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Checks that AWS RDS database storage is encrypted at rest.

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About

When you connect Amazon Web Services (AWS) to DSALTA, the platform retrieves the list of resources in your environment using read-only API access. DSALTA then checks whether this configuration is in place. If it is not, DSALTA activates this check so you can remediate it.

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Why This Matters

Data stored without encryption can be read by anyone who gains access to the underlying storage — through a misconfiguration, a stolen disk, or improper decommissioning. Encryption at rest renders that data useless without the key and is required by SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

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How to Fix

Before you begin
  • Ensure you have Admin access to the AWS account.
  • Note: encryption at rest can only be enabled when an RDS instance is created. Existing unencrypted instances must be migrated via an encrypted snapshot.
Encrypt the RDS database
  1. Sign in to the AWS Console and navigate to RDS → Databases.
  2. Select the unencrypted instance and choose Actions → Take snapshot.
  3. Select the new snapshot, then choose Actions → Copy snapshot.
  4. Under Encryption, enable Enable encryption and select your KMS key. Create the copy.
  5. Select the encrypted snapshot and choose Actions → Restore snapshot to launch a new, encrypted instance.
  6. Repoint your application to the encrypted instance and retire the old one.
Once the database storage is encrypted, DSALTA retrieves the change on the next sync and sets the check status to Passing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This check runs automatically every 24 hours while the Amazon Web Services (AWS) integration is connected. You can also trigger a manual sync from Integrations in the sidebar.
A failing check appears in your Data Library → Tests dashboard. Work through the steps above; once the underlying configuration is fixed, the status updates automatically on the next sync.
Yes. If it does not apply to your environment, mark it as Not Applicable with a justification. The exclusion is documented for auditors.
No. DSALTA uses read-only API access and never modifies, creates, or deletes resources. All remediation is performed by your team directly in Amazon Web Services (AWS).