Understanding AWS IAM Users

Hey guys! 👋

Today I learned something really neat about AWS, specifically how it orchestrates users and access management. If you've ever wondered how companies keep their cloud stuff nice and secure and orderly, this is where AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management) comes in.

I'll try and break it down in common sense terms. 👇

👑 The Root User vs An IAM User — What Are We Talking About?

So, the first time you create an AWS account, you begin with what is called the root user. You can think of this like the owner of a house who has all the keys — they can do everything. They have total control over billing, services, users, settings — you name it.

What you need to know though, is that the root user is far too powerful for daily tasks. Using the root user for tree-cutting down trees is extremely dangerous. Enter IAM users.

IAM (Identity and Access Management) allows you to create users that have limited access — like giving someone a key that will only open one room instead of a key that opens the whole house.

🏦 A Bank Analogy That Works

Think of a bank. You have different departments — customer service, loans, security, etc. Each person has a role, and can only go into areas that relate to their work responsibilities. A customer service rep shouldn’t have access to the loan approval system, and a loan officer shouldn’t be able to open the bank’s vault. If everyone could access everything, it would lead to confusion, mistakes, or even serious security issues. That’s why access needs to be controlled and based on what each person actually needs to do their job — and that’s exactly what AWS IAM does in the cloud world.