Snapshot Encryption with Boto3 and CSV Batch Processing for Secure Data Management

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding code and sensitive data is imperative due to the rise of data breaches and cyberattacks. In this blog, we’ll explore the powerful Boto3 library and AWS services to dive into the specifics of snapshot encryption, focusing on the encryption of snapshots themselves.

Boto3, a Python library, streamlines interactions with AWS services for automated cloud resource management. Here, we’ll utilize Boto3 to simplify copying encrypted snapshots across various AWS regions.

Pioneers in Cloud Consulting & Migration Services

Reduced infrastructural costs
Accelerated application deployment

Get Started

A Demo on Copying Encrypted Snapshots

The script starts by importing two key libraries: Boto3 and csv. Boto3 bridges Python code with AWS services, allowing programmatic AWS resource interaction. Meanwhile, the “csv” module simplifies reading and processing CSV data.

import boto3
import csv

def copy_encrypted_snapshot(source_snapshot_id, target_region, target_encryption_key, aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key):
    # Create a new EC2 client in the source region
    source_client = boto3.client('ec2', aws_access_key_id=aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key=aws_secret_access_key,region_name=target_region)

    # Describe the source snapshot
    response = source_client.describe_snapshots(SnapshotIds=[source_snapshot_id])
    source_snapshot = response['Snapshots'][0]
    print(source_snapshot)
    print(source_snapshot['StartTime'])

    # Create a new EC2 client in the target region
    target_client = boto3.client('ec2', region_name=target_region, aws_access_key_id=aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key=aws_secret_access_key)

    # Copy the source snapshot to the target region
    response = target_client.copy_snapshot(
        SourceSnapshotId=source_snapshot_id,
        SourceRegion=target_region,
        Encrypted=True,
        KmsKeyId=target_encryption_key,
        Description="Encrypted " + source_snapshot_id + " snapshot which was taken on " + str(source_snapshot['StartTime'])
    )
    target_snapshot_id = response['SnapshotId']

    print('Snapshot encrypted')

# Usage example
source_snapshot_id = 'snap-****51561fc9****'
target_region = 'ap-southeast-1'
target_encryption_key = '*fc***70-****-4484-****-******'
aws_access_key_id = '******************'
aws_secret_access_key = '********************'

#copy_encrypted_snapshot(source_snapshot_id, target_region, target_encryption_key, aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key)

csv_file_path = 'data.csv'

# Open the CSV file
with open(csv_file_path, 'r') as file:
    # Create a CSV reader object
    csv_reader = csv.reader(file)

    # Read the CSV file row by row
    for row in csv_reader:
        # Access the values in each row
        for value in row:
            print(value)  # Do something with each value
            copy_encrypted_snapshot(value, target_region, target_encryption_key, aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key)

import boto3

import csv

def copy_encrypted_snapshot(source_snapshot_id, target_region, target_encryption_key, aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key):

# Create a new EC2 client in the source region

source_client = boto3.client('ec2', aws_access_key_id=aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key=aws_secret_access_key,region_name=target_region)

# Describe the source snapshot

response = source_client.describe_snapshots(SnapshotIds=[source_snapshot_id])

source_snapshot = response['Snapshots'][0]

print(source_snapshot)

print(source_snapshot['StartTime'])

# Create a new EC2 client in the target region

target_client = boto3.client('ec2', region_name=target_region, aws_access_key_id=aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key=aws_secret_access_key)

# Copy the source snapshot to the target region

response = target_client.copy_snapshot(

SourceSnapshotId=source_snapshot_id,

SourceRegion=target_region,

Encrypted=True,

KmsKeyId=target_encryption_key,

Description="Encrypted " + source_snapshot_id + " snapshot which was taken on " + str(source_snapshot['StartTime'])

)

target_snapshot_id = response['SnapshotId']

print('Snapshot encrypted')

# Usage example

source_snapshot_id = 'snap-****51561fc9****'

target_region = 'ap-southeast-1'

target_encryption_key = '*fc***70-****-4484-****-******'

aws_access_key_id = '******************'

aws_secret_access_key = '********************'

#copy_encrypted_snapshot(source_snapshot_id, target_region, target_encryption_key, aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key)

csv_file_path = 'data.csv'

# Open the CSV file

with open(csv_file_path, 'r') as file:

# Create a CSV reader object

csv_reader = csv.reader(file)

# Read the CSV file row by row

for row in csv_reader:

# Access the values in each row

for value in row:

print(value) # Do something with each value

copy_encrypted_snapshot(value, target_region, target_encryption_key, aws_access_key_id, aws_secret_access_key)

The core of the script revolves around the copy_encrypted_snapshot function. This function takes in several parameters:

source_snapshot_id: The ID of the source snapshot to be copied.
target_region: The AWS region where the snapshot will be copied.
target_encryption_key: The AWS KMS encryption key to be used for the copied snapshot.
aws_access_key_id and aws_secret_access_key: AWS credentials for authentication.

Within this function, the script performs the following steps:

Creates a Boto3 client in the source region to interact with the source snapshot.
Describes the source snapshot to gather information about it.
Creates a Boto3 client in the target region.
Copies the source snapshot to the target region, specifying encryption and description details.

Understanding the Workflow of the Script

Source Region Client: The script initializes an Amazon EC2 client in the source region using Boto3. This client facilitates interactions with AWS services in the source snapshot’s region.
Describing the Source Snapshot: Once the source client is established, the script leverages the describe_snapshots method to retrieve information about the source snapshot. The source_snapshot_id provided as a parameter is used to identify the snapshot.
Client Creation for Target Region: A new Amazon EC2 client is created, but this time in the target region where we intend to copy the snapshot. This client will aid in interacting with services in the target region.
Copying the Snapshot: The core action of copying the snapshot occurs in this step. The copy_snapshot method is invoked on the target client. This method performs the copy operation and includes the necessary parameters:

SourceSnapshotId: The ID of the source snapshot to be copied.
SourceRegion: The source region where the snapshot resides.
Encrypted: Specifies that the copied snapshot should be encrypted.
KmsKeyId: The KMS encryption key to be used for the copied snapshot.
Description: An informative description of the copied snapshot, including a timestamp from the source snapshot’s creation time.

Handling Encryption: Creating Encrypted Copies using Specified Key

The script ensures that the copied snapshot in the target region is encrypted by specifying Encrypted=True and providing a valid KMS encryption key (KmsKeyId). Extra layer of security guarantees that even if unauthorized entities access the snapshot, the data remains encrypted and protected.

Incorporating Timestamps: Adding Snapshot Creation Time to Description

To enhance the value of the copied snapshot’s description, the script includes a timestamp from the source snapshot’s creation time. This timestamp, obtained from the source_snapshot object, provides context about when the original snapshot was taken. This additional information can be useful for tracking and managing snapshots over time.

Using CSV Data for Batch Processing

Python’s csv module handles CSV files using read and write functions. The csv.reader function simplifies row iteration, aiding snapshot ID extraction and processing.

In the script, csv_file_path specifies the path. The file is opened, and a csv.reader object reads the content. Nested loops enable row and value access, facilitating data traversal.

Looping Through Data: Iterating over Rows and Calling the Function

With the csv.reader object in place, we can modify our script to iterate through the snapshot IDs stored in the CSV file. We call each snapshot ID the copy_encrypted_snapshot function, which copies the snapshot to the target region with encryption.

Note: Only 20 Snapshots can be put in the Queue for encryption

Conclusion

Snapshot encryption with Boto3 and AWS empowers secure data management. Harnessing Boto3’s potential, we’ve demystified copying and encrypting snapshots across regions. Using CSV files for batch processing streamlines tasks, while code annotations boost collaboration. Secure coding practices ensure data integrity in the AWS landscape.

If you have a query about Snapshot encryption, please drop a message, and our tech team will get back to you quickly.

Making IT Networks Enterprise-ready – Cloud Management Services

Accelerated cloud migration
End-to-end view of the cloud environment

Get Started

About CloudThat

CloudThat is an award-winning company and the first in India to offer cloud training and consulting services worldwide. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, AWS Advanced Tier Training Partner, and Google Cloud Platform Partner, CloudThat has empowered over 850,000 professionals through 600+ cloud certifications winning global recognition for its training excellence including 20 MCT Trainers in Microsoft’s Global Top 100 and an impressive 12 awards in the last 8 years. CloudThat specializes in Cloud Migration, Data Platforms, DevOps, IoT, and cutting-edge technologies like Gen AI & AI/ML. It has delivered over 500 consulting projects for 250+ organizations in 30+ countries as it continues to empower professionals and enterprises to thrive in the digital-first world.

FAQs

1. What role does Boto3 play in snapshot encryption?

ANS: – Boto3, a Python library, bridges code, and AWS services. It simplifies tasks like snapshot copying, encryption key management, and various AWS resource operations, making snapshot encryption more streamlined and efficient.

2. How does the provided script work for copying encrypted snapshots?

ANS: – Using Boto3, the script copies encrypted snapshots between regions. It starts by setting up Amazon EC2 clients for source and target regions, then describes the source snapshot. The copy_snapshot method generates an encrypted duplicate in the target region. The script ensures encryption, efficient management, and secure copying.

3. What is the advantage of using CSV files for batch processing?

ANS: – CSV files streamline managing multiple snapshots. Storing IDs in a CSV file and automated iteration reduces errors, boosts efficiency, and enables concurrent management of numerous snapshots.