Cis AWS Database 6.7

6.7 Ensure MemoryDB has automatic backups enabled (Manual)

Description

Ensure that Amazon MemoryDB clusters that store critical or stateful data have automatic backups enabled with a non-zero retention period. This setting configures MemoryDB to take snapshots of database and retain them for a defined number of days, allowing restoration of data in case of corruption, accidental deletion, or infrastructure failure.

Rationale

Automatic backups provide a simple and reliable way to recover MemoryDB data without relying solely on application-level safeguards. In the event of node failure, misconfiguration, or data corruption, a recent backup snapshot can be used to create a new database, significantly reducing recovery time and impact on dependent applications.

Impact

Enabling automatic backups for MemoryDB ensures that cluster data is regularly captured in snapshots, keeping it protected and readily recoverable in case of accidental deletion, corruption, or node failure. As a result, organizations can quickly recreate clusters from recent backups and restore access to the data, minimizing downtime and business impact from unexpected data loss events.

Audit Procedure

Using AWS CLI

List snapshot settings for all MemoryDB clusters:

aws memorydb describe-clusters \
  --query "Clusters[*].{Name:Name,SnapshotRetentionLimit:SnapshotRetentionLimit}"

• SnapshotRetentionLimit > 0 => automatic snapshots enabled.
• SnapshotRetentionLimit = 0 or missing/null => automatic snapshots disabled.

Expected Result

All MemoryDB clusters should have SnapshotRetentionLimit greater than 0, indicating automatic backups are enabled.

Remediation

Using AWS CLI

Enable automatic snapshots on a specific cluster:

aws memorydb update-cluster \
  --cluster-name <cluster-name> \
  --snapshot-retention-limit 7 \
  --snapshot-window "03:00-04:00"

• --snapshot-retention-limit 7 configures a 7-day retention; use a value aligned with your policy (for example 7, 14, or 30 days).
• --snapshot-window "03:00-04:00" (optional) sets the daily snapshot window in UTC. Choose an off-peak period to minimize performance impact.
• MemoryDB applies these changes immediately for the cluster configuration.

Default Value

Amazon MemoryDB for Redis has automatic backups enabled by default with a retention period of 1 day.

References

1. https://aws.amazon.com/products/databases/

CIS Controls

Profile

Level 1 | Manual