> 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/privileged-account.md).

# Privileged account

Privileged accounts in Devolutions PAM are securely vaulted, high-access accounts protected with role-based access control, MFA, and audit logging.

A **privileged account** in Devolutions PAM is an account used to perform highly privileged actions. It requires strong protection due to its extensive access. These accounts often have control over sensitive systems, data, or user privileges, making them primary targets for cyber threats. In addition to IT personnel, non-IT users in roles like legal or finance may also hold privileged accounts due to their access to sensitive operations or data.

Using Devolutions PAM, privileged accounts are stored securely in PAM-specific vault, with access managed through role-based access control and multifactor authentication (MFA). This ensures privileged operations are logged, monitored, and [compliant](/pam/concepts/compliance-reporting.md) with best security practices.

Privileged accounts include various types, each serving a specific purpose:

* **Application accounts** manage background software operations without direct user involvement.
* **Domain administrator accounts** control Active Directory domains and user permissions.
* **Emergency accounts** provide temporary elevated access during emergencies or administrator lockout.
* **Local administrator accounts** oversee individual Windows without Active Directory access.
* **Root and administrator accounts** grant elevated access to systems for software installation and configuration.
* **Service accounts** operate background processes with borad privileged (rarely used by humans).
* **System accounts** manage OS-level operations with limited, predefined roles.

#### Privileged account aliases

* Elevated account
* Admin account
* Superuser account

#### Related topics

* [Privileged accounts (Devolutions Server)](/pam/pam-with-devolutions-server/privileged-accounts.md)
* [Privileged accounts (Devolutions Cloud)](/pam/pam-with-devolutions-cloud/privileged-accounts.md)

#### See also

* [Checkout process](/pam/pam-with-devolutions-server/checkout-process/approve-checkout.md)
* [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/)


---

# 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 by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

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

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

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.