I Have Asked This SSH Question in Every AWS Interview — And Here’s the Catch

When it comes to interviewing candidates for AWS-related roles, one of my go-to questions revolves around a very specific topic: secure access to EC2 instances. The question seems simple on the surface, but it’s designed to probe a candidate’s understanding of network security, AWS services, and problem-solving skills in a cloud environment. Here’s the exact question I ask, why it matters, and how candidates typically respond.

The Question:

“How would you securely access an EC2 instance in a private subnet without using a public IP address?”

To anyone who’s managed EC2 instances in AWS, this may seem like a straightforward question. But its simplicity is deceptive. This question touches on fundamental concepts, including network design, security best practices, and AWS services. More than anything, it’s a window into the candidate’s practical experience and understanding of AWS beyond theory.

Why This Question is Crucial

SSH, or Secure Shell, is an essential tool for remotely managing and configuring servers. In the world of AWS, it’s particularly important for accessing EC2 instances, as it provides a secure, encrypted method of logging in and executing commands. But security goes…