IAM Root User MFA Enabled Rule
This rule ensures the root user in IAM has multi-factor authentication enabled for improved security.
| Rule | IAM root user MFA should be enabled |
| Framework | FedRAMP Low Revision 4 |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
IAM Root User MFA Enforcement for FedRAMP Low Revision 4
Overview of FedRAMP Low Revision 4 Requirement for MFA
FedRAMP Low Revision 4 sets a baseline for security controls for federal agencies using cloud services. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of these controls, designed to enhance security by requiring a second form of verification when accessing cloud resources. For the IAM root user, which is the most privileged account within an AWS environment, MFA is crucial to protect against unauthorized access.
Prerequisites
Before enforcing MFA, ensure you have:
- 1.Access to the AWS Management Console with IAM permissions.
- 2.A physical MFA device or a virtual MFA solution such as Google Authenticator or Authy.
Step by Step Guide for Enabling MFA on IAM Root User
Step 1: Sign in to the AWS Management Console
- 1.Navigate to the AWS Management Console (https://aws.amazon.com/console/).
- 2.Log in using your IAM root user credentials.
Step 2: Access the IAM Dashboard
- 1.From the AWS Management Console, open the Services menu.
- 2.Click on 'IAM' under the 'Security, Identity, & Compliance' section.
Step 3: Activate MFA on Your Root Account
- 1.In the IAM dashboard, click on the account name at the top-right corner of the console.
- 2.From the drop-down menu, select 'My Security Credentials.'
- 3.If a warning message prompts about using IAM user credentials instead of the root account credentials, click 'Continue to Security Credentials.'
- 4.Find the 'Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)' section and click on 'Activate MFA.'
Step 4: Set Up MFA Device
- 1.Choose the type of MFA device you want to use (virtual or hardware).
- 2.Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your MFA device:
- If using a virtual MFA, scan the QR code or enter the setup key into your virtual MFA app.
- If using a hardware MFA, enter the serial number and the MFA code from the device.
- 3.Enter two consecutive MFA codes to finalize the setup.
Step 5: Test MFA Device
- 1.Sign out of the AWS Management Console.
- 2.Sign back in with your root user credentials.
- 3.When prompted, enter the MFA code from your MFA device to verify that it's working correctly.
Troubleshooting Common MFA Issues
- MFA Code Not Working: Ensure that the time on your MFA device is synchronized with the server time. For virtual MFA devices, use the respective application's sync feature.
- Lost Access to MFA Device: Contact AWS Support to deactivate MFA if you no longer have access to your MFA device.
- Unable to Sign in After Enabling MFA: Verify you are using the most recent MFA code and check for typos or input errors.
Automation with AWS CLI
To enhance the process with automation and scripting, AWS CLI can be used. However, setting up MFA on the root account is sensitive, and it's highly recommended to perform this action directly through the AWS Management Console.
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Conclusion
Following this guide, you have now secured the IAM root account with MFA, aligning with the FedRAMP Low Revision 4 requirements for cloud security. Regularly review your security settings and encourage other users to set up MFA to maintain a secure cloud environment.