IAM Users are non-human identities created within an Identity and Access Management (IAM) system to manage and control access to resources.
Description
IAM Users refer to identities that represent non-human entities such as applications, services, and automated processes in an Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework. These users are crucial for managing permissions and access controls in cloud environments, particularly in multi-user and multi-service architectures. Non-human identities are typically assigned specific roles and permissions that allow them to perform tasks without requiring human intervention. For instance, an IAM user could be an application that needs to access a database, a service that communicates with an API, or a CI/CD pipeline that deploys software. Proper management of IAM Users is essential for maintaining security and ensuring that only authorized entities can access sensitive resources. IAM solutions often provide features such as role-based access control (RBAC), policy enforcement, and auditing capabilities to track the actions of these users, thereby enhancing overall security and compliance within organizations.
Examples
- An application that requires access to cloud storage to upload files.
- A CI/CD tool that needs permissions to deploy code to production servers.
Additional Information
- IAM Users can have policies attached that define their level of access.
- Regular audits of IAM Users help to ensure that unnecessary permissions are revoked.