How do I implement port scanning workloads in my AWS environment?

Introduction

Port scanning allows organizations to proactively identify exposed services and network entry points that are visible to the public internet. When penetration testing, it’s crucial to understand AWS guidelines and best practices related to port scanning. Follow these guidelines and best practices to make sure that your AWS environment is secure.

Benefits of port scanning

When you can identify potential vulnerabilities in your network infrastructure, you can simulate the perspective of someone who might want to attack your organization’s infrastructure. When you implement port scanning as a security assessment technique in AWS environments, teams can discover potentially vulnerable services. You can then remediate these concerns before they’re exploited and maintain a robust security posture.

Guidelines and best practices

General guidelines from AWS

Follow these guidelines for port scanning activities on AWS:

• Consult penetration testing to determine whether you need prior approval to scan the specific resources and to perform the scanning activities. If approval is required, then work directly with AWS Support or your account representative to obtain prior approval. For more information on how to run penetration tests, see How do I run security assessments or penetration tests on AWS?
• You can work with AWS Security Partners to perform an external vulnerability scan of a customer’s own AWS resources. AWS Security Partners offer industry-leading security solutions that help customers improve their security and compliance on the cloud.
• Scanning should not affect the availability or performance of other AWS customers’ resources, unless given their explicit permission.
• Scanning activities must comply with the AWS Acceptable Use Policy and AWS Service Terms.

Best practices for customers port scanning

For customers who want to perform port scanning activities securely on AWS, follow these best practices:

• For customers on Enterprise Support or Enterprise On-Ramp, work with your Technical Account Managers (TAMs) for your planning and executing scanning activities. To learn about Premium Support options on AWS, see AWS Support plans.
• Make sure you clearly define and limit the scanning activities to only in-scope resources.
• Use scanning tools that are designed to minimize effects on network and system performance. The AWS Marketplace offers curated solutions from AWS Security Partners and includes centralized billing and management of solutions on AWS.
• Evaluate your current network traffic patterns and capacity. Then, plan scanning activities during off-peak hours to reduce risk of disruptions.
• Keep detailed logs of all scanning activities, and monitor the logs for any unexpected results or effects.
  Note: AWS doesn’t require customers to share these logs, and doesn’t access or use customer content for any purpose without their agreement.
• Only scan resources that your organization owns or that you have explicit permission to scan.

Conclusion

With these guidelines and best practices, you can conduct port scanning activities that assess your infrastructure’s external exposures while operating within the AWS environment. This approach not only maintains the security and integrity of your resources, but also improves the efficiency of port scanning operations.