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Before exposing a self-hosted app on AWS, tighten access, restrict network traffic, require IMDSv2, encrypt and back up persistent data, and prepare to patch and monitor the system. Treat this as a workload-specific launch checklist: the right settings depend on which components must be reachable, what data they hold, and how you will operate and recover them.
1. Narrow access to AWS and the app
Protect accounts and use temporary credentials
Secure the AWS root user, require multi-factor authentication (MFA), and avoid using root for routine work. For human operators, prefer federation and temporary credentials where available. Give applications and other workloads IAM roles with temporary credentials rather than embedding long-lived access keys in code or configuration.
Apply least privilege to both people and services: grant only the actions and resources they need. AWS describes the principle as: “Implement the principle of least privilege and enforce separation of duties with appropriate authorization for each interaction with your AWS resources.” This guidance appears in the AWS Well-Architected Framework, Security Pillar.
Review identities, access keys, and permissions for unused or excessive access. IAM Access Analyzer can help generate fine-grained policies from logged access activity, but test generated permissions before using them in production.
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Keep secrets out of code and plaintext configuration
Store application secrets in a managed secret facility rather than source control or plaintext configuration. AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store offers SecureString values encrypted with AWS KMS. A customer-managed KMS key allows more control through IAM and key policies; choose the storage method and key model based on who needs access and the app’s threat model.
2. Expose only the network paths the app needs
Restrict security group rules
Map the app’s real traffic flows before setting inbound and outbound rules. A public web front end may need HTTP or HTTPS, while database and administrative ports should normally accept connections only from narrower, intended sources. Security groups are AWS’s primary stateful network control. Network ACLs are a coarser, stateless secondary control, not a replacement for carefully scoped security groups.
Use separate web, application, and database tiers in subnets when the architecture calls for them. Keep an instance in a private subnet if it does not need direct internet access. A public endpoint for the web tier does not mean every instance or service should be public.
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Avoid unrestricted SSH and RDP
Do not leave SSH or RDP open to unrestricted sources. Prefer Systems Manager Session Manager for remote administration where it fits: it can avoid inbound management ports and separately managed SSH keys. Session Manager requires a correctly configured managed instance and appropriate permissions; turning on a console feature alone is not sufficient. See AWS guidance on EC2 security.
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3. Require IMDSv2 and make the setting persistent
Require Instance Metadata Service Version 2 (IMDSv2) for EC2 instances. Check both running instances and the launch templates used to create future instances; otherwise a later deployment could reintroduce a weaker configuration. AWS Security Hub includes an EC2 control for IMDSv2, alongside other posture checks. See the Security Hub EC2 controls.
4. Encrypt persistent data and plan for restoration
Protect EBS volumes and snapshots
Enable EBS encryption for volumes and snapshots, and consider enabling default EBS encryption so new volumes are covered automatically. Review snapshot sharing permissions so backups are not unintentionally exposed. Security Hub checks include encryption, publicly accessible snapshots, and backup coverage.
Keep application data on storage that persists independently of the instance when it must survive replacement or termination. Confirm that data volumes are configured to persist when an instance is terminated if that is required by the workload; instance storage should not be treated as durable application storage.
Back up against recovery objectives, then test
Choose backup frequency and retention to match the app’s recovery point and recovery time objectives. Limit who can change or delete backups, and regularly restore instances or EBS volumes to prove the backup process works. A successful snapshot job does not demonstrate that the application can be recovered.
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For critical components, consider distributing them across Availability Zones and replicating data appropriately. That adds design and operational complexity, so weigh it against the app’s availability needs rather than applying it automatically to every small, single-instance deployment. AWS’s reliability guidance on backing up data recommends testing recovery.
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5. Patch, monitor, and keep configuration visible
Maintain the host and application
Patch the operating system and application regularly, scan for known software vulnerabilities, and keep administrative tools current. Amazon Inspector can discover and scan EC2 instances for software vulnerabilities and unintended network exposure. Systems Manager can support instance management and patching. The Systems Manager documentation recommends checking for or automating SSM Agent updates at least every two weeks and verifying the signature during the update process; that interval is specifically for SSM Agent, not a universal operating-system patch deadline.
Track activity and security posture
Use CloudTrail to record AWS API activity and CloudWatch for monitoring and logs. Security Hub CSPM can monitor EC2 resources against security practices and standards. Enable AWS Config if configuration history and assessment are useful for the environment. These tools address different needs; select and configure them to match the workload and the team’s ability to respond to findings.
AWS’s Security Hub controls for the AWS Foundational Security Best Practices standard and Systems Manager Agent documentation provide service-specific details.
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Before making the app public, verify the configuration against its actual architecture and recovery needs:
- Root access is protected, MFA is required, and human and workload access uses temporary credentials where practical.
- IAM permissions are limited to needed actions and resources; secrets are not stored in code or plaintext configuration.
- Security groups allow only required traffic, administrative access is restricted, and instances without a direct internet requirement are private.
- IMDSv2 is required on instances and in the templates that will launch replacements.
- Persistent data is encrypted, snapshot sharing is reviewed, and backup restoration has been tested.
- Patch, vulnerability-scanning, activity-monitoring, and incident and recovery procedures have owners.
This checklist is a starting point, not a workload-specific security assessment or compliance certification. AWS best-practice guidance cannot guarantee that a particular app is secure; adapt the controls to the app’s data, traffic, and operating model.
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