AWS Config is continuously evolving, providing users with advanced tools to manage their cloud environments adeptly. On January 22, 2026, AWS announced the launch of 13 new managed rules designed to improve the governance of your AWS resources. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into details regarding these new AWS Config managed rules, how to utilize them effectively, and the potential implications for your cloud security, operation, and performance.
Understanding AWS Config Managed Rules¶
AWS Config is a powerful service that enables users to assess, audit, and evaluate the configurations of AWS resources. Managed Config rules are a core feature that automates the governance of your AWS environment by ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
These new managed rules cover a variety of use cases, including security, durability, and operations management. Being able to search, discover, enable, and manage these rules from AWS Config simplifies compliance management and enhances cloud governance capabilities.
New Managed Rules Overview¶
The latest set of rules enhances your AWS Config capabilities, specifically focusing on the following areas:
- Security posture assessment
- Resource management efficiency
- Improved operational visibility
Here’s a quick overview of the categories these new rules belong to:
Security: Rules related to user access, permissions, and resource configurations that affect the integrity and security of your cloud resources.
Durability: Rules that ensure your data is backed up correctly and is resistant to loss or corruption.
Operations: Rules that facilitate better management and operational efficiency across your AWS resources.
How to Enable the New Managed Rules¶
Enabling new managed rules is a straightforward process within the AWS Management Console. Below are the steps you need to follow:
Access AWS Config: Sign in to the AWS Management Console and navigate to the AWS Config service.
Select Rules: In the AWS Config dashboard, locate the section for ‘Rules’.
Add New Rules: Choose the option to add new rules. You will see the new set of managed rules categorized for easier selection.
Configure Rules: Select the rules applicable to your use case. Configure each rule to suit your organizational compliance requirements.
Review and Enable: Review your selected rules and click on ‘Enable’. AWS Config will start monitoring your resources based on these rules.
Monitor Compliance: Use the AWS Config dashboard to view compliance reports on the new rules you have enabled.
Key Managed Rules and Their Use Cases¶
AWS has introduced a series of managed rules that can significantly enhance your cloud governance. Here’s a closer look at a few key rules:
1. Amazon Cognito User Pools¶
- Use Case: Assess compliance of Identity and Access Management (IAM) permissions on Amazon Cognito user pools.
- Benefit: Ensures that user identity management aligns with your security policies, helping you manage user access effectively.
2. Amazon EBS Snapshots¶
- Use Case: Check for unencrypted Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) snapshots to improve data security.
- Benefit: Guards against data breaches by ensuring sensitive snapshots are encrypted.
3. AWS CloudFormation Stacks¶
- Use Case: Monitor the configuration of CloudFormation stacks and ensure compliance with stack update policies.
- Benefit: Promotes consistent infrastructure as code practices, enabling easier deployment and management of cloud resources.
For the complete list of the newly released rules, refer to the official AWS Config Developer Guide.
Leveraging Conformance Packs for Multi-Account Governance¶
AWS introduces Conformance Packs to help streamline compliance across multiple accounts and organizational units. This consolidates the governance process and makes it easier for teams to implement policy across varying environments. Here’s how to use Conformance Packs effectively:
Create a Conformance Pack: In your AWS Config settings, create a new Conformance Pack.
Select Managed Rules: Choose from the newly launched managed rules to be included in the Conformance Pack.
Deploy Across Accounts: Utilize the AWS Organizations feature to apply the Conformance Pack across all relevant accounts in your organization.
Regular Auditing: Set up regular audits using your Conformance Packs to ensure sustained compliance over time.
Best Practices for Maintaining Compliance with AWS Config¶
To fully utilize AWS Config and its new managed rules effectively, consider the following best practices:
Regular Updates: Continuously review and evaluate the managed rules. AWS often releases updates, and staying current helps maintain compliance and security.
Automate Remediation Actions: Integrate AWS Systems Manager Automation with AWS Config Rules. Automating remediation actions can help ensure compliance issues are addressed quickly.
Custom Rules for Unique Requirements: While managed rules provide a broad compliance framework, consider developing custom rules for unique policies specific to your organization.
Training and Awareness: Ensure your team is trained and aware of the importance of AWS Config and how to utilize the managed rules effectively.
Tools and Integrations for Enhanced Compliance Management¶
To complement AWS Config, consider leveraging additional tools and integrations that can enhance your compliance management framework. Here are some recommendations:
AWS CloudTrail: Effective for logging API calls, which can be used for auditing changes in your environment.
Amazon CloudWatch: Utilize CloudWatch for monitoring AWS resources and for setting alarms based on specific Config rules compliance status.
Third-Party Security Tools: Consider integrating third-party tools such as security posture management solutions that offer continuous compliance checks.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Future Directions¶
The introduction of 13 new managed rules in AWS Config demonstrates AWS’s commitment to improving cloud governance. These rules empower organizations to bolster their security posture, ensure data durability, and enhance operational efficiency. By enabling these rules and adopting best practices for compliance management, teams can better navigate the complexities of AWS cloud governance.
Key takeaways from this guide include:
- Understanding varied applications of the new managed rules.
- Steps to enable the rules and monitor compliance.
- Best practices for achieving sustained compliance in an evolving cloud landscape.
The future of cloud governance will likely integrate advanced machine learning patterns, allowing for predictive compliance management and even faster remediation processes. Stay engaged with AWS updates and continue to evolve your governance strategy to maintain alignment with the changing cloud landscape.
For more insights and practical steps using AWS Config, dive deeper into the AWS Config documentation and stay updated with new features and enhancements that AWS continuously rolls out.
In summary, AWS Config launches 13 new managed rules, empowering businesses to enhance their governance and operational efficiencies significantly.