You’ve probably already heard of multi-factor authentication, and how so many platforms have added this feature as an added security layer.
In this article, I will give you more detail on how AWS added this feature, and its multiple advantages among others.
What is AWS MFA and why should you use it?
AWS Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a new security layer that AWS added to their user accounts, which requires a second form of authentication, after the classical one which is a password.
This type of authentication can be either a generated code by an AWS-provided virtual MFA device or a code sent to your mobile phone via SMS.
This type of protection is needed, as providing two forms of authentication to the user before accessing their AWS resources, will prevent any dangers or cyberattacks.
How to set up AWS MFA for your account?
To add AWS MFA to your account, follow these steps:
- 1
I will have to sign into your account through the AWS Management Console.
- 2
Once logged in, go to the IAM service.
- 3
You will find the “Users” link in the navigation pane. Click on it.
- 4
A list of users will come up, select the one you want to enable MFA for.
- 5
After that, click on the "Security Credentials" tab and then on the "Enable MFA" button.
- 6
AWS will ask you then to either choose a virtual MFA device, such as the AWS Virtual MFA app or use an authenticator application on your smartphone.
- 7
Once that is done, your MFA device is configured, and you just have to enter the MFA code, and then click on the “Associate” button.
- 8
Now MFA will be enabled for the user you chose.
I should add that after everything is done, that user will have to provide the MFA token in addition to their password when they sign in to the AWS Management Console.
How to use AWS MFA with different services?
AWS MFA can indeed be used with different services, as it is one of its many advantages. I will tell you more about these services and how they use AWS MFA.
AWS Management Console:
Whenever you log into your account through this console, you will be asked to enter the MFA code, that’s of course if you enable it for your user account.
AWS CLI and SDKs:
These will allow you to access AWS resources through the command line. To use MFA with them, you can use the "--serial-number" and "--token-code" options when you run a command.
AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM):
MFA can be used with IAM to provide an added layer of security for IAM users and roles.
AWS Resource-based policies:
You can also use MFA to control access to specific AWS resources by adding MFA-related conditions to resource-based policies.
AWS Organizations:
You can use AWS Organizations to enable MFA for all accounts under your management in one go.
What are the pros and cons of using AWS MFA?
As most technologies and services have pros and cons, AWS MFA is no different.
Pros
Cons
Tips for troubleshooting AWS MFA issues
You might encounter some issues with AWS MFA, so here are some tips for troubleshooting these issues:
What does the future look like for AWS MFA?
AWS will likely continue to invest and improve the MFA offering in the future. Here are a few potential areas where AWS may focus in the future:
AWS MFA’s future is so full of new promising features, but you should keep in mind that these are not confirmed by AWS, so you should keep yourself updated and to check for any official statements to confirm.
Conclusion:
I would like to end this article by giving you an overview of AWS MFA. As I said before, this is one of the most important services presented by AWS, as it assures the security of your data, which will help you manage your applications and projects peacefully without worrying over attacks and slip-ups.