Control: 1.6 Ensure hardware MFA is enabled for the 'root' user account

Description

The 'root' user account is the most privileged user in an AWS account. MFA adds an extra layer of protection on top of a user name and password. With MFA enabled, when a user signs in to an AWS website, they will be prompted for their user name and password as well as for an authentication code from their AWS MFA device. For Level 2, it is recommended that the 'root' user account be protected with a hardware MFA.

A hardware MFA has a smaller attack surface than a virtual MFA. For example, a hardware MFA does not suffer the attack surface introduced by the mobile smartphone on which a virtual MFA resides.

Note: Using hardware MFA for numerous AWS accounts may create a logistical device management issue. If this is the case, consider implementing this Level 2 recommendation selectively for the highest security AWS accounts, while applying the Level 1 recommendation to the remaining accounts.

Remediation

Note: To manage MFA devices for the AWS 'root' user account, you must use your 'root' account credentials to sign in to AWS. You cannot manage MFA devices for the 'root' account using other credentials.

Perform the following to establish a hardware MFA for the 'root' user account:

1. Sign in to the AWS Management Console and open the IAM console at https://console.aws.amazon.com/iam/.
2. Choose Dashboard, and under Security Status, expand Activate MFA on your root account.
3. Choose Activate MFA.
4. In the wizard, choose A hardware MFA device and then choose Next Step.
5. In the Serial Number box, enter the serial number that is found on the back of the MFA device.
6. In the Authentication Code 1 box, enter the six-digit number displayed by the MFA device. You might need to press the button on the front of the device to display the number.
7. Wait 30 seconds while the device refreshes the code, and then enter the next six-digit number into the Authentication Code 2 box. You might need to press the button on the front of the device again to display the second number.
8. Choose Next Step. The MFA device is now associated with the AWS account. The next time you use your AWS account credentials to sign in, you must type a code from the hardware MFA device.

Remediation for this recommendation is not available through AWS CLI.