Management

AWS CloudFormation

AWS CloudFormation lets you model your entire infrastructure in text files. Provision and manage AWS resources using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) templates.

What is CloudFormation? (Simple Explanation)

Think of CloudFormation like an architectural blueprint for your entire cloud setup. Write down everything you want (servers, databases, networks), and AWS builds it exactly as specified — every single time.

When Would You Use This?

  • Infrastructure version control
  • Multi-account, multi-region deployments
  • Drift detection for out-of-band changes
  • Compliance-as-code with pre-approved templates

Who Uses CloudFormation?

From startups to enterprises, CloudFormation powers:

StartupsMid-size CompaniesLarge EnterprisesGovernmentNonprofits

What Makes CloudFormation Powerful

YAML and JSON template support
Change Sets for previewing modifications
Rollback triggers and termination protection
Registry extensions for third-party resources
CloudFormation Guard for policy-as-code

Services That Work with CloudFormation

CloudFormation is rarely used alone. It's typically combined with:

Compliance & Security

How AWS CloudFormation fits into major compliance standards:

CIS AWS Foundations

CloudFormation configuration is audited by CIS Benchmarks 1.5–3.0 for secure cloud defaults.

NIST 800-53

CloudFormation access controls, encryption, and audit logging map to NIST 800-53 AC, SC, and AU control families.

PCI DSS 4.0

CloudFormation encryption, access control, and logging support PCI DSS for cardholder data environments.

SOC 2

CloudFormation security, availability, and confidentiality controls evaluated under SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria.

ISO 27001

CloudFormation configuration and monitoring controls map to ISO 27001 Annex A information security management.

Ready to secure your CloudFormation configuration?

Pavora continuously monitors your AWS CloudFormation for misconfigurations, compliance violations, and security risks.