CSUN Amazon Web Services

Key Features of CSUN AWS

Provision access to all AWS services such as virtual servers (e.g., Amazon EC2), storage (Amazon S3) and databases (Amazon RDS)
Migrate servers from on-campus data centers to AWS via AWS server migration services
Access developer tools, management tools, security features and analytics for AWS

CSUN AWS Overview

CSUN (AWS) is a university-managed cloud platform that provides access to a wide range of cloud services, including virtual servers, storage, databases, and analytics tools. The CSUN AWS environment operates under a master agreement that complies with CSU policies and is integrated with campus systems and security controls.

As part of the CSU systemwide Enterprise Discount Program (EDP) with the Chancellor’s Office, CSUN receives an approximate 15% discount on most AWS services.

CSUN AWS serves as an extension of the university’s on-premise infrastructure, enabling departments, faculty, and researchers to build, migrate, and scale applications in a secure and compliant cloud environment.

The platform includes baseline security configurations, centralized authentication, and auditing capabilities. However, users are responsible for ensuring that the data they store in AWS complies with university data classification and protection requirements.

Requesting an AWS Account (Faculty and Staff)

CSUN AWS accounts are available to faculty and staff for university business purposes. All AWS usage is billable, and departments are responsible for all associated costs.

To request an AWS account:

1. Obtain departmental approval, generate an estimate of cost using AWS calculator and identify a valid funding source.

2. Complete procurement requirements:

State-funded departments: Obtain a valid chartfield to be used with the Chancellors Office via Interdepartmental Financial Transaction (IFT).
Auxiliary organizations: Obtain a purchase order (PO) through your department.

3. Submit a request through the IT service portal.

Upon approval and account provisioning, configure and use AWS services in accordance with CSUN policies and data classification requirements.

For assistance, contact the IT Help Center or CSUN IT Cloud Systems team as needed.

Storing CSUN Data in AWS

The CSUN AWS environment may be used to store most institutional data. However, additional security controls are required when storing sensitive data, including intellectual property, human subject research, protected health information, and other Level 2 data.

AWS must not be used to store highly sensitive data (Level 1), such as credit card information. For definitions of data classification levels, refer to the Protected Data page.

Users who plan to store Level 2 data in AWS must consult with the Information Security team before creating a purchase order (PO) or provisioning an account.

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