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Check Root Access Keys Existence

This check ensures that the AWS root account does not have any active access keys. Root access keys provide unrestricted access to the AWS account and should never be used for day-to-day operations.

Check Details

  • Resource: General
  • Check: Check root access keys existence
  • Risk: Root access keys can be misused to gain full control of the AWS account

Remediation via AWS Console

  1. Log in to the AWS Management Console using the root account.
  2. Open the IAM console by searching for IAM in the AWS Console. AWS IAM Console
  3. Click on the <root_account> name at the top-right corner and select My Security Credentials.
  4. On the warning screen, click Continue to Security Credentials.
  5. Expand the Access keys (access key ID and secret access key) section.
  6. If any access keys are present and marked as Active, click Delete.

    Note: Deleted root access keys cannot be recovered.