AWS Key pairs vs Access keys
Access keys and key pairs are two entirely different things.
Key Pairs are required to provide access to machines (EC2 instances) from client desktops (using SSH).
1. So, Key Pairs DO provide ACCESS – to EC2 instances. that They prove your identity just like a usernames/password does. When creating the EC2 instance, you are prompted for such a key pair.
2. Private Keys are stored on the client desktop. The public key is on AWS – it validates the encrypted message sent by the client desktop using the public key.
Access Keys are for IAM users. You would typically use these access keys for programmatic access to AWS services and APIs (e.g. when typing CLI commands).
Summary
Folks often confuse these two, and for good reason. Typically, Key Pairs ARE used for EC2 access (via SSH). However, Access Keys are tied to IAM identities and are used to log in to AWS accounts (without a username password).
Anuj holds professional certifications in Google Cloud, AWS as well as certifications in Docker and App Performance Tools such as New Relic. He specializes in Cloud Security, Data Encryption and Container Technologies.
Anuj Varma – who has written 1216 posts on Anuj Varma, Hands-On Technology Architect, Clean Air Activist.
Anuj, thank you for this clear explanation between access keys and key pair.
Thank you your short explanation avoids my confusion. thank you