diff --git a/source/manual/privileged-approval.html.md b/source/manual/privileged-approval.html.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..59bedc68dae --- /dev/null +++ b/source/manual/privileged-approval.html.md @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +--- +owner_slack: "#govuk-platform-engineering" +title: Obtain approval before using the fulladmin role on AWS +section: Infrastructure +layout: manual_layout +parent: "/manual.html" +--- + +> ⚠️ To keep GOV.UK secure, use the least privileged role possible. +> + +Privileged roles such as fulladmin are very powerful. In general, we use [infrastructure as code](https://www.github.com/alphagov/govuk-infrastructure) to configure our systems, and should use privileged roles only when there is no alternative. + +When it is required, get a second person to confirm that the access is appropriate. + +## Privileged access approval process (AKA cyber thumb) + +1. Find a person who is happy to approve that your access is required. + +1. Find the ID of the AWS account you'll be accessing. One way of doing this is by running `gds aws govuk--developer -d` from a terminal. + +1. Go to the [#cyber-security-notifications Slack channel](https://app.slack.com/client/T8GT9416G/C01V4PPNNUF) and click on the green "Action Notification" button to start the workflow. + +1. Write a brief summary of your expected activity, add [the account ID](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c3SoA94floYAwxcf8T_zC2i7z82qk28UgbEhr7FLRx4/edit?usp=sharing) and select the person to approve the action. + +1. Submit the form. + +1. Once the approver has confirmed that it is expected (you should see an update to the Slack channel) you are free to use your privileged role. + +### I made a mistake/put the wrong ID in/accessed using the wrong role + +As soon as you realise, let your tech lead or a lead from your area know. Fill in the form as above. + +You/they will get a follow-up from someone in senior tech if the monitoring has already been triggered. We understand that mistakes happen. This process is to help reduce the scope for these to be dangerous. + +Make sure your habitual access is with a lesser privileged role such as the `developer` role. + +### I'm on call and there's no one around + +If it is not urgent, wait until people are around. Privileged account use can be risky, so it's best to have a second pair of eyes anyway. + +If you need access and it cannot wait, use Pagerduty to call the other on-call engineer. If they are not available, escalate to the GOV.UK Programme Escalations rota. + +If you cannot contact anyone useful and you still need to access the system urgently after attempting these actions, then do what you need to. The monitoring/alerting should ensure that someone arrives to help.