Federated identity management is a crucial security concept in AWS that allows users to access AWS resources using credentials from external identity providers (IdPs) rather than creating separate AWS accounts for each user. This approach streamlines authentication and enhances security across mult…Federated identity management is a crucial security concept in AWS that allows users to access AWS resources using credentials from external identity providers (IdPs) rather than creating separate AWS accounts for each user. This approach streamlines authentication and enhances security across multiple systems.
In AWS, federation enables organizations to leverage their existing identity systems, such as Microsoft Active Directory, SAML 2.0 compliant providers, or social identity providers like Google, Facebook, and Amazon. When users authenticate through their corporate credentials or social accounts, they receive temporary security credentials to access AWS services.
AWS supports several federation methods:
1. **AWS IAM Identity Center (formerly AWS SSO)**: Provides centralized access management for multiple AWS accounts and business applications, integrating with existing identity sources.
2. **SAML 2.0 Federation**: Enables enterprise identity federation by establishing trust between AWS and your organizations SAML-compatible identity provider.
3. **Web Identity Federation**: Allows users to sign in using well-known social identity providers and obtain temporary AWS credentials through Amazon Cognito or the AssumeRoleWithWebIdentity API.
4. **Custom Identity Broker**: Organizations can build custom federation solutions using AWS Security Token Service (STS) to generate temporary credentials.
Key benefits of federated identity management include:
- **Single Sign-On (SSO)**: Users authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications and AWS accounts
- **Reduced Administrative Overhead**: No need to create and manage individual IAM users for every person
- **Enhanced Security**: Centralized credential management and the use of temporary credentials reduce risk
- **Compliance**: Maintains consistent access policies across the organization
AWS Security Token Service (STS) plays a vital role by issuing temporary, limited-privilege credentials to federated users. These credentials automatically expire, following the principle of least privilege and reducing potential security vulnerabilities associated with long-term access keys.
Federated Identity Management
What is Federated Identity Management?
Federated Identity Management (FIM) is a system that allows users to access multiple applications and services across different organizations or domains using a single set of credentials. Instead of creating separate accounts for each service, users can authenticate once with their identity provider and gain access to various connected systems.
Why is Federated Identity Management Important?
• Enhanced Security: Reduces the number of passwords users need to manage, decreasing the risk of weak or reused passwords • Improved User Experience: Users can access multiple services with a single login, reducing friction • Reduced Administrative Overhead: IT teams don't need to manage separate user accounts across multiple systems • Compliance: Centralized identity management helps organizations meet regulatory requirements • Cost Efficiency: Fewer help desk calls for password resets and account management
How Does Federated Identity Management Work?
1. User initiates access to an application or service (Service Provider) 2. The Service Provider redirects the user to their Identity Provider (IdP) 3. The user authenticates with their Identity Provider using their credentials 4. The Identity Provider generates a security token (such as SAML assertion or OIDC token) 5. The token is sent to the Service Provider 6. The Service Provider validates the token and grants access
Key AWS Services for Federated Identity:
• AWS IAM Identity Center (formerly AWS SSO): Centrally manage access to multiple AWS accounts and business applications • Amazon Cognito: Add user sign-up, sign-in, and access control to web and mobile apps with federation support • IAM Identity Providers: Allow external identities to assume IAM roles using SAML 2.0 or OpenID Connect (OIDC) • AWS STS (Security Token Service): Provides temporary security credentials for federated users
Common Federation Standards:
• SAML 2.0: Security Assertion Markup Language - commonly used for enterprise SSO • OpenID Connect (OIDC): Modern authentication protocol built on OAuth 2.0 • OAuth 2.0: Authorization framework often used with OIDC
Use Cases:
• Employees using corporate Active Directory credentials to access AWS resources • Mobile app users signing in with social identity providers like Google or Facebook • Partners from external organizations accessing shared resources • Temporary contractors needing limited-time access to specific services
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Federated Identity Management
• Remember that federation is about trusting external identity providers - AWS accepts identity assertions from trusted sources
• Know the difference between IAM users and federated users: IAM users are created in AWS, while federated users authenticate elsewhere and receive temporary credentials
• Temporary credentials are key: Federated users receive temporary security credentials through AWS STS, not permanent access keys
• SAML 2.0 is commonly mentioned for enterprise identity federation with corporate directories like Active Directory
• Amazon Cognito is the answer when questions mention mobile apps, web applications, or social identity providers
• IAM Identity Center is the answer for centralized access management across multiple AWS accounts
• Look for keywords: 'single sign-on', 'corporate directory', 'Active Directory', 'social login', 'external users', or 'temporary access'
• Federation eliminates the need to create IAM users for every person who needs access - this is a common exam theme
• Trust relationships must be established between AWS and the identity provider for federation to work