Final answer:
Role Switching in the context of AWS refers to the process where a user or application assumes an IAM Role to obtain temporary permissions to access resources in another AWS account. It is used for secure permission management, allowing cross-account access without multiple IAM users, and enabling controlled third-party vendor access.
Step-by-step explanation:
Role Switching refers to the process in Amazon Web Services (AWS) where a user or an application assumes an Identity and Access Management (IAM) Role to obtain temporary security credentials for making AWS service requests. This is typically used to manage permissions in a secure way by allowing a user with permissions in one AWS account to access resources in another AWS account. When a role is assumed, it is as if the user has 'logged into' that role, receiving a new set of temporary AWS credentials for the duration of the session.
Some common scenarios where role switching is used include:
- Accessing resources across multiple AWS accounts without needing to create multiple IAM users in each account.
- Providing access to a third-party vendor or application to perform actions on your behalf in a controlled manner.
- Delegating permissions to access resources that reside in a different AWS account to users within your organization.
The process involves changing who can assume a role rather than changing the permissions or trust policy of the role itself. This means that role switching effectively allows one AWS identity to perform actions under the guise of another AWS identity, in accordance with the permissions granted to the assumed role.