
AWS provides an automated disaster recovery solution for self-managed Active Directory using encrypted EBS volumes and AWS Backup to enable regular backups, testing, and recovery of AD infrastructure through a CloudFormation template.


<div><p>This article explains how to implement automated disaster recovery for self-managed Microsoft Active Directory on AWS using AWS Backup and Amazon EBS volumes.</p><ul><li>Backup AD system state daily to encrypted EBS volumes attached to domain controllers</li><li>Use AWS Backup to snapshot EBS volumes and create AMI backups of domain controller instances</li><li>Create isolated VPC environment for DR drills using provided CloudFormation template</li><li>Automate AD forest recovery including SYSVOL restore, FSMO role seizure, and metadata cleanup</li><li>Align backup schedules: system state at 1 AM, AWS Backup snapshots at 5 AM</li><li>Retain backups within AD tombstone lifetime for valid restoration</li><li>Regularly test DR procedures to verify backup viability and recovery readiness</li></ul><p>This solution provides automated, testable disaster recovery for self-managed Active Directory on AWS, reducing manual effort and improving business continuity preparedness.</p></div>


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