Amazon Web Services Updated SOA-C02 Exam Questions and Answers by selena

Using AWS Systems Manager to schedule a maintenance window for restarting EC2 instances outside business hours provides a straightforward and automated approach.

AWS Systems Manager Maintenance Window: Allows for daily scheduling, ensuring that restarts occur consistently outside of business hours.

AWS-RestartEC2Instance Runbook: This runbook can be assigned to the maintenance window, automating the reboot process and minimizing manual intervention.

Reduced Disruption: The scheduled restart ensures the application remains operational during business hours.

Using CloudFormation Stack Sets:

CloudFormation stack sets allow you to deploy CloudFormation stacks across multiple AWS accounts and regions.

Steps:

Go to the AWS Management Console.

Navigate to CloudFormation and select "StackSets."

Click on "Create StackSet."

Provide the template URL or upload a template file.

Configure the stack set options and specify the accounts and regions.

Deploy the stack set to the specified accounts and regions.

The most likely reason for being unable to authenticate an AWS CLI call to an AWS service is the absence of an access key. AWS CLI requires an access key and secret key to authenticate requests.

Access Key and Secret Key:

AWS uses access keys to identify and authenticate the identity of the requester.

Ensure that the AWS CLI is configured with a valid access key and secret key.

Check AWS CLI Configuration:

Use the aws configure command to set up the AWS CLI with the necessary credentials.

Verify that the ~/.aws/credentials file contains the correct access key and secret key.

References:

AWS CLI Configuration

Managing Access Keys

If users are unable to connect to a specific Ubuntu EC2 instance using AWS Systems Manager Session Manager while other instances are accessible, the issue is likely due to IAM permissions:

Instance Profile Permissions: Ensure that the EC2 instance has the necessary IAM permissions to interact with Systems Manager. The AmazonSSMManagedInstanceCore managed policy includes permissions required for the SSM Agent on the instance to communicate with the AWS Systems Manager service.

Attach Managed Policy: Attach the AmazonSSMManagedInstanceCore policy to the IAM role that is associated with the Ubuntu instance's instance profile. This step is crucial as it authorizes the instance to use Systems Manager services, including Session Manager.

Verify Configuration and Connectivity: After updating the instance profile, verify that users can connect via Session Manager. This solution does not require any changes to network security settings like security groups.

By ensuring that the instance has the appropriate IAM permissions, you resolve issues related to access control and Systems Manager functionality, allowing authorized personnel to connect securely without using SSH or RDP.