Which feature is provided by AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)?

AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) is designed to manage user access and permissions for AWS services in a highly controlled manner. The feature of fine-grained access control to AWS services means that administrators can create specific policies that define what actions users can take on which resources. For example, administrators can allow or restrict permissions based on individual user roles, ensuring that users only have access to the resources necessary for their job functions. This capability enhances security and follows the principle of least privilege, where users are given the minimum level of access needed to perform their tasks.

This feature is critical for maintaining security in cloud environments, as it allows organizations to implement strict access controls and monitor user activity effectively. IAM policies can be tailored to provide detailed and precise permissions, enabling differentiated access across various levels of an organization.

In contrast, features such as automatic user data backups or basic resource management are not the primary functions of IAM; IAM focuses specifically on identity management and access control. Unlimited access to all AWS resources would contradict the security principles that IAM aims to enforce by allowing uncontrolled access. Therefore, the option referencing fine-grained access control accurately reflects the core functionalities that IAM provides within AWS.