Passkey Support Comes to AWS IAM

At its annual re:Inforce conference, Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) has announced new AI-powered features and enhanced security measures, including support for passkeys in AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM). Passkeys, built on the WebAuthentication standard, offer a more secure and user-friendly alternative to passwords by allowing sign-ins through built-in authenticators like Touch ID and Windows Hello, or hardware security keys.

IAM’s new multifactor authentication feature lets users secure their AWS accounts using passkeys, which can be created with a fingerprint, face, or device PIN and synced across devices for seamless access. The IAM support is meant to enhance security while simplifying the user experience, aligning with AWS’s priority to integrate robust security measures into every aspect of its services.

Other security enhancements include AWS IAM Access Analyzer’s new recommendations for unused access and extended policy checks to prevent non-conformant updates. Amazon GuardDuty Malware Protection has been extended to Amazon S3, allowing users to scan newly uploaded objects for malware. And a new AWS Cloud WAN service insertion feature streamlines the integration of network services like firewalls and intrusion detection systems into global networks.

Founded in 2006 as a subsidiary of Amazon.com, AWS has grown to become a dominant player in the cloud industry, known for its innovation and extensive service offerings. Over the years, AWS has embraced biometric authentication technology to enhance security and user experience. Notable examples include Amazon Cognito, which supports multi-factor authentication with biometric factors like fingerprints and facial recognition through third-party providers, and AWS Single Sign-On (SSO), which integrates with identity providers that support biometric authentication.

Source: Silicon Angle

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June 12, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith