Rule: DynamoDB Tables in Backup Plan
Ensure DynamoDB tables are included in a backup plan for data protection.
| Rule | DynamoDB tables should be in a backup plan |
| Framework | GxP EU Annex 11 |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
DynamoDB Backup Plan for GxP EU Annex 11
According to GxP EU Annex 11 regulation, it is important to ensure the integrity, availability, and recoverability of data stored in DynamoDB tables. To comply with this requirement, it is recommended to implement a proper backup plan for your DynamoDB tables. This backup plan will help in mitigating the risk of data loss or corruption, and ensure the preservation and recoverability of critical data.
Policy Description
The policy requires the implementation of a backup plan for all DynamoDB tables that store data subject to GxP EU Annex 11 regulations. The backup plan should encompass the following key aspects:
- 1.
Regular Automated Backups: Regularly back up the DynamoDB tables containing GxP-relevant data. Backups should be performed at a frequency appropriate to the criticality of the data, ensuring minimal data loss in the event of a failure.
- 2.
Retention Period: Define an appropriate retention period for the backups based on regulatory requirements and business needs. The retention period should be sufficient to meet data recovery requirements in case of any data loss or corruption.
- 3.
Disaster Recovery Strategy: Implement a disaster recovery strategy alongside the backup plan to facilitate the restoration of DynamoDB tables in case of catastrophic events or major disruptions. This may involve using AWS services like Amazon S3, AWS Glue, or other compatible data recovery mechanisms.
- 4.
Data Validation: Regularly validate the backup data to ensure its integrity and usability during recovery operations. This includes verifying the completeness and correctness of the backed-up data against the original DynamoDB tables.
Troubleshooting Steps (if any)
Troubleshooting steps may be necessary if issues arise during the backup process. These steps are important in identifying and resolving common problems that might hinder successful backup execution. The following troubleshooting steps are recommended:
- 1.
Review AWS CloudWatch Logs: Check CloudWatch logs for any error messages or exceptions related to the backup process. This can provide details about the cause of the failure or any misconfigured settings.
- 2.
Verify IAM Permissions: Ensure that the AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies associated with the backup process have sufficient permissions to perform read and write operations on the DynamoDB tables and other AWS resources involved in the backup plan.
- 3.
Monitor Resource Utilization: Monitor the resource utilization of the DynamoDB tables and associated AWS services during the backup process. High resource utilization or excessive read/write capacity may lead to backup failures or performance degradation.
- 4.
Check Network Connectivity: Confirm that there are no network connectivity issues between the backup system and the DynamoDB service. Ensure that the appropriate network configurations, such as security groups and network access control lists (ACLs), allow the necessary traffic for backup operations.
Necessary Codes (if any)
There may be code snippets required to implement the backup plan for DynamoDB tables. The specific code will depend on the chosen backup strategy and the programming language or tools used for automation. Below is an example of using the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) to create a backup of a DynamoDB table:
aws dynamodb create-backup --table-name <your-table-name> --backup-name <your-backup-name>
Step-by-Step Guide for Remediation
To implement a backup plan for DynamoDB tables in compliance with GxP EU Annex 11, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- 1.
Identify the DynamoDB tables that contain GxP-relevant data and require backup.
- 2.
Determine the required backup frequency based on the criticality of the data and regulatory requirements.
- 3.
Define an appropriate retention period for the backups, considering data recovery needs and compliance requirements.
- 4.
Choose a backup strategy that aligns with your business needs and AWS ecosystem, such as on-demand backups, point-in-time recovery, or continuous backups.
- 5.
Set up necessary IAM roles and permissions to ensure the backup process has sufficient access to the DynamoDB tables and AWS resources involved.
- 6.
Configure automated backups using AWS services like AWS Backup or custom scripts leveraging AWS SDKs or APIs.
- 7.
Validate the backed-up data regularly to ensure its integrity and usability during recovery operations.
- 8.
Test the disaster recovery strategy to verify its effectiveness in restoring DynamoDB tables in case of catastrophic events or major disruptions.
- 9.
Monitor the backup process and evaluate its performance and effectiveness periodically. Make necessary adjustments or improvements as required.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your DynamoDB tables are backed up according to a plan that complies with GxP EU Annex 11 regulations, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption and enabling quick recovery in case of any incidents.