In the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to dominate as a leading provider, powering businesses of all sizes with scalable infrastructure and innovative tools. However, with recent high-profile security incidents highlighting vulnerabilities in cloud environments, professionals are reevaluating how they acquire and manage buy AWS accounts. A ransomware group known as Codefinger targeted AWS users in January 2025 by exploiting compromised credentials, leading to data encryption and demands for payment. 11 This breach, among others, underscores the risks associated with account management practices. As organizations grapple with these threats, a key decision emerges: should you purchase pre-existing AWS accounts or create your own from scratch? This article delves into the pros and cons of each approach, focusing on cost, time, access to specific features, and compliance considerations, to help you make an informed choice in 2025.
Recent Surge in Cloud Account Security Breaches
The year 2025 has seen an uptick in cyberattacks targeting cloud platforms, particularly AWS. In addition to the Codefinger incident, a new report from Varonis revealed that the average AWS environment contains over 3,000 risky access policies, with nearly all organizations exposing sensitive data to potential breaches. 14 These findings come amid broader concerns, including phishing campaigns aimed at Amazon Prime users that steal account data and credit card details. 15 AWS itself has responded by enhancing security features at its re:Inforce 2025 conference, introducing better visibility tools for threat detection. 17 Against this backdrop, the debate over acquiring pre-existing AWS accounts versus setting up new ones has gained urgency, as improper account handling can exacerbate these risks.
While AWS allows for the official assignment of accounts under strict requirements—such as updating billing and contact details—the practice of purchasing accounts through unofficial channels remains fraught with dangers. 3 Experts warn that such transactions often violate AWS terms and expose buyers to legal and security pitfalls.
Understanding the Options: Buying vs. Creating AWS Accounts
Before diving into the comparison, it’s essential to clarify the terms. Creating a new AWS account involves registering directly through the AWS Management Console, providing your details, and verifying identity. This is the standard, recommended method endorsed by AWS. On the other hand, purchasing pre-existing accounts typically refers to acquiring ones through official transfers (assignments) or unofficial marketplaces. Official assignments require AWS consent and adherence to specific protocols, while unofficial purchases often involve third-party sellers offering “aged” or “established” accounts with purported benefits like higher service limits. 0
However, AWS’s customer agreement emphasizes that accounts are non-transferable without approval, and sharing credentials is strictly prohibited. 1 This distinction is crucial, as unofficial buying can lead to account suspension or worse.
The Pros and Cons of Buying Pre-Existing AWS Accounts
Purchasing pre-existing AWS accounts appeals to some users seeking quick access to advanced capabilities. Here’s a balanced look at the advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
- Immediate Access to Higher Limits and Features: Established accounts may have elevated service quotas, such as increased EC2 instances or S3 storage limits, which new accounts must request increases for over time. This can be beneficial for startups needing rapid scaling without waiting for AWS approvals. 21
- Time Savings: Skipping the setup process allows immediate deployment of resources, potentially accelerating project timelines in fast-paced environments.
- Potential Cost Benefits: In official transfers, there might be no direct cost beyond administrative fees, and inherited billing histories could qualify for volume discounts or reserved instances. 32
Cons:
- Security Risks: Purchased accounts, especially from unofficial sources, may come with compromised credentials or hidden malware. Recent breaches like the Codefinger attack demonstrate how stolen keys can lead to ransomware, making recovery challenging without backups. 18
- Compliance and Legal Issues: AWS prohibits unauthorized transfers, and violating terms can result in account termination. Buyers must ensure full compliance with assignment requirements, including updating all details. 3
- Higher Upfront Costs: Unofficial markets often charge premiums, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, without guarantees of legitimacy. 24
- Limited Control and History: Inherited accounts might carry unresolved billing disputes or usage patterns that affect future costs.
The Pros and Cons of Creating Your Own AWS Account
Creating a new account aligns with AWS best practices and offers a clean slate. Let’s examine the benefits and challenges.
Pros:
- Enhanced Security and Control: You start with fresh credentials, reducing the risk of inherited vulnerabilities. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and identity access management (IAM) from day one ensures robust protection. 12
- Full Compliance Assurance: Direct registration guarantees adherence to AWS policies, avoiding the pitfalls of transfers.
- Cost Transparency: New accounts qualify for the AWS Free Tier, allowing experimentation without immediate expenses. Tools like AWS Cost Explorer provide clear visibility into spending from the outset. 37
- Access to Latest Features: Fresh setups integrate seamlessly with new AWS services, such as enhanced AI security tools announced in 2025. 16
Cons:
- Time-Intensive Setup: Verification and configuration can take hours to days, delaying deployments for urgent needs. 25
- Initial Limits on Resources: New accounts have default quotas that may require support tickets to increase, potentially hindering large-scale operations.
- Learning Curve: For novices, navigating billing and compliance setups adds overhead.
Key Factors to Consider: Cost, Time, Features, and Compliance
Cost Comparison
Creating a new account is generally more cost-effective long-term, leveraging free tiers and predictable billing. Purchasing accounts, however, involves potential hidden costs like resolution of prior debts or premiums in gray markets. AWS Organizations can consolidate multiple accounts for better cost management, but this benefits creators more than buyers. 28 Recent data shows that improper account handling can inflate costs by up to 30% due to security remediation.
Time Efficiency
Purchasing offers speed but at the expense of due diligence time for verification. Creating accounts, while slower initially, saves time on future audits and compliance checks. 40
Access to Specific Features
Established accounts might unlock features tied to account age, like certain enterprise support levels. However, new accounts gain immediate access to innovations, and AWS encourages multi-account strategies for feature isolation. 22
Compliance Considerations
Compliance is paramount in regulated industries. Official AWS account assignments maintain compliance if protocols are followed, but unofficial purchases often breach terms, risking audits or penalties. AWS’s vulnerability reporting program emphasizes self-managed security. 20
When to Choose Buying vs. Creating
For most users, creating a new AWS account is the safer, more reliable option, especially in light of 2025’s security landscape. Opt for purchasing only in official transfer scenarios, such as mergers, and always consult AWS support. 4 Businesses handling sensitive data should prioritize creation to mitigate breach risks.
Expert Recommendations and Future Outlook
Industry experts, including those from AWS re:Post, advocate for multi-account environments managed through AWS Organizations to enhance security and compliance. 33 As cloud threats evolve, tools like AWS Control Tower for account management are gaining traction. 34 For more on securing cloud environments, check out Varonis’s guide on AWS security or explore AWS’s official security resources for best practices. Looking ahead, expect stricter enforcement of account policies to combat breaches.
In conclusion, while the allure of quick access via purchasing AWS accounts exists, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Creating your own ensures control, compliance, and alignment with AWS’s evolving security ecosystem. Stay informed and proactive to safeguard your cloud investments.
