Install SSM Agent on Amazon EKS worker nodes by using Kubernetes DaemonSet

Install SSM Agent on EKS Worker Nodes Template

This is a practical solution designed to help teams manage SSM Agent on EKS worker nodes more efficiently. It uses a Kubernetes DaemonSet to roll out the SSM Agent across every node in your cluster automatically.

By doing this, all your nodes become “managed instances” under AWS Systems Manager. That means you can connect to any of them using Session Manager, perform maintenance, gather logs, and more all from the AWS console, securely and without giving unnecessary access to the outside world.

Why the SSM Agent on EKS Worker Nodes is Helpful

Here’s how this setup can save you time and headaches:

• No more SSH: Once the SSM Agent is running, you can access your worker nodes through AWS Session Manager. No need to mess with key pairs or worry about leaving ports open.
• Always up-to-date: With Kubernetes DaemonSet, the SSM Agent is automatically installed on every node including any new ones that join your cluster later on.
• Stronger security: This method allows access through the AWS console using IAM policies. You don’t need to expose your infrastructure to the internet just to log in.
• Centralized control: Everything is managed from a single location inside AWS Systems Manager. You can view logs, monitor node health, and even run commands remotely.
• Scales with your cluster: Whether you have 3 nodes or 300, this approach works the same. As your EKS setup grows, the SSM Agent deployment scales right along with it.

Who Should Use the SSM Agent Template and When

The SSM Agent on EKS worker nodes using Kubernetes DaemonSet is ideal for teams that want more control over their Kubernetes infrastructure without the added complexity of managing access manually.

It’s especially useful for:

• DevOps engineers working with EKS in production environments
• Cloud administrators responsible for infrastructure security
• Security-focused teams trying to reduce SSH-based access
• IT teams managing remote clusters across multiple environments

Use this when you are setting up a new EKS cluster or retrofitting an existing one. It is perfect for improving access and visibility into your nodes without compromising safety.

SSM Agent Features Included in the Template

The setup is more than just a script. It is a full set of tools and practices to help you take control of your Kubernetes worker nodes in a secure, scalable way.

Here’s what’s included:

• A preconfigured Kubernetes DaemonSet that installs the AWS SSM Agent on every worker node
• Guidance on setting up the correct IAM roles and policies to allow Systems Manager to function properly
• Integration support for AWS Session Manager, so you can connect to nodes through your AWS console
• Suggestions for incorporating AWS CloudWatch for performance monitoring
• Optional use of AWS Secrets Manager for managing credentials securely
• Tips on setting up VPC Security Groups and restricting access without affecting cluster functionality
• A deployment framework that scales as your cluster grows, with no need for manual intervention

How to Use the SSM Agent Template

Here’s how you can start using this template to install SSM Agent on EKS worker nodes. It is a straightforward process even if you’re not deeply technical.

1. Check IAM Permissions: First, make sure your EKS worker nodes already have the right IAM permissions lined up to connect with AWS Systems Manager. Without these, the SSM Agent won’t be able to hook your nodes into the system accurately, and that’s something you will want fixed before emotionalforward.
2. Deploy the DaemonSet: Once permissions check out, deploy the DaemonSet. This instantly kicks off the SSM Agent on all worker nodes, running silently in the background. The best bit? After setup, it automatically covers any new nodes that pop up in your cluster later.
3. Verify in Systems Manager: After that, head over to your AWS Systems Manager dashboard and confirm your nodes show as managed instances. From there, you can start sessions with ease, issue remote commands, or review logs no repetitive logins needed.

It is pretty much “configure once, benefit forever.” You only touch it again when you want to fine-tune agent behavior or enable conveniences like log streaming for your infrastructure.

Summary: Why Use SSM Agent for EKS Worker Node Management

If you have ever wanted to genuinely simplify the way you manage your Amazon EKS worker nodes, deploying the SSM Agent via Kubernetes DaemonSet is quite possibly one of the most secure, scalable, and dependable options out there.

It provides instant, password-free access to all nodes without the tiring back-and-forth of SSH logins, while letting you consolidate every piece of node monitoring and management through AWS Systems Manager in a single place. This approach is secure, scales gracefully as your setup grows, and saves busy teams hours of tedious setup in the long run.

Whether you are carefully exploring Kubernetes for the first time or managing a seasoned production stack, using the SSM Agent ensures you remain comfortably in control of your infrastructure with much less risk and complexity.

You can also visit our Cloudairy library for additional templates designed for modern cloud environments.