Orphaned account management is the process of identifying and managing user accounts that have become “orphaned,” meaning they are no longer associated with an active user. Orphaned accounts can pose a security risk because they may not be properly monitored or maintained, and they may provide unauthorized access to company resources.
It is important to have a process in place for managing orphaned accounts as part of a comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) program. This can help ensure that only authorized users have access to company resources and that all accounts are properly maintained and monitored.
Some ways to manage orphaned accounts include:
- Regularly reviewing and cleaning up inactive accounts: This can help identify and remove accounts that are no longer in use.
- Establishing a process for deactivating or deleting inactive accounts: This can help ensure that inactive accounts are properly deactivated or deleted in a timely manner.
- Implementing controls to prevent the creation of orphaned accounts: This can involve setting policies or using automation to ensure that new accounts are properly provisioned and associated with active users.
- Monitoring access to company resources: Regularly monitoring access to company resources can help identify and address any potential security risks posed by orphaned accounts.
Overall, effective orphaned account management is an important aspect of a comprehensive IAM program and can help ensure the security and integrity of company resources.