Things to Do as Soon as You Sign Up for AWS

Keeping track of your billing would also be advantageous:

Of course, there's other stuff that you should do, too, like get into the habit of checking Trusted Advisor. :) But nice writeup!

Step 1: Complete the 5 steps under "Security Status"

I'm struggling to see how this "exercise" warrants a blog post when it simply rehashes AWS security practices.

Turn on cloudtrail for all regions.

Create a base image with all essential packages and updates pre-installed.

Always audit your IAM polices using Access advisor.

Just stay away from Amazon.

Any particular reason?

It's not a useful company. It's a lose-lose.