aws-backup
Manage and automate data backups
TLDR
Return BackupPlan details for a specific BackupPlanId
Create a backup plan using a specific backup plan name and backup rules
Delete a specific backup plan
List all active backup plans for the current account
Display details about your report jobs
SYNOPSIS
aws backup SUBCOMMAND [global-options] [subcommand-args]
aws backup help
PARAMETERS
--region
AWS Region (e.g., us-east-1)
--output
Output format: json|text|table
--profile
Named profile from credentials file
--query
JMESPath expression to filter output
--debug
Enable debug logging
--endpoint-url
Override default service endpoint
--no-paginate
Disable automatic pagination
--help
Display command help
DESCRIPTION
The aws backup command is part of the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) for interacting with the AWS Backup service, a fully managed backup solution for AWS resources. It enables centralized backup, restore, and monitoring across services like EC2, EBS, RDS, DynamoDB, EFS, and more.
Users define backup plans with schedules, retention, and lifecycle rules; backup selections target resources; and backup vaults store encrypted recovery points. Operations include creating plans, starting jobs, listing jobs/recovery points, restoring data, managing vaults, and auditing compliance.
Supports features like continuous backups, point-in-time recovery, cross-region/region copies, and centralized management via AWS Organizations. Outputs in JSON/text/table for scripting. Requires IAM roles with Backup permissions (e.g., BackupOperator).
Ideal for automation, DevOps, and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA). Example: aws backup start-backup-job --backup-vault-name MyVault --recovery-point-arn arn:aws:backup:.... Integrates with AWS services for policy-driven operations, reducing manual effort and costs via intelligent tiering.
CAVEATS
Requires AWS CLI installed/configured with valid credentials and Backup IAM permissions. Costs apply for storage/API calls. Not for local file backups; AWS resources only. Use v2 CLI for best performance.
KEY SUBCOMMANDS
create-backup-plan, start-backup-job, list-backup-jobs, list-recovery-points, start-restore-job, create-backup-vault. Full list: aws backup help.
CONFIGURATION
Run aws configure for profiles/keys. Use IAM roles for EC2.
EXAMPLE USAGE
aws backup list-backup-vaults --region us-west-2
aws backup create-backup-plan --backup-plan '{"BackupPlanName":"DailyPlan",...}'
HISTORY
Added to AWS CLI v1.16+ with AWS Backup launch (Nov 2018). Enhanced in CLI v2 (2020) for speed/compatibility. Evolved with service features like Backup Gateway (2022).
