Determining an Authentication and Access Control Strategy for Complex Organizations – SAP-C02 Study Guide

This chapter introduces the first objective of this book, that is, determining an authentication and access control strategy to address the requirements of complex organizations.

To pass your Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect Professional certification, you will start by revisiting the key concepts and mechanisms supporting Identity and Access Management (IAM) on AWS. You will then investigate cross-account access control and user federation, which are essential support for complex organizations. Finally, you will cover the multiple ways an organization can provide its users access to AWS by leveraging its existing directory service.

The following topics will be covered in this chapter:

  • Identity and Access Management
  • Examining access control
  • Leveraging access delegation
  • Considering user federation
  • Reviewing AWS Directory Service

Since you are preparing for AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification, you should have already been exposed to AWS environments and services. You may already be familiar with most of the concepts covered in this chapter, but it’s worth revisiting them as to ensure you have the core knowledge needed to pass the certification.

Making the Most Out of this Book – Your Certification and Beyond

This book and its accompanying online resources are designed to be a complete preparation tool for your AWS SAP-C02 Exam.

The book is written in a way that you can apply everything you’ve learned here even after your certification. The online practice resources that come with this book (Figure 1.1) are designed to improve your test-taking skills. They are loaded with practice questions, interactive flashcards, and exam tips to help you work on your exam readiness from now till your test day.

Before You Proceed

To learn how to access these resources, head over to Chapter 21, Accessing the Online Practice Resources, at the end of the book.

Figure 1.1: Dashboard interface of the online practice resources

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of this book so that you can clear your certification and retain your knowledge beyond your exam:

  1. Read each section thoroughly.
  2. Make ample notes: You can use your favorite online note-taking tool or use a physical notebook. The free online resources also give you access to an online version of this book. Click the BACK TO THE BOOK link from the Dashboard to access the book in Packt Reader. You can highlight specific sections of the book there.
  3. Practice Questions: Go through the practice questions provided online with this book. Use them to test yourself on the concepts learned. If you get some answers wrong, go back to the book and revisit the concepts you’re weak in.
  4. Flashcards: After you’ve gone through the book and start reviewing the online flashcards. They will help you memorize key concepts.
  5. Exam Tips: Review these from time to time to improve your exam readiness even further.

Now that you have gone through the preceding tips to help you maximize the benefits of this book and the online resources provided with it, you can proceed to the first main topic of this chapter.