Summary:
AWS Identity & Access Management (IAM) is a web service that helps securely control access to AWS resources. It allows you to manage users, security credentials such as access keys, and permissions that control which AWS resources users and applications can access. IAM is crucial for managing identity and access in the cloud, enabling organizations to define and manage user access to resources in a highly secure and scalable way. By using IAM, you can ensure that only authenticated and authorized users are able to access your AWS resources, thereby enhancing your organization's overall security posture.
Key Features:
- User and Group Management: Create and manage AWS users and groups, and use permissions to allow and deny their access to AWS resources.
- Role-Based Access Control: Define roles with specific permissions and assign them to users, groups, or AWS services.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling MFA, which requires users to provide unique authentication from an approved device.
- Fine-Grained Access Control Policies: Create and apply granular access policies to users, groups, roles, and resources for precise access control.
- Integration with AWS Services: Seamlessly integrates with other AWS services to apply IAM permissions and roles for secure access management across the AWS ecosystem.
Partner Link:
Tangible Benefits:
- Enhanced Security and Reduced Risk of Breach:
- Quantification Path: Monitor and compare the incidence of security breaches or unauthorized access incidents before and after implementing IAM. Measure the reduction in such incidents as a direct outcome of improved access control.
- Operational Efficiency in User and Access Management:
- Quantification Path: Assess the time and resources saved in managing user access and credentials. Compare the efficiency of deploying access changes and onboarding/offboarding users before and after using IAM.
- Cost Savings from Improved Security Management:
- Quantification Path: Evaluate the cost savings associated with a reduced need for third-party security and access management tools. Factor in potential savings from avoiding compliance violations and security breaches.