How to Use an AWS Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to create and manage an AWS account with this detailed step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners and those looking to secure and customize their AWS experience.



How to Use an AWS Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a powerful platform that allows you to manage cloud resources with great flexibility. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your AWS account and managing its essential features.

1. Creating an AWS Account

AWS offers a free account for the first year, giving you the chance to explore and use various services such as EC2, S3, and DynamoDB with certain limitations. Here's how to get started:

Steps to Create an AWS Account:

  1. Visit the AWS Website: Go to the AWS sign-up page and sign up for a new account.
  2. Provide Your Email Address: Enter your email and complete the form with your contact information. This will be used for billing and account identification.
  3. Enter Payment Information: AWS requires valid payment details. A small charge will be made to your card for validation, which may vary based on your region.
  4. Verify Your Identity: AWS will call you to confirm the phone number you provided.
  5. Choose a Support Plan: Select from Basic, Developer, Business, or Enterprise plans. The Basic plan is free and ideal for learning purposes.
  6. Confirmation: Once the sign-up is complete, you will be directed to the AWS Management Console where you can start using AWS services.

2. Understanding AWS Account Identifiers

When you create an AWS account, AWS assigns two unique identifiers to your account:

  • AWS Account ID: A 12-digit number (e.g., 987654321012) used in Amazon Resource Names (ARNs) to distinguish your resources from others.
  • Canonical User ID: A long alphanumeric string that is used in Amazon S3 bucket policies for cross-account access.

To find your AWS Account ID, click on "Support" in the upper-right corner of the AWS Management Console.

3. Customizing Your AWS Account Alias

Your AWS account comes with a default sign-in URL that includes your Account ID. You can customize this URL by creating an account alias, making it easier to remember (e.g., companyname.signin.aws.amazon.com).

Steps to Create/Delete an AWS Account Alias:

  1. Sign in to AWS Management Console: Open the IAM Console.
  2. Create an Alias: Click on the "Customize" link, enter your desired alias (e.g., mycompany), and save.
  3. Delete an Alias: To remove an alias, click on "Customize" again and confirm by clicking "Yes, Delete."

4. Enhancing Security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security to your AWS account. It requires a unique code from an approved device, like a hardware token or an app, whenever you log in.

How to Enable MFA:

  1. Open IAM Console: Go to the IAM Console.
  2. Select Users: In the navigation pane, choose "Users."
  3. Enable MFA: Scroll down to "Security Credentials," select MFA, and follow the instructions to activate it.

Types of MFA Devices:

  • SMS MFA Device: AWS sends a six-digit code to your mobile phone via SMS (Note: This is not available for the root account).
  • Hardware MFA Device: A physical device generates a six-digit code for sign-in.
  • Virtual MFA Device: A mobile app, like Google Authenticator, generates time-based codes.

5. Managing Users with AWS Identity & Access Management (IAM)

AWS Identity & Access Management (IAM) allows you to create and manage users within your AWS account, assigning specific permissions to each user. This minimizes the need to use the root account for everyday tasks, enhancing security.

How to Create Users in IAM:

  1. Sign in to AWS Management Console: Open the IAM Console.
  2. Select Users: From the navigation pane, click "Users" to view the current list of users.
  3. Create New Users: Click "Create New Users," enter the desired username (e.g., johndoe), and click "Create."
  4. Manage Security Credentials: You can view access keys, manage passwords, enable MFA, and perform other security-related tasks.

By following these steps, you can easily create and manage your AWS account, personalize your settings, secure your resources, and manage user access efficiently.