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

The CSUN AWS environment enables users to create individual accounts under a master agreement that complies with CSU policies. As CSUN is part of the CSU/AWS Enterprise Discount Program (EDP), state-side entities will use an Interagency Funds Transfer (IFT) is used as a payment vehicle. Auxiliaries will use the Purchase Order (PO) as a payment vehicle. 

To obtain an account, state-side user needs only to provide a valid CSUN email address and a valid chartfield. An auxiliary user would need to provide a valid CSUN email address and a PO. CSUN AWS supports all the potential uses of Amazon web services and provides users with access to all present and future AWS capabilities. Users receive a unique account for each AWS project accessible from their log in portal. 

There are three basic steps to create a CSUN AWS account:

1. Plan - Determine how you will use AWS services and estimate your costs using an AWS cost calculator. 
2. Set up purchasing option

• State-side: 
  • Obtain a valid chartfield string - Follow your routine department procedures to obtain a chartfield string from your college or department.  Be sure to budget for an amount high enough to fund your initial costs. 
• Auxiliary: 
  • Obtain a PO - Follow your routine department procedures to obtain a purchase order from your college or department.  Be sure to set the amount high enough to fund your initial costs.

3. Create an Account – Once the budget for your AWS account is approved, navigate to the CSUN AWS account TopDesk request form.

How to Secure CSUN Data in AWS

The CSUN AWS environment can be used to store most data. However, extra security precautions are required for storing intellectual property, human subject research, protected health information and other sensitive data (Level 2). AWS may not be used to store credit card numbers and other highly sensitive data (Level 1). Additional information about CSUN’s data classifications may be found on the Protected Data page. Users wishing to use AWS for level 1 or 2 data should consult with the Information Security team before creating their PO or account. 

Additional Resources

• Free AWS Services for Students & Faculty
• Log In To My CSUN AWS Account
• Create a New CSUN AWS Account
• Convert My Account to a CSUN Account
• Amazon Web Services - FAQs
• Protected Data Guideline for AWS