IAM User Access Key Rotation Rule
This rule states that IAM user access keys must be rotated every 90 days to enhance security.
| Rule | IAM user access keys should be rotated at least every 90 days |
| Framework | FedRAMP Moderate Revision 4 |
| Severity | ✔ Low |
IAM User Access Key Rotation Policy for FedRAMP Moderate Revision 4
Rule Description
To comply with FedRAMP Moderate Revision 4, it is required to rotate IAM user access keys at least every 90 days. This security measure helps prevent unauthorized access and limits the potential damage in case of key compromise. Access keys are used for programmatic access to AWS services, and regular rotation of these keys helps ensure the security of the AWS environment.
Troubleshooting Steps
It is important to ensure that access keys are being rotated in a timely manner. Failure to rotate access keys regularly may result in non-compliance with the security requirements set by FedRAMP Moderate Revision 4. Here are some troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve issues:
- 1.
Verify IAM Policies: Ensure that the necessary IAM policies are applied to users to enforce access key rotation. Checking the permissions assigned to users and their access key rotation settings is essential.
- 2.
Review Key Creation Dates: Check the creation dates of existing access keys for IAM users. If any keys have been active for longer than 90 days, it indicates that key rotation is not occurring as per the policy.
- 3.
Monitor Key Rotation Activity: Monitor key rotation activity to identify any users who have not complied with the access key rotation policy. AWS CloudTrail logs can provide information on key rotation events.
- 4.
Evaluate IAM User Permissions: Review IAM user permissions to determine if any users have the necessary permissions to create and manage access keys. Ensure that only trusted administrators have the authority to manage access keys.
- 5.
Alerting and Notification: If key rotation is not occurring within the required timeframe, consider implementing alerting and notification mechanisms to remind IAM users to rotate their access keys.
Necessary Codes
There are no specific codes required for this IAM access key rotation policy. However, you can use the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) or AWS SDKs to manage IAM user access keys programmatically.
Step-by-step Guide for Remediation
- 1.
Identify IAM Users: Determine the IAM users who currently have access keys. You can navigate to the IAM management console to view the list of users.
- 2.
Check Key Creation Dates: For each IAM user, review the creation dates of their access keys. Identify users whose access keys have been active for longer than 90 days.
- 3.
Remove/Deactivate Existing Key: For users with keys that have been active for longer than 90 days, remove or deactivate the existing key in use. This step prevents unauthorized access while ensuring a new access key is created.
- 4.
Generate New Access Key: Generate a new access key for the user. This process will create a new access key ID and secret access key.
- 5.
Update User Configuration: Update the user's configuration, such as AWS CLI configurations or any other system that uses programmatic access, with the new access key details.
- 6.
Test Access and Monitor: Validate that the new access key is functioning correctly. Monitor key rotation activity to ensure compliance with the access key rotation policy.
- 7.
Repeat the process: Ensure that access keys are rotated for all IAM users every 90 days or as per the organization's security policy.
Note: It is crucial to communicate and educate IAM users about the importance of rotating access keys and provide them with guidance on how to perform the rotation process effectively.
By following these remediation steps, you can maintain compliance with the IAM user access key rotation policy required for FedRAMP Moderate Revision 4.