Service Account vs. Local System Account: KB Project

A service account is a user account that's created explicitly to provide a security context for services that are running on Windows Server operating systems. The security context determines the service's ability to access local and network resources. Windows operating systems rely on services to run various features.

… Service accounts are used to control the service's access to local and network resources, and they help ensure that the service can operate safely and securely without exposing sensitive information or resources to unauthorized users.
– https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/understand-service-accounts

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Web Pages

• https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/service-accounts-performing-interactive-logins/

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/understand-service-accounts

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/architecture/service-accounts-on-premises

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/configure-windows-service-accounts-and-permissions?view=sql-server-ver16

• +

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/log-on-as-a-service Old “User Rights assignment”

Phind.com

in ms windows is a "local system account" a type of "service account"?

Answer | Phind Instant Model

Yes, the "Local System account" is considered a type of service account in Microsoft Windows. Here are the key points to understand:

Definition and Characteristics

1. The Local System account is a highly privileged built-in account in Windows ¹.

2. It is also referred to as the computer account when accessing resources not located on itself ².

3. The actual name of this account is NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM ⁴.

Privileges and Capabilities

1. The Local System account has extensive privileges on the local system ⁴.

2. It acts as the computer on the network, giving it significant rights and capabilities ⁴.

3. This account cannot be used to log onto a computer interactively, but services can run under this account ².

Comparison with Other Service Accounts

1. Local System has more privileges than both Network Service and Administrator accounts ¹.

2. It is considered more dangerous to use than other service accounts due to its extensive permissions ¹.

3. Unlike Network Service, Local System can access network resources as the machine itself (this requires Active Directory and granting the machine account permissions) ¹.

Best Practices

1. Due to its high privileges, it's generally recommended to avoid using the Local System account unless abolutely necessary ¹⁴.

2. When possible, use managed service accounts (MSA), group-managed service accounts (gMSA), or virtual accounts instead of the Local System account for better security and easier management ⁴.

3. If you must use the Local System account, be aware of its capabilities and ensure proper access controls are in place to mitigate potential risks ²⁴.

In summary, while the Local System account is indeed a type of service account, it's important to use it cautiously due to its extensive privileges and consider alternative options when possible for improved security.

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