MFA is not enabled for root account

Description

The Root Account represents the highest privilege level within an AWS account. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances the security of username and password combinations by requiring users to possess a registered device that generates a time-sensitive authentication code, in addition to knowledge of their credentials. When signing in to an AWS service, users with MFA enabled will be prompted to provide their username, password, and the MFA code generated by their AWS MFA device.

It is strongly recommended to enable MFA for the Root Account.

📘 Note

When using virtual MFA for the Root Account, it is recommended that the MFA device be a dedicated, managed mobile device (such as a tablet or smartphone), rather than a personal device. This device should be kept charged, secured, and distinct from any personal devices. This approach, referred to as “non-personal virtual MFA,” minimizes the risk of MFA access loss due to device loss, replacement, or the departure of the individual associated with the device.

Fix - Runtime

AWS Console

To establish MFA for the root account, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the AWS Management Console at https://console.aws.amazon.com/.
  2. Open the Amazon IAM console.
  3. Select Dashboard and under Security Status on your root account expand Activate MFA.
  4. Select Activate MFA.
  5. In the wizard, select a virtual MFA device, then select Next Step.
  6. IAM generates and displays configuration information for the virtual MFA device, including a QR code graphic. The graphic is a representation of the secret configuration key, available for manual entry on devices that do not support QR codes.
  7. Open your virtual MFA application. See Virtual MFA Applications for a list of apps that you can use for hosting virtual MFA devices. If the virtual MFA application supports multiple accounts (multiple virtual MFA devices), select the option to create a new account (a new virtual MFA device).
  8. Determine whether the MFA app supports QR codes, then do one of the following.
    a) Use the app to scan the QR code. For example, you might choose the camera icon or choose an option similar to Scan code, and then use the device’s camera to scan the code.
    b) In the Manage MFA Device wizard, select Show secret key for manual configuration, then enter the secret configuration key into your MFA application.
  9. The virtual MFA device starts generating one-time passwords.
    a) In the Manage MFA Device wizard Authentication Code 1 box, enter the one-time password that currently appears in the virtual MFA device.
    b) Wait up to 30 seconds for the device to generate a new one-time password.
    c) In the Authentication Code 2 box, enter the second one-time password.
    d) Select Active Virtual MFA.
ReLambda