Managing access across multiple AWS accounts can be challenging, but AWS Identity Center (formerly AWS Single Sign-On) makes it easy to securely manage users and permissions. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through setting up Identity Center, creating permission sets, groups, and users — all in a few simple steps.
What is AWS Identity Center?
AWS Identity Center provides single sign-on (SSO) access for all of your AWS accounts and cloud applications. With Identity Center, you can manage users, groups, and permissions in one centralized location, reducing complexity and enhancing security.
Step 1: Enable IAM Identity Center
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Go to the AWS Management Console and search for IAM Identity Center in the search bar.
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Click Enable to activate Identity Center.
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The dashboard will display your Identity Center access link.
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Click Settings to customize your AWS access portal URL.
Step 2: Set Up Permission Sets
Permission sets define the policies and roles that users can assume.
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Under Multi-account permissions, click Create permission set.
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Select the policy you want to assign as a role for a user.
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Click Next.
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Leave the default name or enter a custom name and description.
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Choose the session duration (how long a user can remain logged in).
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Click Next and then Create.
Step 3: Create Groups
Groups help organize users and assign roles efficiently.
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In the left sidebar, click Groups, then Create group at the top right.
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Enter the group name and description.
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Click Create group.
Step 4: Create Users
Now, add users to the groups you created:
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In the left sidebar, click Users, then Add user.
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Enter the user details: username, password, email, name, etc.
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Assign the user to a group, then click Next.
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Click Add user to finish.
Pro Tips for AWS Identity Center
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Assign permission sets carefully to maintain security and compliance.
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Group users based on roles or teams for better management.
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Regularly review user access and session durations to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
AWS Identity Center simplifies user and access management across multiple AWS accounts. By following these steps, you can ensure secure and organized access for your team while leveraging the power of AWS cloud services.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – AWS Identity Center
Q1: What is AWS Identity Center?
A: AWS Identity Center (formerly AWS Single Sign-On) is a cloud service that provides single sign-on (SSO) access to multiple AWS accounts and cloud applications. It simplifies user management, permissions, and security across your organization.
Q2: How do I enable AWS Identity Center?
A: Go to the AWS Management Console, search for IAM Identity Center, click Enable, and follow the prompts. You can then customize your access portal URL in the settings.
Q3: What are permission sets in AWS Identity Center?
A: Permission sets define the policies and roles users can assume. They control what AWS services a user can access and how long their sessions last. You create them under Multi-account permissions.
Q4: How do I create a group in AWS Identity Center?
A: In the Identity Center console, go to Groups → Create group. Enter a group name and description, then click Create group. Groups help organize users and assign roles more efficiently.
Q5: How can I add users and assign them roles?
A: Navigate to Users → Add user, enter their username, email, and other details, then assign them to a group. The group’s permission sets determine the user’s access and roles.
Q6: Can I customize the AWS access portal URL?
A: Yes! After enabling Identity Center, go to Settings on the dashboard to customize the portal URL for your organization.
Q7: How long can a user stay logged in using AWS Identity Center?
A: When creating a permission set, you can select a session duration. This defines how long a user can remain logged in before being automatically signed out.
Q8: Do I need to assign users directly to permission sets?
A: No. Best practice is to assign permission sets to groups, then add users to groups. This makes access management simpler and scalable.
Q9: Who can benefit from AWS Identity Center?
A: IT admins, cloud engineers, and organizations managing multiple AWS accounts or cloud applications. It simplifies secure access management, user onboarding, and permissions tracking.