Rule: EC2 Instances Should Be Protected by Backup Plan
This rule emphasizes the need to safeguard EC2 instances with a backup plan to ensure data resilience and continuity.
| Rule | EC2 instances should be protected by backup plan |
| Framework | Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
Rule Description
EC2 instances that are used in Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) regulated environments should be protected by a backup plan. This ensures that critical data and system configurations of EC2 instances are protected from data loss or corruption.
Troubleshooting Steps
If backup plans are not in place or not functioning correctly, you may encounter the following issues:
- 1.Loss of critical data in case of hardware failures, accidental deletion, or other disasters.
- 2.Inability to recover from system or software failures.
- 3.Non-compliance with FFIEC regulations regarding data protection and availability.
Necessary Codes
There are no specific codes to implement for this rule. However, you may need to utilize AWS CLI commands or AWS Management Console to configure and manage backup plans.
Remediation Steps
Follow the step-by-step guide below to ensure EC2 instances are protected by a backup plan in compliance with FFIEC regulations:
Step 1: Identify Critical EC2 Instances
Identify the EC2 instances that are used in FFIEC regulated environments and are considered critical for data protection and availability.
Step 2: Determine Backup Requirements
Determine the backup requirements for your EC2 instances, including the backup frequency, retention period, and backup storage location. These requirements should align with FFIEC guidelines and your organization's data protection policies.
Step 3: Choose a Backup Solution
Choose a backup solution that is suitable for your EC2 instances. AWS provides various options, such as Amazon EBS snapshots, AWS Backup, or third-party backup solutions. Consider factors like cost, ease of use, reliability, and integration with your existing infrastructure.
Step 4: Configure Backup Plans
Configure backup plans based on the requirements determined in Step 2. This may involve creating backup policies, specifying retention periods, defining backup schedules, and selecting the backup storage location.
Step 5: Test Backup and Restore Procedures
Regularly test your backup and restore procedures to ensure they are functioning correctly. Conduct periodic recovery tests to verify the integrity of your backups and the ability to restore data when needed.
Step 6: Monitor Backup Status
Continuously monitor the backup status of your EC2 instances to ensure backups are being executed as expected and any issues are promptly addressed. Leverage AWS CloudWatch or third-party monitoring tools if necessary.
Step 7: Review and Update Backup Plans
Regularly review and update your backup plans to accommodate changes in your EC2 instances, data storage requirements, or FFIEC regulations. Make adjustments as needed to maintain compliance and effectively protect your data.
By following these remediation steps, you can ensure that your EC2 instances are protected by backup plans compliant with FFIEC regulations and minimize the risk of data loss or system downtime.