Rule: VPC Default Security Group Restriction
This rule ensures VPC default security group does not allow unrestricted traffic.
| Rule | VPC default security group should not allow inbound and outbound traffic |
| Framework | Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
Overview of the FFIEC Compliance Rule for Default Security Groups
When complying with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) standards, organizations operating within the financial sector must adhere to stringent cybersecurity practices. This includes setting up appropriate network security measures within their cloud environments, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). One key requirement is that the default security group for a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) should not permit unrestricted inbound and outbound traffic, to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to financial data.
Explanation of the Default Security Group Configuration
By default, a VPC's default security group allows all inbound and outbound traffic for members of the same security group. While this open configuration can simplify some operational scenarios, it does not align with the robust security posture needed for FFIEC compliance.
Remediation Steps for Restricting Traffic
To ensure compliance, here's a step-by-step guide to remediate the VPC default security group settings:
Step 1: Review Current Security Group Settings
First, you should review your default security group's rules to identify any open permissions.
AWS Management Console:
- 1.Log in to the AWS Management Console.
- 2.Navigate to the VPC Dashboard.
- 3.In the left navigation pane, click on 'Security Groups'.
- 4.Choose the default security group.
- 5.Examine the 'Inbound' and 'Outbound' rules.
AWS CLI:
Run the following command to review security group rules using the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI):
aws ec2 describe-security-groups --group-ids sg-xxxxxxxx --query 'SecurityGroups[*].{ID:GroupId,Inbound:IpPermissions,Outbound:IpPermissionsEgress}'
Replace
sg-xxxxxxxxStep 2: Remove Open Inbound and Outbound Rules
After identifying the open permissions, you should remove them to harden the security group.
AWS Management Console:
- 1.In the AWS Console, navigate to the 'Security Groups' section within VPC as before.
- 2.Select the default security group.
- 3.For both inbound and outbound rules, select each rule with open access and choose 'Delete'.
AWS CLI:
Run the following commands to revoke inbound and outbound traffic permissions:
# Remove all inbound rules aws ec2 revoke-security-group-ingress --group-id sg-xxxxxxxx --protocol all --source-group sg-xxxxxxxx # Remove all outbound rules aws ec2 revoke-security-group-egress --group-id sg-xxxxxxxx --protocol all --port all --cidr 0.0.0.0/0
Again, ensure you replace
sg-xxxxxxxxStep 3: Apply Necessary Traffic Rules
Determine and apply only the necessary rules that align with the minimum access principle required for your operations and in compliance with FFIEC.
AWS Management Console:
- 1.Go to the 'Edit inbound rules' and 'Edit outbound rules' options.
- 2.Add rules specifying allowed protocols, ports, and source/destination IP ranges.
AWS CLI:
Use the
aws ec2 authorize-security-group-ingressaws ec2 authorize-security-group-egressVerification of Security Group Compliance
AWS Management Console:
Review the security group's rules to ensure that they now comply with FFIEC standards, allowing only the traffic necessary for your operations.
AWS CLI:
Utilize the
describe-security-groupsSEO and Content Strategy for Rule Description
When drafting an article or webpage to address the FFIEC compliance requirement for AWS Security Groups, consider the following points for an SEO-friendly approach that also accelerates SEO:
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- Link to related content and authoritative sources within your domain and external high-authority domains, like official AWS documentation on security groups.
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- Consider creating a downloadable PDF guide or checklist to enhance the utility for users, which can also boost engagement and sharing.
By following these steps and keeping the focus on delivering value through precise, actionable content, you can create a resource that is both SEO-friendly and genuinely helpful to individuals seeking to navigate FFIEC compliance within their AWS cloud environment.