What are Non-Human Identities?
Non-human identities (NHIs) are digital entities that represent applications, devices, or services rather than individuals. These identities are used to authenticate and authorize access to systems and resources within an organization's IT infrastructure.
Examples of Non-Human Identities
- Service accounts: Used by applications or systems to access resources on behalf of users.
- API keys: Unique identifiers used by applications to interact with APIs.
- IoT devices: Connected devices with unique identities for communication and data exchange.
- Bots: Software agents that automate tasks and require authentication.
Non-Human Accounts vs. Human Accounts
Unlike human accounts, which are associated with individual users and require personal information, non-human accounts are linked to applications or systems. They focus on functional access rather than individual identity.
Machine Identity vs. Non-Human Identity
While often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference. Machine identity specifically refers to the unique identifier of a physical device, such as a smartphone or IoT device. Non-human identity encompasses a broader range of digital entities, including software applications and services.
Uses of Non-Human Identities
Non-human identities are essential for modern IT environments. They enable:
- Automation: Streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
- Integration: Connecting different systems and applications.
- Security: Controlling access to sensitive resources.
- IoT: Managing and securing connected devices.
- Cloud computing: Providing secure access to cloud services.
Types of Non-Human Identities
Non-human identities represent a diverse range of digital entities. Beyond the commonly recognized service accounts, API keys, and IoT devices, there are several other types:
- System accounts: These represent operating systems or network devices and are used for system-to-system interactions.
- Application-to-application (A2A) identities: Facilitate communication and data exchange between different software applications.
- Virtual machines: Each virtual machine instance requires a unique identity for management and access control.
- Containers: Similar to virtual machines, containers also need distinct identities for security and orchestration.
- Bots and scripts: These automated processes often require their own identities for execution and interaction with systems.
How to manage Non-Human Identities?
Infisign's expertise lies in providing robust solutions for managing both human and non-human identities. Our platform offers comprehensive capabilities to secure and control access for all types of digital entities. By leveraging advanced authentication, authorization, and encryption technologies, Infisign helps organizations protect their critical infrastructure and data from unauthorized access. Our solutions are designed to adapt to the evolving landscape of non-human identities, ensuring that your organization stays ahead of emerging threats.
