What is a defining feature of AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)?

A defining feature of AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) is its ability to centrally manage user permissions and credentials. IAM allows administrators to create and manage AWS users and groups, assigning specific permissions to control what actions different users can perform on AWS resources. This centralized management ensures that access to sensitive data and services is properly controlled and monitored, contributing to enhanced security.

By providing a systematic approach to user management, IAM facilitates the principle of least privilege, where users only have the access necessary to perform their job functions. This helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access or accidental changes to critical AWS resources. IAM also supports various authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), and integrates with other AWS services, making it a foundational component of AWS security management.