Getting Started with AWS Control Tower

Introduction

Whether you're new to AWS or looking to enhance your cloud management practices, this blog will guide you through the basics of AWS Control Tower and how it can simplify managing your AWS environment.

What is AWS Control Tower?

AWS Control Tower is a service designed to help you oversee and govern your multi-account AWS environment. It's like having a central command center that ensures your cloud setup aligns with AWS's best practices. Essentially, it's about making life easier for those managing AWS resources.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Quick Setup: One of the standout features of AWS Control Tower is its ability to set up a multi-account environment rapidly. This is particularly useful for organizations that need to deploy multiple AWS accounts efficiently and securely.

2. Automated Governance: AWS Control Tower automates many aspects of AWS account management. This includes setting up new accounts with predefined configurations, a process facilitated by the Account Factory.

3. Policy Compliance and Monitoring: The interactive dashboard of AWS Control Tower allows for continuous oversight of compliance across your AWS accounts. This includes monitoring controls for policy enforcement and identifying non-compliant resources.

4. Guardrails for Policy Management: AWS Control Tower uses guardrails - rules for maintaining security and compliance. There are two types:

   • Preventive Guardrails: These use Service Control Policies (SCPs) to prevent deviations from your set policies.
   • Detective Guardrails: Utilizing AWS Config, these guardrails help detect and address compliance issues.

5. Integration and Scalability: AWS Control Tower integrates seamlessly with other AWS services and can be scaled to meet the needs of any organization. This flexibility is crucial for businesses growing their cloud presence.

6. Centralized Control: By leveraging AWS Organizations, AWS Control Tower offers centralized governance, ensuring consistent compliance across all your AWS accounts.

Getting Started

If you're ready to dive in, here's a simplified roadmap:

1. Review Documentation: Before setting up, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with AWS Control Tower's capabilities. AWS provides comprehensive documentation to help you get started.

2. Set Up Your Landing Zone: This is your central environment within AWS Control Tower. It involves setting up organizational units, accounts, and resources under compliance regulation.

3. Apply and Monitor Controls: Once your landing zone is set up, you can apply controls and monitor them through the dashboard. This ensures your AWS environment adheres to your organizational policies and compliance requirements.

4. Utilize Account Factory for Account Creation: For creating new AWS accounts, use the Account Factory feature to ensure they align with your established configurations and policies.

5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Keep abreast of new features and best practices through AWS workshops and training resources. This will help you make the most of AWS Control Tower.

Conclusion

AWS Control Tower is a powerful tool for organizations seeking to streamline their AWS cloud management. By automating key processes, providing centralized control, and ensuring compliance, it significantly eases the burden of managing a multi-account AWS environment.