AWS Verified Access is a service that enables secure access to corporate applications and resources without the need for a VPN. By implementing fine-grained access policies based on user identity and device security status, it ensures that only authorized users and compliant devices can access sensitive applications and data. This approach enhances security by continuously validating each access request against predefined policies, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Additionally, Verified Access simplifies the management of access policies by allowing administrators to group applications with similar security requirements and manage them from a single interface. Comprehensive logging of access attempts provides enhanced observability, enabling quick identification and resolution of security incidents.
Key Features and Functionality:
- Fine-Grained Access Policies: Define detailed access controls based on user identity and device security posture, ensuring that access is granted only when specific security requirements are met.
- User Authentication: Integrates with AWS IAM Identity Center and supports third-party identity providers using SAML or OpenID Connect, facilitating seamless user authentication.
- Device Posture Assessment: Collaborates with third-party device management services to assess the security and compliance state of user devices, adding an extra layer of security.
- Simplified Access Management: Allows grouping of applications with similar security needs, enabling administrators to create and manage access policies efficiently from a centralized interface.
- Comprehensive Logging and Visibility: Provides detailed logs of all access attempts, supporting integration with services like Amazon S3, CloudWatch Logs, and Kinesis Data Firehose for enhanced monitoring and incident response.
- Support for HTTP and TCP Applications: Offers secure access to both web-based applications and non-web-based applications, such as databases and EC2 instances, over protocols like SSH, TCP, and RDP.
Primary Value and Problem Solved:
AWS Verified Access addresses the challenges associated with traditional VPN-based remote access solutions, which can be complex to manage and may not provide the granular security controls required in modern IT environments. By eliminating the need for a VPN, it streamlines the user experience, allowing secure access to corporate applications from anywhere. The service enhances security posture by enforcing zero trust principles, continuously verifying each access request against detailed policies based on user identity and device security status. This approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access and lateral movement within the network. Additionally, Verified Access simplifies security operations by providing a centralized platform for managing access policies and offers comprehensive logging for improved monitoring and compliance.