AWS Single Sign-On (IAM Identity Center)

Introduction

AWS Single Sign-On (SSO), now known as IAM Identity Center, allows you to manage SSO access and user permissions across multiple AWS accounts and business applications. It simplifies the user experience while maintaining robust security.

Key Concepts

Identity Provider (IdP): A service that authenticates users and provides identity information.
Single Sign-On (SSO): A user authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials.
Permission Sets: These define what actions users can perform in AWS accounts.

Getting Started

To set up AWS Single Sign-On, follow these steps:

Log in to the AWS Management Console.
Navigate to the IAM Identity Center service.
Set up your identity source (AWS SSO or an external IdP).
Create groups and assign users.
Define permission sets and assign them to users/groups.
Configure application access.

Step-by-Step Flowchart


graph TD;
    A[Start] --> B{Identity Source};
    B -->|AWS SSO| C[Create Users];
    B -->|External IdP| D[Integrate IdP];
    C --> E[Create Permission Sets];
    D --> E;
    E --> F[Assign Users/Groups];
    F --> G[Configure App Access];
    G --> H[End];

Best Practices

When using AWS SSO, consider the following best practices:

Regularly review and audit user permissions.
Utilize groups to manage permissions effectively.
Implement MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) for enhanced security.
Use AWS CloudTrail to monitor SSO activities.

FAQ

What is AWS SSO?

AWS SSO is a cloud service that allows you to centrally manage SSO access to multiple AWS accounts and applications.

How does AWS SSO enhance security?

It allows you to manage user access and permissions centrally, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Can I use my existing IdP with AWS SSO?

Yes, you can integrate AWS SSO with existing identity providers.