Implementaion_Guide.md

Here is the Step by step guide to do hands-on as per the architecture diagram and the python scirpt we have for Lambda function.

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🔹 Step 1: Deploy the Lambda Function

1. Go to AWS Lambda → Create a new Lambda function.
2. Choose Python 3.x as the runtime.
3. Upload the script or paste it in the inline editor.
4. Attach IAM Role with the following permissions:
   • AmazonEC2FullAccess (or custom permissions for listing and deleting snapshots).
   • AmazonSNSFullAccess (to send notifications).
   • AWSLambdaBasicExecutionRole (for logging to CloudWatch).
   • Or you can just the IAM policy I have provided.
5. Set up CloudWatch Logs:
   • Enable logging for debugging and monitoring.

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🔹 Step 2: Configure SNS for Notifications

1. Go to Amazon SNS → Create a new topic.
2. Choose type: Standard or FIFO (Standard recommended).
3. Add subscribers:
   • Email: Receive notifications via email.
   • SMS: Get alerts on your phone.
   • Lambda: Trigger another Lambda if needed.
4. Copy the SNS Topic ARN and replace it in the Python script.

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🔹 Step 3: Monitor & Test

1. Manually test the Lambda function:
   • Click "Test" in AWS Lambda and check the logs in CloudWatch.
2. Verify SNS notifications:
   • Ensure you receive emails/SMS alerts when snapshots are deleted.
3. Monitor CloudWatch Logs:
   • Check if errors occur and debug accordingly.

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🔹 Step 4: Optimize IAM & Security

1. Restrict IAM permissions:
   • Only allow ec2:DeleteSnapshot on snapshots owned by your account.
2. Enable AWS Config & Cost Explorer:
   • Monitor cost savings after running the script for a few days.

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🎯 Final Outcome

• 💰 Cost Savings: Unused EBS snapshots are automatically deleted.
• ⚡ Efficiency: No manual intervention needed.
• 📩 Notifications: You get alerts for every action.