A digital identity assigned to non-human entities such as devices, applications, or services.
Description
Non-Human Identity (NHI) refers to the concept of digital identities that are not associated with human users but rather with non-human entities. These can include machines like servers and IoT devices, software applications, automated services, or even bots that perform tasks autonomously. NHIs are crucial in the context of Non-Human Identity Management, which focuses on securely managing and authenticating these identities to ensure that non-human entities can interact within networks and systems without compromising security. As organizations increasingly adopt automation and IoT technologies, NHIs play a vital role in ensuring that devices can communicate securely, access necessary resources, and perform their functions without direct human intervention. The management of NHIs involves implementing policies and technologies that ensure these identities are properly authenticated, monitored, and controlled, safeguarding against unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
Examples
- An IoT sensor that collects data and sends it to a cloud service.
- A software application that interacts with an API to perform automated tasks.
Additional Information
- NHI management is essential for cybersecurity protocols in modern IT infrastructures.
- Understanding NHIs helps organizations build a robust digital ecosystem that includes both human and non-human users.