CRITICALCIS 1.2

Ensure MFA is enabled for the root account

The root account is the most privileged user in an AWS account. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection on top of a username and password. With MFA enabled, when a user signs in to an AWS website, they will be prompted for their username and password as well as for an authentication code from their AWS MFA device.

Security Impact

Without MFA, root account is vulnerable to password compromise attacks including phishing, credential stuffing, and brute force attacks.

How to Remediate

Enable MFA for the root account using a hardware MFA device or virtual MFA application. Navigate to IAM > Security credentials > Assign MFA device. Use hardware MFA for highest security.

Affected Resources

AWS::IAM::Root

Compliance Frameworks

CIS AWS v1.5.0CIS AWS v2.0SOC 2PCI-DSSHIPAANIST 800-53FedRAMP

How TigerGate Helps

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Check Details

Check ID
aws-iam-2
Service
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Category
Identity Management
Severity
CRITICAL
CIS Benchmark
1.2

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