Enable CloudWatch Alarm Action Rule
This rule ensures CloudWatch alarm action is enabled, crucial for monitoring and alerting in AWS.
| Rule | CloudWatch alarm action should be enabled |
| Framework | NIST 800-53 Revision 5 |
| Severity | ✔ High |
CloudWatch Alarm Action for NIST 800-53 Revision 5
Rule Description
The CloudWatch alarm action should be enabled for compliance with NIST 800-53 Revision 5. This rule ensures that appropriate actions are taken when an alarm is triggered in the AWS CloudWatch service, which in turn helps organizations meet the security and compliance requirements defined in the NIST 800-53 Revision 5 framework.
Troubleshooting Steps
- 1.Ensure the CloudWatch alarm action is not disabled or removed.
- 2.Check if the IAM roles and policies are correctly configured for CloudWatch alarms.
- 3.Verify the CloudWatch alarm action settings for the specific alarm triggering event.
- 4.Review the CloudWatch alarm logs for any potential errors or failures related to the alarm actions.
Necessary Codes
No specific codes are required for this rule. However, you may need to configure the IAM roles and policies appropriately to enable CloudWatch alarm actions.
Step-by-Step Guide for Remediation
1. Access AWS Management Console
- Open your browser and go to the AWS Management Console (https://console.aws.amazon.com).
2. Navigate to CloudWatch Service
- Click on the "Services" menu at the top of the console.
- Type "CloudWatch" in the search box or locate and click on "CloudWatch" under the "Management & Governance" category.
3. Check CloudWatch Alarm Actions
- In the left navigation pane, click on "Alarms".
- Review the list of alarms displayed in the main pane.
4. Enable CloudWatch Alarm Actions
- Select the alarm for which you want to enable the action.
- Click on the "Actions" dropdown menu and choose "Modify" option.
- Ensure that the "State" is set to "Enabled".
5. Configure CloudWatch Alarm Actions
- Click on the "Add an action" button in the "Actions" section.
- Choose the appropriate action from the available options, such as sending a notification, triggering an AWS Lambda function, or running a Systems Manager automation document.
- Configure the action settings based on your requirements and the NIST 800-53 Revision 5 guidelines.
6. Save the Changes
- Click on the "Save Changes" button to apply the modifications to the CloudWatch alarm.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can ensure that CloudWatch alarm actions are enabled for compliance with NIST 800-53 Revision 5. This will help you meet the security and compliance requirements defined by the framework and take appropriate actions when an alarm is triggered in AWS CloudWatch.