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Ensure IAM password policy requires at least one uppercase letter

Password policies, in part, enforce password complexity requirements. Use IAM password policies to ensure that passwords use different character sets.

How to fix

Attribute require_uppercase_characters of aws_iam_account_password_policy must be true.

Implementation options

Choose the option that matches how you manage Terraform. All options satisfy this control.

Option 1: Terraform AWS provider resources

If you manage resources directly, configure the relevant Terraform AWS provider resources to meet this control. See docs for the resources involved: aws_iam_account_password_policy.

resource "aws_iam_account_password_policy" "this" {
  minimum_password_length = 14

  require_uppercase_characters = true
}
Which option should I choose?
  • Compliance.tf module (recommended): controls enforced by default and mapped to frameworks.
  • Open source module (terraform-aws-modules): compatible by design with compliance.tf. Same variable names for an easy, low-change migration path when you are ready.
  • Terraform AWS provider resources: manage Terraform resources directly.

Tool mappings

Use these identifiers to cross-reference this control across tools, reports, and evidence.

  • Compliance.tf (CTF) Control: iam_account_password_policy_one_uppercase_letter

  • AWS Config Managed Rule: IAM_PASSWORD_POLICY

  • Checkov Check: CKV_AWS_15

  • Powerpipe Controls: aws_compliance.control.cis_v500_1_7, aws_compliance.control.cis_v600_2_7, aws_compliance.control.iam_account_password_policy_one_uppercase_letter