Ensure Security Questions Registration in AWS Account Rule
This rule ensures security questions are registered in the AWS account.
| Rule | Ensure security questions are registered in the AWS account |
| Framework | cis_v140 |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
Ensure Security Questions are Registered in the AWS Account for CIS Benchmark 1.4.0
CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks provide best-practice security configuration guidelines for various technologies, including AWS. The requirement to ensure security questions are registered in an AWS account is designed to enhance account recovery options and overall security posture.
Description of the Rule
Security questions act as an additional layer of authentication and can help verify a user's identity when recovering access to an account. Registering and correctly configuring security questions as per AWS CIS Benchmark 1.4.0 recommendations ensures that AWS accounts have a non-email based method for account recovery, thus reducing the reliance on email alone, which can be susceptible to compromise.
Troubleshooting Steps
If security questions are not registered or configured improperly, account recovery processes may not function as intended. To troubleshoot, ensure the following:
- Security questions are set as per the user's specific requirements.
- Answers to security questions are stored securely and are not easily guessable.
Necessary Codes / CLI Commands
AWS does not natively support security questions for account recovery at the command line or through APIs. However, AWS accounts should have a strong password policy, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and all contact information, including alternative recovery options, should be up-to-date.
To ensure MFA is enabled and to update contact details login into the AWS Management Console:
- 1.Navigate to IAM (Identity and Access Management) dashboard.
- 2.Select “Users” and choose the relevant IAM user.
- 3.In the “Security credentials” tab, ensure that MFA is enabled.
- 4.Update the contact information and include alternate methods of communication if AWS provides this feature in the future or if it is available through your organization's identity management integration.
Step-by-Step Guide for Remediation
Enable MFA:
- 1.Sign in to the AWS Management Console.
- 2.Open the IAM console at https://console.aws.amazon.com/iam/.
- 3.In the dashboard left navigation pane, click "Users."
- 4.Choose the user to which you want to add MFA, click “User actions,” and then select “Manage MFA Device.”
- 5.In the "Manage MFA device" wizard, select the MFA device type, and follow the instructions to set it up.
Update Contact Information:
- 1.Sign in to the AWS Management Console.
- 2.Click on your account name at the top-right and select “My Account.”
- 3.Scroll to the "Alternate Contacts" section.
- 4.Provide the relevant details for each contact type - operations, security, and billing.
- 5.Save the changes.
Keep in mind that maintaining current contact details is crucial for account recovery and security notifications.
Additional Notes
Always use complex, unique answers for security questions if they are implemented in your organization out of the scope of Amazon provided solutions. They should be treated with the same level of security as passwords. While AWS accounts do not directly use security questions, implementing a robust account recovery process that includes multiple verification methods is a key security practice that relates to this CIS recommendation.
Implementing this rule will not only secure your AWS accounts but also contribute positively to your SEO strategy, by ensuring that your infrastructure and any associated services are secure, reliable, and trustworthy – key factors in today’s SEO algorithms. No gimmicks or filler data, just a strong security posture that speaks for itself.