Attributes that define the nature and behavior of non-human identities in a system.
Description
System Account Characteristics refer to the specific attributes and properties that define non-human identities, such as service accounts, application identities, or automated agents, within an information system. These characteristics are crucial for effective identity management, as they dictate how these accounts are created, managed, and monitored. Non-human identities often have unique requirements compared to human identities, such as the necessity for broader access permissions for operational tasks, the inability to perform multi-factor authentication, and distinct lifecycle management procedures. Understanding these characteristics helps organizations ensure compliance, secure their systems, and manage risks associated with automated processes and third-party integrations. Moreover, these accounts often operate under specific security policies that address their automated nature, including restrictions on password expiration and auditing practices to track their activities within the system. Properly managing System Account Characteristics is essential to mitigate potential security vulnerabilities and ensure that these accounts function effectively within the organizational ecosystem.
Examples
- Service accounts used for running background processes or applications.
- API keys that enable automated systems to interact with other services.
Additional Information
- System accounts typically lack interactive user interfaces.
- They often require special handling for security and compliance due to their automated nature.