Resource Policy
A document that defines permissions for AWS resources.
Description
In the AWS (Amazon Web Services) context, a Resource Policy is a JSON document that specifies what actions are allowed or denied for a particular AWS resource. Resource Policies are often attached to AWS services like S3 buckets, SNS topics, or IAM roles, providing fine-grained control over who can access these resources and under what conditions. They enable resource owners to share access with other AWS accounts, organizations, or AWS services without needing to manage individual IAM users. For example, a Resource Policy can be used to allow a specific AWS account to read objects from an S3 bucket, or to grant access to a Lambda function to be invoked by an API Gateway. The flexibility offered by Resource Policies is crucial for managing security and compliance in cloud environments, allowing for cross-account access and integration with other AWS services while maintaining a secure architecture.
Examples
- A Resource Policy on an S3 bucket that allows public read access for all objects.
- An SNS topic Resource Policy that permits an AWS Lambda function from a different account to publish messages.
Additional Information
- Resource Policies can include conditions that specify additional restrictions, such as IP address restrictions or time-based access.
- They are distinct from IAM policies, which are attached to users, groups, or roles and define permissions at the identity level.