Description: Orphan Accounts refer to user accounts that are no longer associated with an active user within a system or platform. This phenomenon can arise for various reasons, such as the deactivation of accounts of employees who have left the organization, the removal of users who no longer require access, or the creation of temporary accounts that have not been properly deleted. The existence of orphan accounts poses a significant security risk, as they can be exploited by malicious actors to access sensitive information or carry out unauthorized activities. In the context of Zero Trust security, where it is assumed that no entity, internal or external, is trustworthy by default, proper management of these accounts becomes crucial. Organizations must implement policies and tools that allow them to identify, audit, and remove orphan accounts regularly, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical resources. This not only helps mitigate security risks but also contributes to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data within IT infrastructure.
