Password Policy Best Practices in AWS IAM
1. Introduction
A strong password policy is critical for securing AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management) accounts. This lesson outlines best practices for creating, managing, and enforcing password policies in an AWS environment.
2. Key Concepts
- IAM: AWS service that helps securely control access to AWS resources.
- Passwords: The primary means of user authentication in AWS IAM.
- Password Policy: A set of rules governing the complexity, length, and expiration of passwords.
3. Password Policy Configuration
To configure a password policy in AWS IAM, follow these steps:
- Sign in to the AWS Management Console.
- Navigate to IAM.
- In the navigation pane, choose Account settings.
- Under Password policy, configure the desired settings:
- Minimum password length
- Password complexity requirements
- Password expiration period
- Enforce password history
- Click Save changes to apply the new policy.
4. Best Practices
Important Note: Always ensure compliance with organizational security policies when implementing password practices.
- Use a minimum length of at least 12 characters.
- Enforce a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Set a password expiration period (e.g., 90 days).
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.
- Educate users about phishing and password management techniques.
5. FAQ
What is a password policy?
A password policy is a set of rules that defines how passwords should be created, managed, and maintained within an organization to enhance security.
How often should passwords be changed?
It is generally recommended to change passwords every 90 days, though this can vary based on organizational policies and risk assessments.
What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
MFA is a security mechanism that requires more than one form of verification to access an account, significantly enhancing security.