Profile Applicability:
 Level 1

Description:
 Configuring a backup window ensures that backups are taken during a specified time frame that minimizes the impact on the performance of the Aurora instance. Proper backup window configuration helps ensure that the backup process does not interfere with the database's normal operations and that backups are completed regularly and consistently.

Rationale:
 Having a defined backup window allows for controlled backup operations, preventing performance degradation during peak usage times. It ensures that backups are taken regularly and stored safely for disaster recovery purposes, helping to meet business continuity and compliance requirements.

Impact:
 Without a defined backup window, database backups could occur during high-traffic periods, negatively affecting database performance and application responsiveness. A properly configured backup window ensures that backups are performed during off-peak times, reducing the impact on the system's performance.

Default Value:
 By default, Amazon Aurora is set to perform automated backups during a 30-minute window within the specified maintenance window. However, this window can be adjusted to suit operational needs.

Pre-requisites:

  • An AWS account with appropriate permissions to modify Aurora instances.

  • A clear understanding of your Aurora instance’s performance and traffic patterns to select an appropriate backup window.

  • Access to the RDS Console or AWS CLI to configure backup settings.

Test Plan:

Using AWS Console:

  1. Navigate to RDS > Databases and select the Aurora instance.

  2. In the Modify section, check the Backup Window configuration.

  3. Ensure that the backup window is set during off-peak hours to avoid interference with normal database operations.

  4. Verify that automated backups are enabled and the retention period is correctly configured.

Using AWS CLI:

  1. Run the following command to check the Backup Window configuration for the Aurora instance:
     

    aws rds describe-db-instances --query "DBInstances[].{DBInstanceIdentifier:DBInstanceIdentifier, BackupWindow:BackupRetentionPeriod}"


  2. Verify that automated backups are enabled for the instance:
     

    aws rds describe-db-instances --query "DBInstances[].{DBInstanceIdentifier:DBInstanceIdentifier, BackupRetentionPeriod:BackupRetentionPeriod}"

Implementation Plan

Using AWS Console:

  1. Go to RDS > Databases, select the Aurora instance, and click Modify.

  2. Under Backup, specify the desired Backup Window. Choose a time that aligns with your off-peak hours to minimize performance impact.

  3. Ensure that Automated Backups are enabled and the Retention Period is set according to your data retention policy (e.g., 7 days, 30 days).

  4. Apply the changes and confirm that the backup configuration is saved.

Using AWS CLI:

  1. Modify the Backup Window for the Aurora instance:

     aws rds modify-db-instance --db-instance-identifier <db-instance-id> --preferred-backup-window <backup-window> --apply-immediately


  2. Enable automated backups if not already configured:

     aws rds modify-db-instance --db-instance-identifier <db-instance-id> --backup-retention-period <retention-period> --apply-immediately


  3. Ensure that the backup window is set to a time that minimizes impact on database performance during normal operation.

Backout Plan

Using AWS Console:

  1. If the backup window needs to be reverted, go back to RDS > Databases, select the Aurora instance, and click Modify.

  2. Change the Backup Window back to the previous configuration or restore it to the default settings.

  3. Apply the changes and confirm that the backup configuration is reverted.

Using AWS CLI:

  1. Revert the Backup Window to the previous configuration:

     aws rds modify-db-instance --db-instance-identifier <db-instance-id> --preferred-backup-window <previous-backup-window> --apply-immediately


  2. Change the Backup Retention Period if necessary:

     aws rds modify-db-instance --db-instance-identifier <db-instance-id> --backup-retention-period <previous-retention-period> --apply-immediately


References: