One essential tool for properly controlling access to AWS resources is AWS Identity and Access Management(IAM). Understanding IAM is crucial for maintaining the security of your AWS environment regardless of your background developer, system administrator or cloud enthusiast.
In this blog, I will break down IAM in simple terms and help you get started with managing permissions in AWS.

What is AWS IAM?

One service that lets you manage who can access your AWS resources and what they can do with them is called AWS IAM(Identity and Access Management). Setting up user rights and limiting access when needed aids in enforcing security best practices.

Key Features of AWS IAM

  • Users: Individuals or apps that require access to AWS are represented by users.
  • Groups: A collection of users with similar permissions.
  • Roles: Temporary access permissions for AWS services or external users.
  • Policies: Rules that define what actions are allowed or denied for a user, group or role.
  • Multi Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second authentication method.

What Makes IAM Vital?

Cloud security is essential and IAM helps keep your AWS resources safe from unwanted access. IAM management done right allows you to:

  • Restrict access to sensitive data.
  • Define permissions based on roles.
  • Enable secure access for applications and services.

Best Practices for IAM

  • Follow the Principle of Least Privilege: Grant only the permissions needed.
  • Use IAM Groups: Instead of assigning permissions to individual users use groups.
  • Enable MFA for Root and IAM Users: Adds an extra security layer.
  • Regularly Review IAM Permissions: Remove unused permissions.
  • Use IAM Roles for Applications: Avoid hardcoding AWS credentials in your code.

Conclusion

AWS IAM is a core service that facilitates access and security management in AWS. You can create a safe AWS environment by being aware of users, roles and policy.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or need further clarification! 🚀

Author Of article : Khaled Md Saifullah Read full article