Direct answer
A read-only assessment identity should have only the visibility needed for agreed assets and should be time bounded. Document missing permissions because a read-only policy can still expose sensitive configuration or metadata.
Define assessment scope
List accounts, subscriptions, regions and services to be reviewed, alongside owners and exclusions. Determine which configuration and security evidence the assessor needs, and distinguish a configuration review from any active testing requiring additional authorization.
Reference: NIST SP 800-115: Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment.
Build a limited access path
Prefer a temporary named or federated identity with an owner, expiry and auditing. Review the actual permissions rather than relying on a role label; some read operations reveal secrets or personal information. Exclude data-plane access unless the agreement requires it.
- Use least privilege and approved identity federation where available.
- Record who grants, approves and revokes access.
- Establish an evidence storage and retention process.
Verify coverage with the assessor
Use harmless list and describe operations to confirm visibility for a sample of intended resources. Record access-denied results as coverage gaps, not passing controls. If more access is needed, assess its scope and obtain the owner's approval through the normal process.
Close the engagement
Revoke the temporary access at the agreed end, verify it can no longer be used and review access logs. Return or securely delete assessment evidence according to the engagement terms; record resources not reviewed.
Assessment limits
Read-only access cannot prove runtime reachability, exploitability or every data-plane permission. Some assessment questions require different access and explicit scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is read-only cloud access risk-free?
No. Configuration, logs and metadata may be sensitive. Limit scope, duration and evidence handling.
Does a permission denial mean the control passed?
No. It may mean the assessor could not collect evidence. Mark that area as unassessed or request the minimum additional access.
Primary sources and further reading
These guides combine published security guidance with practical assessment planning. Adapt checks to the owner's policy, environment, and authorized scope.
This guide was prepared with AI assistance using the linked sources and illustrative examples. Check current vendor guidance and your environment before making changes.