Automating SSH Connectivity Between Ansible Master and Managed Nodes

Setting up SSH connectivity between an Ansible Master Node and Managed Nodes is a critical step in automating server management. While this process can be done manually, automating it ensures consistency and saves time, especially in large-scale environments. In this guide, we’ll automate the setup using EC2 instances, user data scripts, and GitHub Secrets.

Why Use a Dedicated User Instead of Root?

1. Security: The root user has unrestricted access to the system, increasing the risk of accidental or malicious damage. Using a dedicated user limits the impact of any potential breach.
2. Auditability: Actions performed by a dedicated user can be logged and tracked for accountability.
3. Principle of Least Privilege: A dedicated user can be granted specific privileges required for tasks, reducing the risk of unintended changes.
4. Compliance: Many organizational and industry security standards recommend avoiding direct root login.

Objective

1. Automate the setup of an Ansible Master Node with SSH connectivity.
2. Use GitHub Secrets to securely manage sensitive information like passwords and SSH public keys.
3. Ensure managed nodes are pre-configured for SSH access upon instance launch.
4. Tested on AWS Linux 2023 EC2 Instances

Step 1: Create Ansible Master…