> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/UIHN5vc23LyGCaurOi2f/security/best-practice-guideline.md). # Best Practice Guidelines The Best Practices Guideline is the central source of information about recommendations for using public cloud services securely. Welcome to the guide on IONOS Cloud security best practices! As a leading public cloud service provider, IONOS understands the importance of ensuring a secure and efficient cloud environment for our valued customers. This topic highlights the shared responsibility model, outlining the roles and responsibilities of both the service provider and the service user. In today's dynamic digital landscape, organizations embrace public cloud services for flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, sharing security and operational duties. IONOS is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure, network, and hypervisor layers, ensuring availability, reliability, performance, and data privacy. However, it is important to note that the service user is responsible for securing and managing cloud platform workloads, applications, and data. It involves understanding security best practices, configuring access controls, and updating software. Adhering to a shared responsibility model maximizes benefits while maintaining a secure environment. This topic covers secure public cloud services, including user access management, network security, data protection, monitoring, logging, and incident response. We are committed to providing the necessary resources, support, and expertise to help you navigate this journey and leverage the full potential of public cloud services. {% hint style="warning" %} **Disclaimer:** This site contains references to external links which are labeled accordingly. IONOS does not have control over the content or availability of the linked websites, nor does IONOS endorse or guarantee their accuracy, relevance, or completeness. IONOS is not responsible for any issues that may arise from accessing or using these external websites, and IONOS recommends reviewing the terms and privacy policies of each respective external website. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/UIHN5vc23LyGCaurOi2f/security/best-practice-guideline.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.