AWS STS

Definition

AWS STS (Amazon Web Services Security Token Service) is a web service that allows users to request temporary security credentials to access AWS services. It helps to manage permissions for users and applications securely by providing short-term, limited-privilege credentials that can be used to access AWS resources without needing to manage long-term security credentials. This is particularly important in securing cloud infrastructure and services by ensuring that access is tightly controlled and can be easily revoked.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AWS STS enables developers to create applications with secure, temporary access to AWS resources, reducing the risk of credential exposure.
2. The temporary security credentials provided by AWS STS consist of an Access Key ID, Secret Access Key, and a session token, all of which expire after a defined duration.
3. AWS STS supports various use cases such as cross-account access, federated user access, and temporary access for mobile applications.
4. Using AWS STS can simplify management by eliminating the need to distribute long-term credentials and allowing for more granular control over permissions.
5. With AWS STS, organizations can enforce security best practices by implementing policies that automatically expire and rotate temporary credentials.

Review Questions

• How does AWS STS enhance security for accessing AWS resources compared to traditional methods?
  • AWS STS enhances security by providing temporary security credentials instead of relying on long-term credentials. This reduces the risk of credential compromise, as these temporary tokens have a limited lifespan and can be configured with specific permissions tailored to the user's needs. Additionally, when a user no longer requires access, the credentials can be easily revoked, further tightening security around sensitive resources.
• Discuss how AWS STS can be used in conjunction with IAM to improve permission management within an organization.
  • AWS STS works alongside IAM to provide a robust permission management framework. IAM defines user permissions and roles within an organization, while STS allows those permissions to be assigned temporarily. This combination enables organizations to implement least privilege access controls, where users only have the necessary permissions for the tasks at hand, without holding permanent access rights. It also allows for dynamic access based on real-time requirements, enhancing overall security posture.
• Evaluate the implications of using AWS STS for organizations transitioning to cloud-based solutions, especially regarding compliance and security.
  • For organizations moving to cloud-based solutions, using AWS STS presents several implications for compliance and security. By adopting temporary security credentials, organizations can better align with regulatory requirements that emphasize minimal data exposure and short-lived access. Furthermore, the ability to manage permissions dynamically through AWS STS means that organizations can quickly adapt to changing business needs while maintaining tight control over who has access to sensitive data. This adaptability not only strengthens security but also enhances compliance efforts by ensuring that access policies are enforced consistently across all users.

Related terms

IAM: IAM (Identity and Access Management) is a service that helps you control access to AWS resources by defining who can do what in your AWS environment.

Temporary Credentials: Temporary credentials are short-lived access tokens provided by AWS STS that grant permissions to use AWS resources for a limited period.

Federation:

Federation is the process of allowing users from external identity providers to access AWS resources using their existing credentials.