Managing root access across multiple AWS accounts often feels like juggling too many keys. Each root account wields enormous power, but with great power comes even greater security risks. Fortunately, AWS now offers a solution: Centrally Managing Root Access.
Why Centralize Root Access?
The root user is the “super-admin” of AWS, capable of everything from creating users to deleting accounts. However, this level of access can easily lead to accidental missteps, misconfigurations, or even security breaches if left unmanaged.
Centralizing root access simplifies things. It helps us eliminate unnecessary exposure and consolidate administrative tasks under a single system. Think of it as replacing a disorganized keyring with a single, secure access card.
When Do We Even Need Root Credentials For A Subaccount?
In an ideal world, we’d never need them - root access should be so rarely used that we almost forget it exists (yay, centralization!). But there are exceptions where root access is necessary:
Recovery Scenarios
- Lost MFA Device: If the MFA device tied to a root user is lost or inaccessible.
- Lost Organization Access Role: In cases where no other roles can administer the account.
Migrating or Reorganizing Accounts
- Removing a subaccount from an organization requires root credentials to modify payment details and make the account independent.
Resolving Resource Locks
- This is my classic “oops” scenario. For example:
A policy like this, accidentally applied (e.g. to an S3 bucket), denies all access - even for administrators. Only the root user can fix this.
{
...
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": [
"*"
],
...
}
The Path To Centralization
AWS has introduced a way for us to centralize root access (more here). With centralized root management, we can securely oversee root-level tasks without relying on individual root credentials for every account.
Here’s The Docs On How To Do It:
Enable Centralized Root Access
Head to the AWS Management Console and turn it on (documentation).
Perform Privileged Tasks like fixing locked resources or resolving misconfigurations (details here).
Centralized root access doesn’t just simplify operations; it makes them safer. By reducing our reliance on scattered root credentials, we lower risk and streamline AWS account management.
