# aws-gate

aws-gate is a Zero Trust Network Access product. It runs in the cloud. Pricing is free.

Enables secure connections to AWS EC2 instances

Checked October 2026.

## What is aws-gate?

aws-gate is a tool designed to facilitate secure connections to AWS EC2 instances through AWS Systems Manager (SSM) Session Manager. The tool addresses connectivity challenges by leveraging SSM's session management capabilities to establish secure tunnels to EC2 instances without requiring direct network access or SSH keys.

The tool requires Python 3.5 or later and depends on the session-plugin-manager component from AWS SSM Agent version 2.3.68.0 or later to be installed on target EC2 instances. It also requires proper IAM permissions to be configured for the instance profile to enable session management functionality.

aws-gate provides a streamlined approach to accessing EC2 instances by utilizing AWS's native session management infrastructure, eliminating the need for traditional SSH key management or VPN connections. The tool integrates with existing AWS authentication mechanisms and leverages the security controls provided by AWS Systems Manager.

Tags: SSM, AWS, Remote Access

## Where it fits in your security program (NIST CSF 2.0)

- [Protect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-protect-program-small-team): helps you prevent attacks and keep data safe.

## Quick facts

- Category: [Network Security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/network-security) · [Zero Trust Network Access](https://cybersectools.com/categories/ztna)
- Deployment: Cloud
- Company size fit: Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Pricing model: Free
- GitHub stars: 516
- Website: github.com

## Where it ranks

aws-gate is not a pick on the current [Best ZTNA Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-ztna-solutions).

## aws-gate FAQ

### What is aws-gate?

aws-gate is a product in the Zero Trust Network Access category. It covers SSM, AWS and Remote Access.

### What is the pricing for aws-gate?

aws-gate is free. Download and setup instructions are at https://github.com/xen0l/aws-gate/.

### What are alternatives to aws-gate?

Alternatives to aws-gate listed on CybersecTools:

1. [Fortra ZTNA](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortra-ztna) - Zero trust network access solution for secure remote access to private apps (Commercial)
2. [AWS Verified Access](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-verified-access) - AWS Verified Access is a zero trust security service that provides secure application access based on user identity and device security posture without requiring a VPN. (Commercial)
3. [GoodAccess Zero Trust Architecture](https://cybersectools.com/tools/goodaccess-zero-trust-architecture) - SaaS platform providing zero trust network access for secure remote access (Commercial)
4. [InstaSafe Zero Trust](https://cybersectools.com/tools/instasafe-zero-trust) - Zero Trust access platform for secure remote access to applications and networks (Commercial)
5. [Twingate Zero Trust Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/twingate-zero-trust-platform) - Zero Trust Network Access platform for remote access and identity-based control (Commercial)

Compare all aws-gate alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-gate](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-gate)

### What deployment and organization size does aws-gate fit?

aws-gate is available as cloud. It is listed for startup, smb, mid-market and enterprise organizations. It is free.

## Compare aws-gate with similar solutions

- [aws-gate vs Fortra ZTNA](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-gate-vs-fortra-ztna)
- [aws-gate vs AWS Verified Access](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-gate-vs-aws-verified-access)
- [aws-gate vs GoodAccess Zero Trust Architecture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-gate-vs-goodaccess-zero-trust-architecture)

All alternatives to aws-gate: [/alternatives/aws-gate](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-gate)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-gate

For AI agents: every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md, and any compare page has a Markdown copy too (add .md to its URL).

More on aws-gate: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=product-md