IAM Rule: IAM Root User No Access Keys
Ensure IAM Root User does not have access keys for enhanced security measures.
| Rule | IAM root user should not have access keys |
| Framework | NIST 800-53 Revision 5 |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
Rule Description:
According to the NIST 800-53 Revision 5 security standard, it is recommended that the root user in AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) does not have access keys. Access keys are long-term credentials that could potentially be compromised and misused by unauthorized individuals. Disabling access keys for the root user helps to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and enhances the security posture of an AWS account.
Troubleshooting Steps:
No specific troubleshooting steps are required for this rule. The steps below outline the necessary actions to remediate the situation.
Remediation:
To address this rule and ensure compliance with the NIST 800-53 Revision 5 security standard, follow the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: Access AWS Management Console
- Open a web browser and navigate to the AWS Management Console.
Step 2: Sign In as Root User
- Sign in to the AWS Management Console using the root user credentials.
Step 3: Open IAM Service
- Click on "Services” from the top navigation bar, type "IAM" in the search box, and then click on the "IAM" option under the "Security, Identity & Compliance" category.
Step 4: Navigate to IAM Users
- In the IAM console, click on "Users" in the left sidebar to view the list of IAM users.
Step 5: Select Root User
- Locate the row corresponding to the root user and select it by clicking on the checkbox.
Step 6: Disable Access Keys
- Click on the "Security credentials" tab in the main pane.
- Locate the access keys section and click on the "Manage access keys" button.
Step 7: Delete Access Keys
- In the access keys management page, click on the checkbox next to each access key associated with the root user.
- Click on the "Delete" button to remove the access keys.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Step 8: Verify Access Keys Are Deleted
- Once the access keys are deleted, verify that the access keys section is empty for the root user.
Step 9: Save Changes
- Click on the "Close" button to save the changes.
Additional Tips:
- It is recommended to create additional IAM users with appropriate permissions and use those users instead of relying on the root user for daily operations.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for the root user to provide an extra layer of security.
SEO Friendly Content:
Title: How to Disable Access Keys for IAM Root User - NIST 800-53 Revision 5 Compliance
Meta Description: Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure NIST 800-53 Revision 5 compliance by disabling access keys for the root user in AWS IAM.
Introduction: Learn how to secure your AWS account and comply with the NIST 800-53 Revision 5 security standard by disabling access keys for the root user in AWS IAM. Access keys can pose a significant security risk if compromised, so it's crucial to follow the steps outlined below to mitigate the potential threat.
Heading 1: Rule Description Heading 2: Troubleshooting Steps Heading 2: Remediation Heading 3: Step 1: Access AWS Management Console Heading 3: Step 2: Sign In as Root User Heading 3: Step 3: Open IAM Service Heading 3: Step 4: Navigate to IAM Users Heading 3: Step 5: Select Root User Heading 3: Step 6: Disable Access Keys Heading 3: Step 7: Delete Access Keys Heading 3: Step 8: Verify Access Keys Are Deleted Heading 3: Step 9: Save Changes Heading 2: Additional Tips
Note: The content provided here is intended to provide an outline and can be further optimized for SEO purposes during implementation.