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Concepts

NIST 800-53 and DynamoDB Query Runbooks

Andrios Robert

• 1 min read

NIST 800-53 provides a catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations. DynamoDB is a fast, fully managed NoSQL database. When running queries in regulated environments, you need documented runbooks that ensure every action adheres to required controls.

Purpose of Runbooks
Runbooks for DynamoDB queries define the exact steps for execution, validation, logging, and remediation. They convert compliance policy into operational commands. A proper runbook transforms abstract requirements—like AU-2 (Auditable Events) or AC-6 (Least Privilege)—into checklists that developers and operators can follow without ambiguity.

Core Compliance Controls to Implement

  • Access Control (AC): Restrict who can run specific queries using IAM roles with fine-grained permissions.
  • Audit and Accountability (AU): Enable CloudTrail and DynamoDB Streams to log queries and results.
  • System and Communications Protection (SC): Use TLS for all connections and encrypt data at rest with KMS keys.
  • Contingency Planning (CP): Maintain versioned runbooks with tested procedures for query recovery after failure.

Building DynamoDB Query Runbooks for NIST 800-53

  1. Identify relevant NIST 800-53 controls for your data classification.
  2. Map each control to a DynamoDB capability or AWS service integration.
  3. Define pre-query steps: identity checks, parameter validation, and environment readiness.
  4. Detail query execution steps, including pagination, rate limiting, and error handling.
  5. Include post-query steps: logging, compliance tagging, and archiving results.
  6. Test the runbook in staging with automated scripts to verify compliance outputs.

Automation and Continuous Compliance
Use AWS CLI or SDK scripts to execute runbook steps automatically. Integrate compliance runtime checks with AWS Config and Lambda, ensuring violations are flagged immediately. Store runbooks in version-controlled repositories, and require pull request reviews for any change.

Why It Matters
Missing even one step can lead to non-compliant data access or unlogged transactions. The only proof you have during an audit is the record your runbook and systems produce. A strong DynamoDB query runbook aligned with NIST 800-53 ensures secure, documented, and repeatable operations.

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