Glossary A–ZLetter U
User account
A user account is a person’s individual access to a system, made up of an identifier such as a name or email address, a credential such as a password, and the permissions assigned to it.
The account tells the system who did what. Besides accounts for people, there are technical credentials for other systems, such as keys for an interface.
In the management software of a screen network, everyone who uploads content, approves it or looks after devices works with their own account. Permissions are attached to the account or to a group: a branch maintains its own screens, head office all of them. A well-ordered example: one personal account per employee, a separate account for the agency and a dedicated interface key for the merchandise management system.
Shared accounts are the most common mistake. If several people use the same password, it is impossible to tell who made a change or to withdraw access from one individual. Accounts of people who leave the company should be disabled straight away, and a yearly review of all accounts is worthwhile. Administrator accounts should also require a second factor.