Query Regarding Amazon Time Sync Service Compliance with FINRA Rule 6820

Question

I am seeking clarification on the compliance of Amazon Time Sync service with FINRA Rule 6820, which outlines specific requirements for accurate time synchronization. The recent AWS blog post highlighted microsecond-accurate clocks on Amazon EC2 instances through Amazon Time Sync.

Inquiry Points:

Compliance Verification: Seeking confirmation on whether the Amazon Time Sync service is compliant with the specifications outlined in FINRA Rule 6820.
https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/rulebooks/finra-rules/6820

Service Internals: Interested in understanding the internal mechanisms and sources utilized by the Amazon Time Sync service. Does it rely on nist.gov or other specific time synchronization references?

Your prompt response to these queries is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer

Hi,

Public AWS documentation mentions satellites and atomic clocks in each regions, but not specifically the atomic clock of NIST. See

https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/mt/manage-amazon-ec2-instance-clock-accuracy-using-amazon-time-sync-service-and-amazon-cloudwatch-part-1

```
 Amazon Time Sync Service, a time synchronization service that is delivered over the 
Network Time Protocol (NTP), was launched in November 2017 to help instances 
maintain accurate time. Amazon Time Sync is used by EC2 instances and other 
AWS services. It uses a fleet of redundant satellite-connected and atomic clocks in 
each Region to deliver time derived from these highly accurate reference clocks.
 This service is provided at no additional charge. It is available to all EC2 instances i
n all AWS Regions and the AWS GovCloud (US) Regions.
```

See https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2022/11/amazon-time-sync-internet-public-ntp-service/ for a recent confirmation

Best,

Didier

Query Regarding Amazon Time Sync Service Compliance with FINRA Rule 6820

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