What is AWS MFA – Re-Synchronize Multi Factor Authentication

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In our last AWS tutorial, we studied Amazon Cloudtrail. Today, we will explore the AWS MFA tutorial, in which we will discuss what is Multi-Factor Authentication in Amazon Web Services.

Moreover, we will learn the benefits and types of Amazon MFA. At last, we will cover how to re-synchronize the AWS MFA Devices, and what If they lost or stops operating.

So, let’s begin AWS MFA Tutorial.

What is AWS MFA - Re-Synchronize Multi Factor Authentication

What is AWS MFA – Re-Synchronize Multi Factor Authentication

What is AWS Multi-Factor Authentication?

AWS MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is an easy way which helps to provide a higher level security by adding an additional layer of protection on high of the username and password.

With AWS MFA enabled, once a user signs in to an AWS website, they’ll prompt for his or her username and parole (the 1st factor—what they know), in addition for an authentication code from their Amazon MFA device (the 2nd factor—what they have). T

aken along, these multiple factors give accrued security for the user AWS account settings and resources.

The user can modify MFA for the user AWS account and for individual IAM users the user gets created beneath the user account. AWS MFA is even being accustomed management access to AWS service APIs.

Once the user receives a supported hardware or virtual MFA device, there are no extra fees charged by AWS for using MFA.

What is AWS MFA - Re-Synchronize Multi Factor Authentication

AWS Multi Factor Authentication

For, accrued security, AWs suggests that the user simply piece multi-factor authentication (MFA) to assist defend the user AWS resources.

Amazon MFA adds additional security as a result of it needs users to type a distinctive authentication code from an approved authentication device or SMS (Short Message Service) text message once they access AWS websites or services.

Types of Amazon MFA

There are two types of AWS Multi-Factor Authentication, let’s discuss them:

a. Security Token-Based

This kind of AWS MFA requires the user to assign an MFA device (hardware or virtual) to the IAM user or the AWS account root user. A virtual device could be a software application running on a phone or different mobile device that emulates a physical device.

Another way is that the device generates a six-digit numeric code which is valid for a limited time and is one-time password algorithmic rule. The user should type a valid code from the device on a second webpage throughout sign-in.

Every AWS MFA device assigned to a user should be unique; a user cannot type a code from another user’s device to evidence.

For additional info regarding sanctioning security token-based MFA, see turning on a Hardware MFA Device (Console) and enabling a Virtual Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Device (Console).

b. SMS Text Message-Based

This kind of AWS Multi-Factor Authentication needs the user to piece the IAM user with the number of the user’s SMS-compatible mobile device.

Once the user signs in, AWS sends a six-digit numeric code by SMS text message to the user’s mobile device. The user can’t use this kind of MFA with the AWS account root user.

How to re-synchronize the AWS MFA Devices?

As an AWS administrator, the user will be able to resynchronize the user IAM user MFA devices if they get out of synchronization. If a user’s device isn’t synchronal once they attempt to use it, the user’s sign-in try fails and IAM prompts the user to resynchronize the device.

If the user AWS account root user AWS MFA device isn’t operating, the user will be able to resynchronize the user device using the IAM console with or while not finishing the sign-in method.

  • A Re-synchronizing MFA Devices (IAM Console)
  • Re-synchronizing MFA Devices (AWS CLI)
  • Re-synchronizing MFA Devices (AWS API)

If Amazon MFA Device is Lost or Stops Operating

Even if the user lost their device on which they are operating MFA or the device stops working the user can still sign on with the help of various ways of authentication.

This suggests that if the user cannot sign on along with the user MFA device, the user will be able to sign on by collateral the user identity using the e-mail and phone that registered along with the user account.

If the device seems to be functioning properly. However, the user can’t use it to access the user AWS resources, then it’d be out of synchronization with the AWS system. For info regarding synchronizing an MFA device, see Re-synchronizing AWS MFA Devices.

If the AWS MFA device related to an IAM user is lost or stops operating, the user cannot recover it. IAM users should contact an administrator to deactivate the device.

Before the user signs on as a root user using various factors of authentication, certify that the user simply has access to the e-mail and number that relates to the user account.

Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication

Here, we will discuss some advantages of AWS Multi-Factor Authentication:

  • Enhanced Security in every manner.
  • Granular Control.
  • Temporary Credentials.
  • Flexible Credentials and Security Management.
  • Integration with AWS services.
  • Leverage external identity system.

So, this was all about AWS MFA Tutorial. Hope you like our explanation.

Conclusion

Hence, we studied AWS MFA comprises many features which are helpful. In addition, we discussed AWS MFA enable us to control access and permission to the AWs services and resources.

There are numerous benefits as it helps us in using identity federation for delegated access to the AWS Management Console. Is this blog helpful to you? Share your feedback with us!

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2 Responses

  1. Shivu R H says:

    On the left side bar, it is showing AWS – SDK twice. Is it supposed to be AWS – MFA for this page?

  2. appsian says:

    Great post & thank you for sharing, one of the good blogs to read about MFA

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