Rule: IAM Root User Should Not Have Access Keys
This rule ensures that the IAM root user does not have any access keys for security reasons.
| Rule | IAM root user should not have access keys |
| Framework | HIPAA |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
Description of the Rule
The rule states that the root user in the AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) should not have access keys for the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance framework. The root user is a powerful administrative user with unrestricted access to all resources in an AWS account. HIPAA is a regulation that ensures the secure handling of protected health information (PHI) within the healthcare industry.
Having access keys for the root user poses a security risk, as they can be used to access resources and perform actions within the AWS account. Compliance with HIPAA requires strict control over access to PHI and other sensitive data, making it crucial to limit access keys for the root user.
Troubleshooting Steps
If the root user has access keys for HIPAA compliance, the following troubleshooting steps can be undertaken:
- 1.Step 1: Log in to the AWS Management Console using the root user credentials.
- 2.Step 2: Open the IAM service by searching for IAM in the AWS Management Console.
- 3.Step 3: In the left navigation pane, click on "Users" and search for the root user by entering "root" in the search box.
- 4.Step 4: Click on the root user in the search results to view the user details.
- 5.Step 5: In the "Security credentials" tab, check if the root user has access keys present.
- 6.Step 6: If access keys are found, click on the "Delete access keys" button to remove them.
- 7.Step 7: Confirm the deletion of the access keys when prompted.
Note: Taking a backup of the access keys or creating new access keys for other privileged users before deleting the access keys of the root user is crucial to ensure uninterrupted management of the AWS account.
Necessary Codes
There are no specific codes required for this rule, as the remediation steps can be performed through the AWS Management Console.
Step-by-Step Guide for Remediation
To remediate the absence of access keys for the root user in compliance with HIPAA:
- 1.Step 1: Log in to the AWS Management Console using the root user credentials.
- 2.Step 2: Open the IAM service by searching for IAM in the AWS Management Console.
- 3.Step 3: In the left navigation pane, click on "Users" and search for the root user by entering "root" in the search box.
- 4.Step 4: Click on the root user in the search results to view the user details.
- 5.Step 5: In the "Security credentials" tab, check if the root user has access keys present.
- 6.Step 6: If access keys are found, click on the "Delete access keys" button to remove them.
- 7.Step 7: Confirm the deletion of the access keys when prompted.
Following these steps will ensure that the root user does not possess any access keys, reducing the security risks associated with HIPAA compliance.