AWS account root user

The AWS account root user is the primary user associated with an AWS account. This account has unrestricted access to all resources and services within the AWS account, making it the most powerful and privileged account. Here’s a detailed overview of the AWS account root user:

Key Characteristics of the Root User

1. Full Access:

   • The root user has full administrative privileges and can perform any action on all resources in the AWS account, including creating and deleting resources, managing IAM users and roles, and accessing billing information.

2. Initial Setup:

   • The root user is created when you first sign up for AWS. The email address used during registration becomes the root user’s identifier.

3. Credentials:

   • The root user signs in using the email address and password created during the account setup process. For programmatic access, the root user can generate access keys.

Best Practices for Managing the Root User

1. Use IAM Users for Daily Operations:

   • Minimize Root User Usage: Avoid using the root user for everyday tasks and administrative functions. Instead, create IAM users with specific permissions for routine operations.
   • Create IAM Roles: Assign roles to IAM users or applications based on their specific needs, adhering to the principle of least privilege.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

   • Add Security Layer: Enable MFA for the root user to enhance security. This requires an additional verification step, such as a code from a mobile device, when logging in.

3. Secure Root User Credentials:

   • Change Default Password: Change the default root user password to a strong, unique password.
   • Store Credentials Securely: Keep root user credentials secure and avoid sharing them unnecessarily.

4. Monitor Root User Activity:

   • Enable CloudTrail: Use AWS CloudTrail to log and monitor all activities performed by the root user. This helps track changes and detect any unusual or unauthorized actions.

5. Limit Root User Access:

   • Access Control: Restrict access to the root user credentials to only those who absolutely need it. For most tasks, IAM users with appropriate permissions should be sufficient.

6. Use the Root User for Specific Tasks Only:

   • Administrative Functions: Use the root user only for tasks that require unrestricted access, such as changing the account settings, closing the account, or managing AWS Organizations.

7. Secure Account Recovery:

   • Update Contact Information: Ensure that the contact information associated with the root user is up-to-date to facilitate account recovery if necessary.
   • Be Prepared for Recovery: Have a plan in place for recovering access to the root user account in case of credential loss or other issues.

Common Tasks Performed by the Root User

1. Account Settings:

   • Billing and Payment: View and manage billing information, payment methods, and account-level settings.
   • Account Closure: Close the AWS account if needed.

2. Security Settings:

   • IAM Management: Create and manage IAM users and roles, and set permissions and policies.
   • MFA Configuration: Enable and manage MFA for the root user and other accounts.

3. Service Management:

   • Service Limits: Request service limit increases if necessary, as some limits can only be changed by the root user.

4. AWS Organizations:

   • Manage Organization: Set up and manage AWS Organizations for consolidated billing and account management.

Accessing the Root User

• Web Console: Sign in to the AWS Management Console using the root user’s email address and password.
• Programmatic Access: Use access keys for programmatic access, though it’s generally recommended to avoid using root access keys for regular operations.