Identity User Accounts and Credentials

Identity user accounts and credentials are fundamental components of identity and access management (IAM). Here’s a brief overview:

User Accounts

• User Accounts: These are digital representations of individuals or entities within a system. They store essential information like usernames, passwords, and profile data¹.
• Types of Identities: There are human identities (employees, customers), workload identities (applications, services), and device identities (computers, mobile phones)².

Credentials

• Credentials: These are the pieces of information used to verify the identity of a user or entity. Common credentials include passwords, security tokens, and biometric data².
• Authentication: This process verifies the identity of a user or entity before granting access to resources².
• Authorization: After authentication, authorization determines what level of access the authenticated user or entity has².

Best Practices

• Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of user accounts and credentials to ensure security and compliance³.

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