AWS Cloud Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist

This AWS cloud security configuration checklist ensures compliance with CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark v2.0, AWS Well-Architected Framework Security Pillar, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 cloud controls, and FedRAMP Moderate baseline. Designed for cloud security engineers and AWS account administrators to verify account-level security posture.

  • Industry: Telecommunications & IT
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 40-55 minutes
  • Role: AWS Cloud Security Engineer / DevSecOps Lead
  • Total Items: 19
  • Compliance: CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark v2.0, AWS Well-Architected Framework Security Pillar, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Cloud Controls, FedRAMP Moderate Security Baseline, AWS Shared Responsibility Model

Root Account and IAM Security

Root account controls and IAM baseline configuration.

  • Root account protected by hardware MFA (U2F/FIDO2) token?
  • Root account access keys deleted (none active)?
  • AWS Support role created for incident management?
  • IAM password policy: 14+ chars, complexity, 90-day rotation (CIS 1.8-1.11)?
  • MFA enabled for all IAM users with console access?

Logging and Monitoring

CloudTrail, Config, and GuardDuty in all regions.

  • CloudTrail multi-region trail enabled with management and data events?
  • CloudTrail log file integrity validation enabled?
  • GuardDuty enabled in all active regions including org master?
  • AWS Security Hub enabled with CIS/NIST standards active?
  • AWS Config recording enabled in all regions for all resource types?

Network Security

VPC default security groups and flow logs.

  • Default VPC security group has no inbound or outbound rules (CIS 5.4)?
  • No security groups allow SSH (22) from 0.0.0.0/0 or ::/0 (CIS 5.2)?
  • No security groups allow RDP (3389) from 0.0.0.0/0 or ::/0 (CIS 5.3)?
  • VPC flow logs enabled in all VPCs (CIS 3.9)?

Storage and KMS Encryption

S3, EBS, and RDS encryption status.

  • S3 account-level Block Public Access enabled across all buckets?
  • EBS encryption by default enabled in all regions?
  • All RDS databases encrypted at rest with CMK?
  • KMS key automatic rotation enabled for all customer-managed keys?
  • AWS Security Review Notes

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Why Use This AWS Cloud Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist?

This aws cloud security configuration and cis benchmark checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for aws cloud security engineer / devsecops lead professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark v2.0, AWS Well-Architected Framework Security Pillar, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Cloud Controls, FedRAMP Moderate Security Baseline, AWS Shared Responsibility Model. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the AWS Cloud Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 4 sections: Root Account and IAM Security, Logging and Monitoring, Network Security, Storage and KMS Encryption. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 40-55 minutes.

Who should use this AWS Cloud Security Configuration and CIS Benchmark Checklist?

This checklist is designed for AWS Cloud Security Engineer / DevSecOps Lead professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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