Digital identities assigned to non-human entities, such as devices, applications, or services.
Description
Non-Human Identities (NHI) refer to digital identities that are not associated with individual human users. They play a crucial role in the management of access and authentication for various non-human entities, including machines, IoT devices, applications, and automated services. As organizations increasingly adopt automation and interconnected systems, NHIs facilitate secure interactions between these entities. NHIs can include digital certificates for devices, API keys for applications, and service accounts for automation processes. Effective NHI management ensures that these identities are properly authenticated, authorized, and monitored, thereby reducing security risks and enhancing operational efficiency. As cyber threats evolve, the need for robust strategies to manage NHIs becomes imperative to maintain security and compliance across digital ecosystems. By leveraging technologies such as identity and access management (IAM) systems, organizations can ensure that their NHIs are properly managed, thus enabling secure and reliable interactions within their digital environments.
Examples
- API keys used by applications to access services securely
- Digital certificates assigned to IoT devices for secure communication
Additional Information
- NHI management is essential in preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.
- NHI frameworks often involve automation to streamline identity lifecycle management.