lacework-global-33

1.3 Register security questions in the AWS account (Manual)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1

Description

The AWS support portal allows account owners to establish security questions for authentication of individuals calling AWS customer service for support. Best practices recommend establishing security questions.

Rationale

When creating a new AWS account, a default super user is automatically created. This account is referred to as the 'root user' or 'root' account. It is recommended that the use of this account be limited and highly controlled. During events in which the 'root' password is no longer accessible or the MFA token associated with 'root' is lost/destroyed it is possible, through authentication using secret questions and associated answers, to recover 'root' user login access.

Audit

From Console

1. Login to the AWS account as the 'root' user
2. On the top right you will see the Root Account Name.
3. Click on the Root Account Name.
4. From the drop-down menu, click My Account.
5. In the Configure Security Challenge Questions section on the Personal Information page, configure three security challenge questions.
6. Click Save questions.

Remediation

From Console

1. Login to the AWS Account as the 'root' user.
2. Click the Root Account Name from the top right of the console.
3. From the drop-down menu click Account.
4. Scroll down to the Configure Security Questions section.
5. Click Edit.
6. Click each Question:
   • From the drop-down select an appropriate question
   • Click the Answer section
   • Enter an appropriate answer
   • Follow process for all 3 questions
7. Click Update when complete.
8. Save Questions and Answers and place in a secure physical location.