a NAT Gateway. • Egress can be restricted using network ACLs, security groups, or VPC routing controls.3. Data ProtectionEncryption at Rest • Lambda code packages, environment variables, and layers are encrypted using AWS KMS. • Supports both AWS-managed keys and customer-managed KMS keys (CMKs).Encryption in Transit • All service-to-service communication uses TLS. • When invoked through API Gateway or ALB, HTTPS is enforced with configurable TLS policies.Secrets Management • Sensitive data should be stored in: • AWS Secrets Manager • AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store • Avoids hardcoding secrets in function code or environment variables.4. Application-Level SecurityEnvironment Isolation • Each Lambda invocation runs in an isolated execution environment, preventing cross-function interference. • The underlying infrastructure is fully managed and patched by AWS.Concurrency Controls • Reserved concurrency limits protect backend systems from traffic spikes. • Prevents denial-of-service scenarios caused by runaway invocation scaling.Code Integrity • Function deployment packages are immutable once published. • Versioning and aliases enable controlled, auditable deployments.5. Monitoring, Logging, and Threat DetectionLogging and Auditing • Amazon CloudWatch Logs capture function output and execution details. • AWS CloudTrail records API-level changes (create, update, delete, invoke).Threat Detection • Amazon GuardDuty identifies anomalous or malicious behavior related to Lambda activity. • AWS Config evaluates compliance against security baselines.Operational Visibility • Metrics such as invocation count, errors, throttles, and duration support security monitoring and incident response.6. Supply Chain and Deployment SecurityCode Signing • AWS Lambda code signing ensures only trusted artifacts are deployed. • Integrates with AWS Signer to enforce deployment integrity controls.CI/CD Integration • Supports secure pipelines using AWS CodePipeline, CodeBuild, or third-party tools. • Enforces separation of duties between build, sign, and deploy stages.7. Compliance and GovernanceShared Responsibility Model • AWS secures the underlying infrastructure. • Customers secure: • Function code • IAM permissions • Network configuration • Data handling logicCompliance Support • Lambda is compliant with major frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC, PCI DSS, HIPAA), enabling regulated workloads when correctly configured.

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