To improve security, what should be done with IAM roles and policies regularly?

Regularly reviewing and adjusting permissions associated with IAM roles and policies is crucial for maintaining an effective security posture. This practice helps ensure that only necessary permissions are granted to users and services, reducing the risk of over-privileged access.

As roles and the organizational structure evolve, certain permissions may become unnecessary or excessive. Regular reviews allow organizations to identify and revoke access that is no longer needed, thereby minimizing potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Although the other options may contribute to security in different ways—such as simulations to test security measures, deleting unused policies to clean up the environment, and documenting changes for compliance and auditing—none of these practices provide the foundational layer of security that comes from actively managing permissions. Regular permission adjustments ensure that security remains aligned with current operational requirements and risks.