A non-human account used to automate tasks and access services without user intervention.
Description
Service accounts are specialized accounts that are created for automated processes, allowing applications or services to interact with other services or systems without requiring human credentials. These accounts are commonly used in environments where applications need to run background tasks, perform scheduled jobs, access databases, or integrate with APIs. Unlike regular user accounts, service accounts are typically not associated with a specific individual and often have permissions tailored to the tasks they perform. They enhance security by allowing automation while minimizing the exposure of human credentials. Proper management of service accounts is crucial, as they can pose significant security risks if compromised. Best practices include using strong, unique passwords, applying the principle of least privilege, regularly auditing access, and ensuring that service accounts are only used where necessary.
Examples
- An application that pulls data from a database using a service account to authenticate without a user's credentials.
- A cloud service that runs scheduled scripts using a service account for accessing resources in a secure manner.
Additional Information
- Service accounts can often be configured with limited permissions to enhance security.
- They are typically managed through identity management solutions to ensure compliance and oversight.