What does the term "shadow account" signify?

The term "shadow account" signifies an unauthorized account created without the knowledge of an administrator. These accounts can pose significant security risks, as they can be used to bypass established security measures, leading to potential data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Shadow accounts often arise in environments where users create accounts for their own purposes, without going through the official channels or obtaining the necessary permissions from system administrators.

Understanding this concept is crucial because shadow accounts can complicate user account management and expose organizations to vulnerabilities. By recognizing and addressing the issue of shadow accounts, organizations can enhance their security posture and maintain better control over user access to resources.