Source URL: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws/aws-iam-identity-center-now-supports-customer-managed-kms-keys-for-encryption-at-rest/
Source: AWS News Blog
Title: AWS IAM Identity Center now supports customer-managed KMS keys for encryption at rest
Feedly Summary: Gain control over encryption and comply with regulations using customer-managed keys for AWS IAM Identity Center’s user data and passwords.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the new feature in AWS that allows organizations to use their own customer-managed encryption keys (CMKs) with IAM Identity Center. This capability is particularly relevant for regulated industries needing stringent control over encryption key management for compliance and audit requirements. The integration streamlines the management of encryption and provides detailed auditing through AWS CloudTrail.
Detailed Description:
The text outlines the recent enhancement in AWS IAM Identity Center, enabling organizations to effectively manage encryption for identity data using their own AWS Key Management Service (KMS) keys. This capability is significant for companies in regulated sectors that require tighter control over their data encryption practices. The following key points detail the functionality and implications of this feature:
– **Customer-Managed Keys (CMKs)**:
– Organizations can create and use CMKs in AWS KMS for encrypting identity data within IAM Identity Center.
– This feature allows full control over key lifecycle actions such as creation, rotation, and deletion, catering specifically to audit and compliance needs.
– **Integration with AWS KMS**:
– AWS IAM Identity Center now supports granular access policies using AWS KMS key policies and IAM policies to enforce security by ensuring only authorized users can access the encrypted identity data.
– The integration also produces comprehensive logging via AWS CloudTrail, essential for regulatory compliance.
– **Operational Guidance**:
– Keys must reside in the same AWS account and region as the IAM Identity Center instance.
– Users are advised to use multi-region KMS keys for future flexibility, despite current limitations of Identity Center being single-region.
– **Setting Up CMKs**:
– A practical demo procedure is provided, detailing step-by-step creation and configuration of a CMK tailored for IAM Identity Center.
– Users learn to define permissions and policies necessary for administrators and applications to leverage the CMK effectively.
– **IAM Policies**:
– The inclusion of necessary IAM permissions is vital for seamless operation across AWS managed applications using IAM Identity Center. Misconfiguration can lead to service disruptions.
– **Security Considerations**:
– Users are reminded to check compatibility of their AWS managed applications with CMKs, as incompatibility can hinder functionality.
– Guidelines emphasize the importance of verifying permissions and IAM roles to ensure proper integration and operational continuity.
– **Pricing Information**:
– Standard AWS KMS charges apply, while the IAM Identity Center upgrade does not incur additional fees.
In conclusion, this new capability reflects AWS’s commitment to supporting stringent security and compliance requirements in cloud environments, particularly for organizations dealing with sensitive identity data. Security professionals should assess their current data management strategies and consider the integration of CMKs into their AWS applications for improved control over encryption.