Rule: Ensure hardware MFA is enabled for the 'root' user account
A rule to ensure enabling hardware MFA for the 'root' user account
| Rule | Ensure hardware MFA is enabled for the 'root' user account |
| Framework | cis_v140 |
| Severity | ✔ Low |
Ensure Hardware MFA is Enabled for the 'Root' User Account (CIS_V1.4.0)
What is MFA for the 'Root' User Account?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods to gain access to AWS resources. For a 'root' user—the account owner with complete access to all AWS services and resources—it's particularly important to enable MFA to protect against unauthorized access.
Hardware MFA devices provide a more secure form of MFA because they're physical devices that generate a unique code and are not as susceptible to phishing attacks or malware that software-based tokens might face.
Steps to Enable Hardware MFA for AWS 'Root' User:
Step 1: Obtain a Hardware MFA Device
- Purchase a compatible hardware MFA device. AWS supports devices that are compliant with the Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) protocol.
Step 2: Sign in as the 'Root' User
- Navigate to the AWS Management Console and log in using your 'root' user credentials.
Step 3: Open the IAM Dashboard
- Go to the IAM (Identity and Access Management) console at https://console.aws.amazon.com/iam/.
Step 4: Access Security Credentials
- In the dashboard, under "Security Status", click on "Activate MFA on your root account".
Step 5: Activate MFA
- Select "A hardware MFA device" and follow the instructions to set up the device.
Step 6: Sync the Hardware MFA Device
- Enter two consecutive MFA codes from your hardware device to sync it with AWS.
Step 7: Ensure Successful Activation
- Confirm that MFA is activated by logging out and then logging back in with the 'root' user, using both your password and the code from the hardware MFA device.
Troubleshooting Hardware MFA Issues:
Problem: MFA Device Not Synchronizing
Solution:
- Ensure the device's time is correctly sync with UTC.
- Try entering the codes again. If still not working, deactivate and reactivate MFA.
Problem: Lost or Malfunctioning MFA Device
Solution:
- Contact AWS Support immediately to deactivate MFA on your account.
Remediation:
If you have not enabled MFA, or need to make changes, you can use the AWS Management Console or the AWS CLI.
Via AWS Management Console:
- Follow the Step-by-Step guide above.
Via AWS CLI:
There's no direct AWS CLI command to enable MFA for the 'root' user as this action requires logging into the AWS Management Console for security reasons.
Relevant CLI Commands:
- To manage MFA devices for IAM users (not 'root' users), you can use the following commands:
# List MFA devices aws iam list-mfa-devices --user-name USERNAME # Deactivate MFA device aws iam deactivate-mfa-device --user-name USERNAME --serial-number SERIAL_NUMBER
Summary:
Enabling hardware MFA is crucial for securing your AWS 'root' user account and should be done immediately upon account creation or as part of a security audit. Follow the steps without any fillers to ensure a focused and secure setup. Remember, there is no AWS CLI command to enable MFA for the 'root' user due to the sensitivity of the operation; it must be performed in the AWS Management Console.
By implementing hardware MFA for the 'root' user, you are significantly improving the security posture of your AWS account. Not only is this practice SEO-friendly but explaining the importance of such security measures can also help accelerate SEO by aligning with the best practices sought after by individuals seeking to improve their cloud security knowledge.