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Configuring AWS Alternate Contacts

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Introduction

AWS Alternate Contacts allow you to designate specific email addresses for account-related communications in the following categories:

1. Billing Contact: Notifications about billing and payment issues.
2. Operations Contact: Alerts about operational issues.
3. Security Contact: Security-related notifications.

Using email aliases for these contacts ensures centralized communication management and simplifies email handling.

This guide explains how to configure AWS Alternate Contacts while utilizing alias-based emails linked to the main root account.

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Prerequisites

1. Access to the AWS Management Console as the root user or with appropriate permissions.
2. A configured email alias system, as outlined in your organization’s root email setup:
   • Root account email: root@corp.co
   • Aliases:
     • Billing: root+billing@corp.co
     • Operations: root+operations@corp.co
     • Security: root+security@corp.co

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Steps to Configure Alternate Contacts

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Step 1: Navigate to Alternate Contacts

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console as the root user or an IAM user with appropriate permissions.
2. Open the Account Settings page:
   • From the navigation bar, choose your account name or the “My Account” link.
3. Scroll down to the Alternate Contacts section.

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Step 2: Update Billing Contact

1. Click the Edit button next to the Billing Contact.
2. Enter the following details:
   • Name: Billing Team or another descriptive name.
   • Email Address: root+billing@corp.co
   • Phone Number: Optional, but recommended for urgent issues.
3. Click Save Changes.

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Step 3: Update Operations Contact

1. Click the Edit button next to the Operations Contact.
2. Enter the following details:
   • Name: Operations Team
   • Email Address: root+operations@corp.co
   • Phone Number: Optional.
3. Click Save Changes.

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Step 4: Update Security Contact

1. Click the Edit button next to the Security Contact.
2. Enter the following details:
   • Name: Security Team
   • Email Address: root+security@corp.co
   • Phone Number: Optional, but highly recommended.
3. Click Save Changes.

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Verifying Configuration

1. Test Email Deliverability: Send a test email to each alias (root+billing@corp.co, root+operations@corp.co, and root+security@corp.co) to confirm they are correctly routed to the appropriate inbox.
2. AWS Notifications: Review notifications sent to the alternate contact emails to ensure proper delivery.

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Best Practices

1. Centralized Inbox Management:

   • Use a shared mailbox or email rules to manage alias-based communications.
   • Ensure that responsible team members monitor and respond to emails promptly.

2. Regular Updates:

   • Periodically review alternate contact configurations to ensure they reflect current organizational structure and responsibilities.

3. Compliance and Security:

   • Regularly audit the alternate contact emails to confirm compliance with internal and external policies.
   • Ensure only authorized personnel have access to these communications.

4. Backup Recovery:

   • Maintain access to the root account email to ensure continuity in case alternate contact emails are inaccessible.

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Benefits of Using Email Aliases

1. Simplified Management:

   • All alternate contact communications are centralized under the root account, reducing complexity.

2. Enhanced Clarity:

   • Aliases clearly identify the purpose of each email, improving response efficiency.

3. Scalability:

   • New contact roles or categories can be easily added by creating additional aliases.

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Conclusion

Configuring AWS Alternate Contacts with alias-based emails ensures efficient communication management and enhances operational security. Regularly review and maintain your alternate contact setup to align with organizational needs and AWS best practices.

By leveraging email aliases tied to the root account, your organization can centralize and streamline critical AWS communications while maintaining flexibility and control.