The Best Secure Way to Access Private EC2 Instances – No Bastion Host Needed!

Introduction

AWS EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint allows secure SSH access to private EC2 instances without requiring a bastion host or public IP address. This method simplifies access while keeping your infrastructure private and secure.

In this step-by-step guide, we will:

• Set up an EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint

• Configure security groups properly

• Connect to a private EC2 instance securely

Let's dive in! 🚀

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Problem Without EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint

Traditionally, accessing private EC2 instances required setting up a bastion host or using a VPN, both of which introduce security risks and additional management overhead. The problems include:

• Increased Costs – Running a bastion host 24/7 incurs extra costs for EC2 instances, Elastic IPs, and potential data transfer charges.

• Security Risks – Bastion hosts, if misconfigured, can become attack vectors.

• Complex Setup – VPNs and bastion hosts require additional networking configurations.

With EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint, you eliminate the need for a bastion host, reducing complexity and saving potentially hundreds of dollars per month, depending on your infrastructure size.

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Why Use EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint?

✅ No need for bastion hosts – Eliminates extra management overhead.
✅ Enhanced security – Keeps EC2 instances private within the VPC.
✅ IAM-controlled access – Permissions define who can use EC2 Instance Connect.
✅ Simple setup – No complex VPNs or NAT configurations required.
✅ Cost Savings – Reduces infrastructure costs by removing bastion hosts.

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Step 1: Create an EC2 Instance (Private)

1. Go to the AWS EC2 Console.

2. Click Launch Instance and choose Amazon Linux 2.

3. Place the instance in a private subnet (without public IP).

4. Attach a security group (we will configure this later).

5. Launch the instance.

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Step 2: Create an EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint

1. Navigate to VPC Console → Endpoints.

2. Click Create Endpoint.

3. Choose AWS Services and search for ec2-instance-connect-endpoint.

4. Select the VPC and private subnet where the EC2 instance resides.

5. Under Security Group, create or select an SG (we will configure it below).

6. Click Create Endpoint. ( It will take some mins to create )

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Step 3: Configure Security Groups Properly

1️⃣ Security Group for EC2 Instance

2️⃣ Security Group for EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint

✅ This setup ensures that only SSH traffic from the EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint reaches the EC2 instance.

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Step 4: Connect to the Private EC2 Instance

1. Open the AWS EC2 Console.

2. Select the private EC2 instance.

3. Click Connect → EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint.

4. Click Connect – You are now securely connected! 🎉

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Best Practices 🔒

• Limit access with IAM policies – Define who can use EC2 Instance Connect.

• Restrict security groups – Allow SSH access only from trusted sources.

• Enable logging and monitoring – Use AWS CloudTrail to track connection attempts.

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Conclusion

EC2 Instance Connect Endpoint provides a secure, efficient way to access private EC2 instances without the complexity of a bastion host. By following this step-by-step guide, you can set up and configure everything correctly while maintaining a strong security posture.

By eliminating bastion hosts, you save infrastructure costs while improving security and ease of access.

If you found this helpful, share it with your network! 🚀