AWS Identity Center (formerly known as AWS Single Sign-On or AWS SSO) is a cloud service that allows you to centrally manage access to multiple AWS accounts and business applications. It provides a streamlined way for users to log in to all their accounts with a single set of credentials while improving security and management. This knowledge base will guide you through the setup and configuration of AWS Identity Center, including its features, best practices, and integration with various applications.

Understanding AWS Identity Center

What is AWS Identity Center?

AWS Identity Center is a service that simplifies access management for AWS resources and third-party applications. It enables users to authenticate themselves once and gain access to multiple AWS accounts and applications, streamlining user experience and enhancing security.

Key Features of AWS Identity Center

1. Centralized Access Management: Manage user access across multiple AWS accounts and applications from a single interface.
2. User Federation: Integrate with existing identity providers (IdPs) like Microsoft Active Directory or other SAML-based IdPs for federated authentication.
3. Application Integration: Easily connect with various cloud applications and services, including popular software as a service (SaaS) applications.
4. Multi Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance security by requiring multiple forms of authentication.
5. Custom Branding: Customize the user portal with your organization's branding for a consistent user experience.

Getting Started with AWS Identity Center

Accessing the AWS Management Console

1. In the services menu, navigate to AWS Identity Center.

Enabling AWS Identity Center

1. In the AWS Identity Center dashboard, click on Enable AWS Identity Center.
2. Review the service agreement and click Enable to activate the service.

Configuring Identity Source

You can choose to manage users directly in AWS Identity Center or integrate with an external identity provider.

AWS Identity Center as the Identity Source

1. Select AWS Identity Center as your identity source.
2. Click on Manage users to add users and groups directly in AWS Identity Center.

External Identity Provider (IdP)

1. If you want to use an external IdP, select External identity provider.
2. Follow the prompts to configure the connection with your IdP (e.g., Microsoft Active Directory, Okta, etc.).

Adding Users and Groups

1. In the Users section, click Add user to create new users in AWS Identity Center.
2. Enter the required user details, including email, first name, and last name. Optionally, assign users to groups for easier management.

Creating User Groups

1. Navigate to the Groups section and click Create group.
2. Provide a name and description for the group, then add users to the group.

Configuring Permission Sets

Permission sets are collections of policies that define what users can do in AWS accounts. You can create custom permission sets or use existing ones.

1. Navigate to the Permission sets section.
2. Click Create permission set.
3. Choose either the AWS managed policies or custom policies to define permissions for the permission set.
4. Provide a name and description, and configure additional settings like session duration and MFA requirements.
5. Review the permission set configuration and click Create.

Assigning Users to AWS Accounts

1. In the AWS accounts section, select the account to which you want to assign users or groups.
2. Click on Assign users.
3. Select the users or groups you want to assign to the account and choose the corresponding permission set.
4. Review your selections and click Assign users to finalize the assignment.

Customizing the User Portal

AWS Identity Center provides a user portal where users can access their assigned applications. You can customize this portal to align with your organization’s branding.

Custom Branding

1. Navigate to the User portal settings in AWS Identity Center.
2. Customize the portal by adding your organization’s logo, colors, and other branding elements.
3. Optionally, set up a custom domain for the user portal.

Configuring User Portal Settings

1. In the User portal section, configure settings such as:
   • User portal URL
   • Application launcher settings
   • User experience preferences (e.g., tile layout, app icons)
2. Save your changes to ensure the user portal reflects your organization’s branding and preferences.

Integrating Applications with AWS Identity Center

AWS Identity Center allows you to integrate various applications, including AWS services and third-party SaaS applications, for single sign-on (SSO).

Adding Applications

1. Navigate to the Applications section in AWS Identity Center.
2. Click on Add application.
3. Select the application type (AWS or SAML-based application) and follow the prompts to configure the application settings.

Adding AWS Applications

1. Choose from the list of AWS applications.
2. Select the permission sets to assign to the application.
3. Review the configuration and click Add application.

Adding SAML based Applications

1. Choose SAML 2.0 application from the application type.
2. Provide the application metadata or manually configure the application settings (e.g., ACS URL, Entity ID).
3. Set up the attribute mappings according to the application's requirements.
4. Review the configuration and click Add application.

Configuring Application Settings

1. In the Applications section, click on the application you want to configure.
2. Configure application-specific settings, such as:
   • User assignment requirements
   • SSO URL
   • Additional claims or attributes

Testing Application Access

1. Log in to the user portal as a test user.
2. Verify that the assigned applications are visible and accessible.
3. Test the SSO functionality by launching the applications from the user portal.

Enabling Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an additional layer of security to user accounts. AWS Identity Center allows you to configure MFA for users.

Enabling MFA

1. Navigate to the Settings section in AWS Identity Center.
2. Under Authentication, enable Multi factor authentication (MFA).
3. Choose the MFA methods you want to support (e.g., SMS, TOTP).
4. Save your changes.

User MFA Enrollment

When users first log in, they will be prompted to set up MFA based on the methods configured.

1. Users will select their preferred MFA method and follow the instructions to complete the enrollment process.
2. Ensure that users understand how to use their selected MFA method for future logins.

Managing and Auditing AWS Identity Center

Monitoring User Activity

Use AWS CloudTrail to monitor AWS Identity Center API calls and user activities.

1. Enable CloudTrail in the AWS Management Console.
2. Configure the trail to log events related to AWS Identity Center.
3. Review the logs to track user sign-ins, permission set assignments, and application access.

 Audit User Access

Regularly audit user access to ensure that only authorized users have access to your AWS accounts and applications.

1. Generate reports on user activity from AWS Identity Center.
2. Review user assignments, permission sets, and application access.
3. Remove any inactive or unauthorized users as necessary.

Best Practices for AWS Identity Center

1. Use MFA: Always enable MFA to enhance security for user accounts.
2. Regularly Review Permissions: Conduct periodic audits of user permissions and application access to ensure compliance with security policies.
3. Implement Least Privilege: Assign the minimum permissions necessary for users to perform their job functions.
4. Monitor Activity: Enable logging and monitoring to track user activities and identify any unusual access patterns.
5. Keep User Information Updated: Ensure user attributes and groups are kept current to facilitate effective access management.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Users Cannot Access the User Portal

1. Check User Status: Ensure that users are active and assigned to appropriate groups and permissions.
2. Review Group Assignments: Verify that users are part of the groups that have access to the relevant AWS accounts and applications.
3. Browser Compatibility: Ensure that users are using supported browsers.

SSO Fails for Integrated Applications

1. Check Application Configuration: Verify that the application settings, including SAML metadata, are correctly configured.
2. Review Attribute Mappings: Ensure that the attributes being sent to the application match its requirements.
3. Test the Connection: Use test users to verify that SSO is functioning as expected.

AWS Identity Center (formerly AWS SSO) offers a powerful and flexible way to manage user access to multiple AWS accounts and applications. By following the steps outlined in this knowledge base, you can set up and configure AWS Identity Center effectively, enhance your organization’s security posture, and streamline user management. Regular audits, monitoring, and adherence to best practices will ensure that your AWS Identity Center environment remains secure and efficient.