AWS Account Setup and Root User

Last Updated: September 2020

Author: Ben Potter, Security Lead, Well-Architected

Introduction

This hands-on lab will guide you through the introductory steps to configure contacts for your AWS account and secure the root user. This process is not required for accounts you manage with AWS Organizations or AWS Control Tower. For more information see Security Foundations in the AWS Well-Architected security whitepaper. For accounts used for business purposes it is recommended to start with AWS Control Tower. For personal or invidual accounts you can follow the steps in this unofficial video from the author of this lab.

Prerequisites

• An AWS account that you are able to use for testing.
• Root user login.

Costs

• There are no costs for this lab
• AWS Pricing

Steps

• Account Settings & Root User Security
• Tear down

References & Useful Resources

• AWS Tasks That Require Root User
• Credential Report
• AWS Identity and Access Management User Guide
• IAM Best Practices and Use Cases
• Resetting Your Lost or Forgotten Passwords or Access Keys
• Using MFA Devices With Your IAM Sign-in Page
• What If an MFA Device Is Lost or Stops Working