Inlinewithindustrybestpractice,theuseofrootusercapabilitieswithinanAWSaccountshouldbelimitedtoexceptionalcircumstances.
The root user controls an entire AWS estate, including critical systems such as databases, servers, and applications. Therefore, any compromise of root user credentials can have serious consequences.
As part of ongoing consultancy and collaboration between Nasstar and Center Parcs, it was recognised that a comprehensive solution was required to enhance security measures.
Specifically, it was determined that a monthly report should be generated to capture any instances where the organisation's AWS accounts were accessed through the root user via the web console. This report would not only record essential information like the precise date and time of each event but would also include a reference to the unique multi-factor authentication (MFA) device utilised by staff members during the access process.