How to Set Up Your First IAM User in 5 Minutes on AWS

Source: Dev.to

Introduction

Identity and Access Management (IAM) lets you create separate users for yourself and your teammates, granting each only the permissions they actually need.

Steps to Create an IAM User

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console

   • Open your web browser and go to .
   • Enter your login details.

2. Open the IAM service

   • Use the search bar at the top of the console, type IAM, and press Enter.
   • Or navigate via Services → Security, Identity & Compliance → IAM.

3. Create a new user

   • In the left navigation pane, click Users.
   • Click the Create user button.
   • Enter a name for the new user.

4. Configure console access

   • Check Provide user access to the AWS Management Console.
   • Select I want to create an IAM user.
   • Choose Custom password and enter a password that meets the password requirements.
   • Note: If someone or a camera is nearby, avoid clicking Show password to prevent shoulder surfing.
   • Keep Users must create a new password at next sign‑in – Recommended selected.

5. Attach permissions

   • Check Attach policies directly.
   • Choose the policies you want to assign, or create custom policies as needed.
   • Click Next.

6. Review and create

   • Verify the username, access type, and permission boundary.
   • Click Create user.

7. Download credentials

   • After creation, you’ll see the username, password, and a sign‑in URL.
   • Click Download CSV to save the credentials for the new user.
   • Click Close.

Conclusion

Congratulations! By following these steps you have successfully created a new IAM user account.