Access Key & Secret Key

Connect your AWS account using IAM user access keys.

  3 minute read  

This guide walks you through connecting your AWS account to Cloud2Gether using an IAM Access Key and Secret Key. This is the simplest connection method, ideal for quick setups and development environments.

Part 1: Create an IAM User in AWS

Step 1: Open the IAM Console

  1. Sign in to the AWS Management Console
  2. Navigate to IAM (Identity and Access Management) by searching for “IAM” in the top search bar
  3. In the left sidebar, click Users

Step 2: Create a New User

  1. Click the Create user button
  2. Enter a user name, for example: cloud2gether-readonly
  3. Click Next

Step 3: Attach Permissions

  1. Select Attach policies directly
  2. In the search box, type ReadOnlyAccess
  3. Check the box next to the ReadOnlyAccess managed policy
  4. Click Next

Step 4: Review and Create

  1. Review the user configuration
  2. Click Create user

Step 5: Generate Access Keys

  1. Click on the newly created user name to open its details
  2. Go to the Security credentials tab
  3. Scroll down to the Access keys section
  4. Click Create access key

Step 6: Configure Access Key

  1. Select Third-party service as the use case
  2. Check the confirmation box acknowledging the recommendation
  3. Click Next
  4. Optionally add a description tag (e.g., Cloud2Gether integration)
  5. Click Create access key

Step 7: Copy Your Credentials

You will see your Access Key ID and Secret Access Key. Copy both values and store them securely.

Part 2: Connect in Cloud2Gether

Step 1: Navigate to Cloud Accounts

  1. Log in to Cloud2Gether
  2. In the left sidebar, click Cloud Accounts
  3. Click the Add Account button
  4. Select AWS as the cloud provider

Step 2: Enter Account Details

  1. Account name: Enter a descriptive name for this account (e.g., My AWS Production)
  2. Select the Access Key & Secret Key connection method

Step 3: Enter Your Credentials

  1. Paste your Access Key ID in the corresponding field
  2. Paste your Secret Access Key in the corresponding field

Step 4: Add the Account

  1. Click Add Account
  2. Cloud2Gether will validate your credentials and begin discovering your AWS resources

Troubleshooting

IssueSolution
Invalid credentialsVerify you copied the Access Key ID and Secret Access Key correctly. Generate a new key if needed.
Access denied errorsEnsure the ReadOnlyAccess policy is attached to the IAM user.
Resources not appearingAllow a few minutes for the initial resource discovery to complete.

Next Steps

  • Explore your resources in the Resource Catalog
  • Set up additional cloud accounts for a multi-cloud view