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Multi-factor authentication for Identity Center users - AWS IAM Identity Center

Multi-factor authentication for Identity Center users

IAM Identity Center comes preconfigured with multi-factor authentication (MFA) turned on by default so that all users must sign in with MFA in addition to their user name and password. This ensures that users must sign in to the AWS access portal using the following two factors:

  • Their user name and password. This is the first factor and is something users know.

  • Either a code, security key, or biometrics. This is the second factor and is something users have (possession) or are (biometric). The second factor might be either an authentication code generated from their mobile device, a security key connected to their computer, or user’s biometric scan.

Together, these multiple factors provide increased security by preventing unauthorized access to your AWS resources unless a valid MFA challenge has been successfully completed.

Each user can register up to two virtual authenticator apps, which are one-time password authenticator applications installed on your mobile device or tablet, and six FIDO authenticators, which include built-in authenticators and security keys, for a total of eight MFA devices. Learn more about Available MFA types for IAM Identity Center.

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