What is a service account?

[riya]

I keep coming across the term service account in different IT and cloud-related contexts, but I’m not completely clear on what it actually means. Is a service account just like a normal user account, or is it something different? Also, in what situations would you typically use a service account, and how is it managed securely?

 

[BlissCore]

A service account is an application/automated process specific account as opposed to a human account to access resources. It is applied to run scripts or connect with APIs or use cloud services. Secure use refers to providing minimal permissions, safe storage of credentials, key rotation, and activity monitoring.

 

[peterkavinsky]

A service account is a special type of account used by applications or services to access resources and perform automated tasks, rather than being tied to an individual user.

 

[deepak]

A service account is a non-human identification that allows apps or services to accomplish activities without human participation. Unlike a user account for a person, a service account allows an application, virtual machine, or automated process to authenticate and interact with other systems, databases, or clouds. By providing the relevant IAM roles to a service account, apps can conduct actions on the service's behalf, ensuring that important processes continue uninterrupted.

 

[danisjohn]

Service account is a special account of such nature that is used by an application or service to accessed other systems and execute automated functions as opposed to a human user. Service accounts are used in cloud and enterprise environments and assist in controlling the permissions with no need of any user login credentials.

 

[denjoshep]

A service account is a special type of account used by applications, virtual machines, or automated processes to access resources securely. Unlike user accounts, service accounts aren’t tied to individuals but to services, ensuring authentication, authorization, and controlled permissions for tasks like APIs, cloud operations, or background processes.