Rule: DynamoDB tables should be in a backup plan
Ensure that DynamoDB tables are included in a backup plan for Contingency Planning (CP).
| Rule | DynamoDB tables should be in a backup plan |
| Framework | NIST 800-53 Revision 5 |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
Rule Description
DynamoDB tables should be included in a backup plan that complies with the security requirements outlined in NIST 800-53 Revision 5. This rule ensures that data stored in DynamoDB tables can be adequately protected, preserved, and recovered in case of accidental deletion, corruption, or other data loss events.
Troubleshooting Steps
If there are issues with implementing a backup plan for DynamoDB tables in accordance with NIST 800-53 Revision 5, the following troubleshooting steps can be taken:
- 1.
Check Backup Plan: Verify that a backup plan is in place for the DynamoDB tables. Ensure that it complies with the security requirements specified in NIST 800-53 Revision 5.
- 2.
Evaluate Permissions: Review the permissions assigned to the IAM user or role responsible for performing the backups. Ensure that they have the necessary permissions to perform backup and restore operations.
- 3.
Confirm Backup Frequency: Validate the scheduled backup frequency to ensure it meets the business and compliance requirements. Adjust the frequency if necessary.
- 4.
Check Backup Retention: Ensure that the backups are retained for a suitable period based on organizational policies and regulatory requirements. Adjust the retention period if needed.
- 5.
Monitor Backup Status: Monitor the status of the backup operations regularly to verify that they are being performed successfully without any errors. Address any backup failures promptly.
- 6.
Verify Backup Integrity: Validate the integrity of the backup files to ensure they are not corrupted or compromised. Conduct regular integrity checks to mitigate any potential risks.
Necessary Codes
In order to implement a backup plan for DynamoDB tables in compliance with NIST 800-53 Revision 5, the following code snippets can be utilized:
- 1.AWS CLI Command to Create a Backup:
aws dynamodb create-backup --table-name <your-table-name> --backup-name <your-backup-name>
Replace
<your-table-name><your-backup-name>- 1.AWS CLI Command to Restore from Backup:
aws dynamodb restore-table-from-backup --target-table-name <your-new-table-name> --backup-arn <your-backup-arn>
Replace
<your-new-table-name><your-backup-arn>Step-by-Step Guide for Remediation
To remediate the DynamoDB tables backup plan to conform with NIST 800-53 Revision 5, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- 1.
Identify the necessary tables: Determine the DynamoDB tables that contain critical data and need to be included in the backup plan.
- 2.
Evaluate backup requirements: Understand the specific backup requirements based on organizational policies, compliance guidelines, and NIST 800-53 Revision 5. Consider factors like backup frequency, retention period, and backup storage location.
- 3.
Configure AWS CLI: Install and configure the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) on your system or use an alternative method to interact with AWS services.
- 4.
Create a backup plan: Use the AWS CLI or AWS Management Console to create a backup plan that includes the identified DynamoDB tables. Ensure the plan aligns with the specified backup requirements.
- 5.
Test backup and restore operations: Validate the backup plan by performing test backup and restore operations for one or more DynamoDB tables. Verify that the backups are created successfully and can be restored without any issues.
- 6.
Schedule regular backups: Set up a scheduling mechanism to automatically trigger regular backups according to the defined frequency. Ensure that backups are performed consistently and without disruptions.
- 7.
Monitor backup status: Implement monitoring and alerting systems to keep track of backup status and receive notifications in case of any failures or abnormalities.
- 8.
Periodically review and update: Regularly reassess the backup plan to accommodate changes in the environment, data volumes, and compliance requirements. Update the plan as needed to stay aligned with NIST 800-53 Revision 5.
Summary
Implementing a backup plan for DynamoDB tables that complies with NIST 800-53 Revision 5 is crucial for ensuring data protection and recovery capabilities. By following the troubleshooting steps, using the provided necessary codes, and following the step-by-step guide for remediation, you can establish an effective backup strategy and safeguard your DynamoDB tables against potential data loss incidents.