# Getting started with Amazon Security Lake
<a name="getting-started"></a>

The topics in this section explain how to enable and start using Security Lake. You'll learn how to configure your data lake settings and set up log collection. You can enable and use Security Lake through the AWS Management Console or programmatically. Whichever method you use, you must first set up an AWS account and an administrative user. The steps after that differ based on the method of access. 

The Security Lake console offers a streamlined process for getting started, and creates all necessary AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles that you need to create your data lake.

If you access Security Lake programmatically, it's necessary to create some AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles in order to configure your data lake.

**Important**  
Security Lake does not support backfilling of existing AWS raw log source events that were generated before enabling Security Lake.

**Topics**
+ [Setting up your AWS account](initial-account-setup.md)
+ [Considerations when enabling Security Lake](enable-securitylake-considerations.md)
+ [Enabling Security Lake using the console](get-started-console.md)
+ [Enabling Security Lake programmatically](get-started-programmatic.md)