When installing a software, the password for the SA usually remains the default vendor password. SA Passwords remain constant throughout its license period, known only to the users delegated with relevant access. Any change in the credential might cause discrepancies, as it operates with multiple activities and may bring down applications.
Simply put, service accounts are used by system services such as mail transport agents, web servers, databases, etc., whereas user accounts are used by real users. A service account (or a system) corresponds to a service running on the system rather than to the user using the system. Usually, for every task on the system, there is a service account with its own set of privileges (e.g., its network ports, its own files, etc.).
Typically, a 1-year expiration is the standard period after which the accounts expire. However, in a more secure environment, three months is expected.
Just like user accounts, service accounts must also act on password policies. Their passwords must be strong and complex. It is better to have a Privilege Access Management (PAM) solution in place to control and limit access, as well as enforce strong password policies
It all depends on the system you are dealing with. Each system labels service accounts differently. For example:Service accounts are known as inetd or init in UNIX and Linux and can execute applications.
When it comes to the cloud, they are referred to as Virtual SA, Cloud SA, or Cloud Compute SA.And in Windows, the most common types of service accounts are:
Sectona’s Privileged Access Management solution facilitates Auto Discovery and Password Management of service accounts to ensure they are consolidated and secured.
Explore the ease of privileged account access and security across various environments and Operating systems with Sectona Security Platform.