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IAM Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

5 minutes 5 Questions

IAM Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an added layer of account security used to verify users' identities by requiring them to provide two or more factors during the authentication process. MFA is a critical component of an AWS account's security and is especially vital when accessing AWS Management Console or using AWS CLI. Enabling MFA requires users to provide their regular AWS credentials (password and access key) and an additional authentication factor (typically a TOTP-compatible hardware or virtual device). MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your AWS resources, even in situations where user credentials may have been compromised. It is a best practice to enable MFA on all user accounts with management console access and privileged roles.

Guide: AWS IAM Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

What is IAM MFA:
AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security feature that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification to access AWS resources. It combines a 'something you know' factor (like a password) and a 'something you have' factor (like a hardware MFA device).

Why is it Important:
IAM MFA is crucial because it adds an additional layer of security to the AWS Management Console, AWS CLI and AWS API operations. It protects your AWS resources by requiring users to validate their identities via multiple verification methods.

How It Works:
When a user signs in, they first enter their username and password. They're then prompted to enter an authentication code from their configured MFA device. To authenticate successfully, they must provide both the valid password and a valid MFA code.

Exam Tips:
Remember the following when answering questions about IAM MFA in an exam:

  • MFA is mandatory for root accounts.
  • Virtual MFA devices use software applications to generate MFA codes.
  • Hardware MFA devices are available from AWS.
  • MFA can be enabled for IAM users and root users.
  • By activating MFA delete, you can protect your S3 buckets.

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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

A company wants to enforce 2-step verification for their AWS Management Console users. How should the IAM administrator set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Correct Answer: Enable MFA in the user's IAM settings and require users to apply MFA device.

To enforce Multi-Factor Authentication for IAM users, the administrator must enable MFA in each user's IAM settings and require the users to configure their selected MFA device. Other options are irrelevant or not related to the IAM MFA enforcement.

Question 2

A user needs to access an S3 bucket but should use MFA for authentication. Which policy should be used to achieve this?

Correct Answer: Create a policy with 'aws:MultiFactorAuthPresent' as a condition.

The correct way to achieve this is to create an IAM policy with 'aws:MultiFactorAuthPresent' as a condition, which will enforce MFA for authentication when accessing the S3 bucket. The other answers are incorrect or misleading as they either enforce MFA enforcement in unrelated way or do not genuinely enforce MFA at all.

Question 3

A company wants to use MFA for their AWS Management Console but don't want to invest in hardware MFA devices. Which alternative can the IAM administrator suggest?

Correct Answer: Use a virtual MFA device like Google Authenticator or Authy.

Virtual MFA devices such as Google Authenticator or Authy provide MFA functionality without needing a hardware device. Other options are either not practical, insecure, or do not provide MFA at all.

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