Quick Connects
Quick Connects is a feature in AWS Systems Manager Session Manager that enables secure, browser-based connections to Amazon EC2 instances and on-premises servers without needing to manage SSH keys, bastion hosts, or open inbound ports. It provides a streamlined way to access remote systems directly from the AWS Management Console or AWS CLI, using IAM-based authentication and encryption. This tool simplifies administrative tasks by eliminating traditional network-level access requirements.
Developers should use Quick Connects when managing AWS infrastructure that requires secure, auditable remote access to EC2 instances or hybrid environments, particularly for troubleshooting, configuration, or maintenance tasks. It is ideal for teams needing to comply with security policies that restrict SSH key management or open ports, as it leverages AWS IAM for access control and logs all sessions in CloudTrail for auditing purposes. Use cases include DevOps workflows, incident response, and secure administrative access in regulated industries.