What is User?

Understanding User

An individual who can perceive information or interact with an IT asset. In information security a user is any person entity or process that accesses or interacts with information systems applications data or services. Users can include employees contractors customers partners automated processes application service accounts and others who utilize computing resources. Understanding user types roles and responsibilities is essential for effective access management. User management is central to frameworks like ISO 27001 NIST SP 800-53 and numerous regulatory requirements. Organizations manage users through identity and access management systems user provisioning processes privilege management role assignments and access reviews. For example a university might implement comprehensive user management including automated account provisioning based on enrollment or employment status role-based access control for different user categories administrator account separation regular access reviews user activity monitoring and automated deprovisioning when students graduate or employees depart. Related terms User account User authentication User authorization Identity management User privileges Normal user Privileged user End user Service account User lifecycle.