Setting Up Passkeys in AWS IAM

Passkeys offer a passwordless and more secure way to authenticate to AWS accounts, reducing risks associated with credential-based attacks like phishing and password stuffing. Passkeys rely on cryptographic keys linked to users’ devices, making traditional passwords obsolete.

This guide outlines the setup for passkeys in AWS IAM.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys authenticate users without passwords, using cryptographic keys stored on a device. These keys enable login through device biometrics (e.g., fingerprint, face recognition) or a hardware key, making them resistant to phishing and credential attacks.

Steps to Set Up Passkeys in AWS IAM

Step 1: Enable IAM Identity Center

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console.
2. Navigate to IAM Identity Center from the Services menu.
3. Enable IAM Identity Center to centralize access with AWS Organizations.

Step 2: Configure User Access

1. In IAM Identity Center, go to Users and click Add User.
2. Enter user details like name and email.
3. Under Credential Settings, specify that the user will log in through IAM Identity Center.

Step 3: Enable WebAuthn for Passkey Support

1. In IAM Identity Center, go to Security Settings.
2. Under Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), locate WebAuthn or Security Keys.
3. Enable passkey support to allow authentication with biometrics or a security key.

Step 4: Register a Passkey for Each User

1. Users log in through the IAM Identity Center to start passkey enrollment.
2. When prompted, users select a Security Key (e.g., YubiKey) or Biometric Authentication.
3. The passkey is registered and linked to the user’s device.

Step 5: Test Passkey Authentication

1. Log out of the AWS console.
2. Attempt a login via the IAM Identity Center link.
3. Follow the prompt to authenticate using the passkey (e.g., biometric scan or security key tap).

Step 6: Monitor Access and Enforce Policies

1. Use CloudTrail to audit passkey logins.
2. In IAM, create policies to enforce passkey use, especially for admin accounts.

Benefits of Using Passkeys in AWS IAM

• Increased Security: Eliminates password risks, reducing phishing and credential theft exposure.
• User Convenience: Simplifies login with biometrics or a security key, removing password requirements.
• Compliance: Meets multi-factor authentication (MFA) standards and secures login protocols.