> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/dual-account-principle.md).

# Dual account principle

The **dual account principle** in Devolutions PAM is a best practice that enhances security by requiring privileged users to operate with two distinct [privileged accounts](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/privileged-account/). One is a **low privileged account** for routine tasks such as reading emails and browsing the web. The other is a **high privileged account** used strictly for administrative actions, like modifying system settings or accessing sensitive resources on the infrastructure.

This separation reduces the risk of compromise by limiting the exposure of elevated privileges during everyday use. If malware or phishing compromises the low privileged account, the attacker cannot immediately access critical infrastructure.

In Devolutions PAM, this principle is enforced by assigning specific roles and permissions to each account type. Automated workflows and access controls can ensure that elevated credentials are only used when necessary, helping to maintain operational security and [compliance](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/compliance-reporting/).

#### Dual account principle aliases

* Dual identity principle
* High privilege accounts
  * Administrator account
  * Dash account

#### Related topics

* [Roles and permissions (PAM) in Devolutions Server](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/roles-permissions/)

#### See also

* [Glossary of Common Privileged Access Management (PAM) Terms](https://blog.devolutions.net/2021/01/glossary-of-common-privileged-access-management-pam-terms/)
* [Need Cybersecurity Insurance? Then You Probably Need PAM, Too](https://blog.devolutions.net/2023/10/need-cybersecurity-insurance-then-you-probably-need-pam-too/)
* [Devolutions Academy – Make use of the dual account principal](https://internal-academy.devolutions.net/student/activity/2846797-make-use-of-the-dual-account-principle)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/dual-account-principle.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.