Execute Urgent Mission-Critical Tasks on AWS Management Console Using Non-GUI Linux-based Machines

Correct Answer - D.

AWS Command Line Interface (AWS CLI) is an open-source tool that enables access and interaction with AWS services using commands in the command-line shell.

With minimal configuration, the cloud solutions architect would start using the functionality equivalent to that provided by the browser-based AWS Management Console from the command prompt in a terminal program such as bash.

https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/userguide/cli-chap-welcome.html

Option A is INCORRECT because sharing AWS Management console credentials is a bad-practice and poses a high-security risk.

https://aws.amazon.com/iam/details/managing-user-credentials/

Option B is INCORRECT because accessing the AWS Management console via third-party remote desktop software is insecure since the remote machine can be compromised.

Option C is INCORRECT because it is rather cumbersome in comparison.

The secure option is the direct access method of AWS CLI.

The most secure option for administering urgent mission-critical tasks on the AWS Management console using non-GUI Linux-based machines would be to use Secure Shell (SSH) to securely connect to the Windows-based machine from one of the non-GUI Linux-based machines and log onto the AWS Management console (option C).

Option A, sharing the AWS Management Console credentials over the phone is not a recommended practice as it could lead to a security breach, especially when it comes to critical tasks. Moreover, it violates the AWS security best practices and policies.

Option B, using third-party remote desktop software to access the Windows-based machine at home from the non-GUI workstations might not be a secure option because it might involve exposing the Windows machine to the internet, which could lead to potential security risks. Additionally, it also requires a third-party software that might introduce additional vulnerabilities.

Option D, installing and running AWS CLI on one of the non-GUI Linux-based machines might not provide the same level of access to all AWS services as they can be accessed from a Windows-based machine. AWS CLI provides a command-line interface to access various AWS services but it may not offer the same level of usability as the AWS Management Console.

In conclusion, using SSH to securely connect to the Windows-based machine from one of the non-GUI Linux-based machines and logging onto the AWS Management console is the most secure and recommended option for administering urgent mission-critical tasks on the AWS infrastructure.