Service accounts are non-human accounts used to automate processes or access resources in an IT environment.
Description
Service accounts are specialized accounts that are created to provide non-human entities, such as applications, services, or automated processes, the ability to authenticate and interact with various systems and resources. Unlike user accounts, which are tied to a specific person, service accounts are designed to be used by software applications or services to perform tasks such as running background jobs, accessing databases, or connecting to APIs. These accounts often have specific permissions tailored to their functional requirements, minimizing the risk associated with granting excessive access. Proper management of service accounts is critical for security, as they can be targeted by malicious actors if not secured adequately. They may also have static passwords or API keys, which necessitate regular rotation and monitoring to prevent unauthorized access. Overall, service accounts are essential for enabling automated processes in modern IT infrastructures while requiring robust security practices to mitigate potential risks.
Examples
- A database service account used by a web application to connect to its database.
- An API service account that allows a backend service to interact with a third-party service.
Additional Information
- Service accounts should have the least privileges necessary to perform their tasks.
- Regular audits and monitoring of service accounts are essential for maintaining security.