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Suspicious AWS API calls indicating AWS Backup plan deletion

ID:aws_backup_plan_deleted_suspicious
Data type:AWS CloudTrail
Severity:
Informational
-
Medium
MITRE ATT&CK:TA0040:T1490

Description

AlphaSOC detected that an AWS Backup plan was deleted using DeleteBackupPlan or DeleteBackupSelection actions. These API calls are used to remove backup plans or resource selections associated with a backup plan from AWS Backup. Threat actors may exploit them to prevent data recovery after the attack.

Impact

Use of these actions may indicate adversarial plans to amplify the effects of subsequent data destruction or ransomware attacks. By eliminating recovery options before launching destructive payloads, threat actors increase the extent of operational damage.

Severity

SeverityCondition
Informational
Unexpected action, ASN, user agent or region
Low
Two unexpected properties at the same time
Medium
Three unexpected properties at the same time

Investigation and Remediation

Review AWS CloudTrail logs to identify the specific IAM user or role that performed the action and verify whether it was performed by authorized personnel or systems. If unauthorized, revoke potentially compromised credentials and conduct a thorough security assessment of the AWS environment for other signs of compromise.