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Triage AWS RDS Outdated Instance OUTDATED_INSTANCE

  1. Configure AWS RDS Outdated Instance
  2. Use Case for AWS RDS Outdated Instance
  3. Triage Guides by Violation Type
    1. Triage AWS RDS Outdated Instance OUTDATED_INSTANCE

Triage Guide for OUTDATED_INSTANCE

Understand​

This alert indicates that an AWS RDS instance is using an outdated, less cost-effective instance type. Upgrading to a newer generation instance type can optimize costs and improve performance.

Validate​

How to ensure this alert is accurate:

  • Data Source: The policy uses describeDBInstances API to fetch the instance type.
  • Retrieval: You can manually verify the instance type using the AWS Console or CLI.
  • Evaluation: This policy scans on schedule specified or upon manual execution.

Example CLI Command:​

bash aws rds describe-db-instances --db-instance-identifier <INSTANCE_ID>

Check the DBInstanceClass field in the output.

Triage​

Impact​

  • If Unfixed: Continued use of outdated instance types may incur higher costs and potentially lower performance.
  • Over Time: Costs can accumulate, and the performance may become non-competitive.

Remediation Impact​

  • Outages/Downtime: There may be some downtime during the instance type migration.

Act​

To fix this alert:​

  1. Open AWS Console.
  2. Navigate to RDS Service.
  3. Find and select the instance in question.
  4. Choose to modify the instance type to a newer generation.

Reflect​

If you find this alert was not useful:​

  • Adjust Thresholds: Review and modify the instance types listed as outdated in the policy code.
  • Disable Policy: If you find all your instances are already up-to-date, you may disable the policy.