Introduction

Introduction to AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)

ℹ️ Overview AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a foundational security service that enables you to:

  • Centrally manage access to AWS services and resources
  • Create and control user identities
  • Implement fine-grained permissions
  • Enable secure authentication methods

Root User Management

⚠️ Important Security Warning The AWS account root user has complete access to all AWS services and resources. For security:

  • Secure root credentials with a strong password and MFA
  • Avoid using the root user for daily tasks
  • Create IAM users with appropriate permissions instead
  • Only use root for specific account and service tasks

Core IAM Features

💡 Key Capabilities

  1. Shared Account Access

    • Delegate permissions to others without sharing credentials
    • Enable team collaboration with controlled access

  2. Granular Access Control

    • Define precise permissions per user/resource
    • Implement least-privilege access
    • Create custom permission policies

  3. Secure Application Access

    • Manage credentials for applications on EC2
    • Use IAM roles for secure service-to-service communication

🔒 Security Features

  • Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Identity Federation with external providers
  • CloudTrail integration for auditing
  • PCI DSS compliance support
  • Eventual consistency model

Access Methods

ℹ️ Available Interfaces

  1. AWS Management Console

    • Web-based graphical interface
    • User-friendly dashboard
    • Visual policy editor

  2. AWS Command Line Tools

    • AWS CLI for command-line operations
    • PowerShell tools for Windows environments
    • Automation capabilities

  3. Programmatic Access

    • AWS SDKs for multiple languages
    • IAM Query API via HTTPS
    • Secure request signing

💡 Pro Tip Use AWS CloudShell for command-line access directly from the console without local installation

Cost Considerations

ℹ️ Pricing Information

  • IAM service is free of charge
  • AWS Security Token Service (STS) included
  • Only pay for other AWS services accessed

Core IAM Components

ℹ️ Main Building Blocks

  1. IAM Users

    • Individual identities
    • Long-term credentials

  2. IAM Groups

    • Collections of users
    • Simplified permission management

  3. IAM Policies

    • Permission definitions
    • JSON-based rules

  4. IAM Roles

    • Temporary credentials
    • Service-to-service access
  1. IAM Group and IAM User
  2. IAM Policy
  3. IAM Role