An account that is not associated with a human user, typically used for automated processes, devices, applications, or services.
Description
Non-human accounts are digital identities that are created for non-human entities, such as applications, systems, or devices, rather than individual human users. These accounts are essential in the realm of automation and integration, allowing software applications and services to authenticate and interact with one another without requiring human intervention. Non-human accounts may be utilized by bots, APIs, IoT devices, or service accounts in cloud environments. They are often configured with specific permissions to perform designated tasks, access data, or interact with other systems securely. Effective management of non-human accounts is crucial for maintaining security and compliance, as these accounts can be targets for malicious actors if not properly monitored and controlled. Organizations implement best practices such as least privilege access, regular audits, and automated provisioning to ensure the secure use of non-human accounts, thus enabling efficient operations while safeguarding sensitive information.
Examples
- API keys used by applications to access web services.
- Service accounts in cloud platforms that run automated tasks.
Additional Information
- Non-human accounts can often be distinguished by their naming conventions and usage patterns.
- They require specific security measures, such as strong authentication and regular access reviews.