Drata validates that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enabled for the root user account in AWS.
The 'root' user account is the most privileged user in an AWS account. Multi-factor
Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection on top of a username and
password. With MFA enabled, when a user signs in to an AWS website, they will be
prompted for their username and password as well as for an authentication code from
their AWS MFA device.
Enabling MFA provides increased security for console access as it requires the
authenticating principal to possess a device that emits a time-sensitive key and have
knowledge of a credential.
ASSOCIATED DRATA CONTROL
This test is part of the Root Infrastructure Account Monitored control (DCF-90).
WHAT TO DO IF A TEST FAILS
If Drata finds that MFA is not enabled for the root user account in AWS, the test will fail.
STEPS TO REMEDIATE
Sign into AWS with the root account credentials and activate a virtual MFA from your dashboard, under 'Security Status'.
IAM will generate and display a QR code that represents the secret configuration key.
Open your virtual MFA application and use the app to scan the QR code or manually input the secret configuration key into your MFA application (you can find the secret key configuration from the 'Manage MFA Device' wizard and selecting 'Show secret key for manual configuration').
Center for Internet Security (CIS)
This test aligns with the Center for Internet Security’s (CIS) foundation benchmarks which provides prescriptive guidance for establishing a secure baseline configuration for Amazon Web Services. To learn more, refer to the Center for Internet Security (CIS) section.