An admin account, short for administrator account, is a specialized user profile within a computing system, application, or network that possesses elevated privileges beyond those of a standard user. These accounts grant comprehensive authority to perform critical functions such as installing software, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, creating or deleting other user accounts, and adjusting vital security control settings. Within cybersecurity, admin accounts are fundamental for managing and maintaining the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of IT infrastructure.

Due to their immense power, Identity & Access Management strategies rigorously govern the provisioning, de-provisioning, and ongoing monitoring of admin accounts. While essential for system administration and troubleshooting, compromised admin accounts represent significant attack vectors that can lead to widespread system disruption, data exfiltration, or complete network takeover. Best practices mandate stringent security controls including the principle of least privilege, multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, and continuous auditing to mitigate risks and ensure accountability.