Power Platform Service Account Vs. Service Principal

This discussion focuses on the differences and uses of Service Account and Service Principal in Power Platform. As part of the Power Platform community, the video presents a detailed examination of the process. Included are the creation of a Service Principal, how to prepare initial information, the creation of a client secret, setting up API permissions, assigning an application user, and how to create a test flow.

• Introduction 00:00
• What are these accounts? 00:42
• Creating a Service Principal 04:19
• Initial set of information 05:40
• Create a client secret 06:22
• API permissions 10:28
• Assign application user 12:36
• Creating test flow #1 16:10
• Change to service principal 17:32
• Test flow #1 19:43
• Modify test flow #1 20:37
• Flow triggered by the maker 23:39
• Flow triggered by run only user 25:17
• Differences between accounts 29:17
• Why you should consider them 31:00
• Conclusion 32:26

Useful links: Azure Active Directory , Azure SQL Database , and Power Platform Admin.

Understanding Service Accounts and Service Principals

The key distinction is that a Service Account is related to a specific user, while a Service Principal is a security identity tied to an application or service, rather than a single user. Understanding and utilizing these account types effectively allows for secure and efficient use of the Power Platform and its various functionalities, beneficial in the realms of automation, authentication, and API usage.

Learn about Power Platform Service Account Vs. Service Principal

In this video, we will take a closer look at the differences between service account and service principal for using a connector. We will look at what these accounts are, how to create a service principal, and initial set of information. We will discuss how to create a client secret, API permissions, assigning an application user, creating test flows, and the differences between accounts. We will also look at why you should consider using service accounts and service principals for security. Finally, we will discuss some helpful links to learn more.

When creating a service principal, you can set up initial information such as client secret, API permissions, and assign an application user. When creating a client secret, you can create a secure access token. In terms of API permissions, you will need to give the service principal permission to use certain APIs when creating the service principal. Finally, you will need to assign an application user to be able to use the service principal.

When creating test flows, you will need to use a service principal and not a service account. With a service principal, you will be able to make changes to the flow when needed and test the flow with a specific user. You will also be able to set up a flow that is triggered by a maker or a run only user. With a service account, you are not able to make changes to the flow and test the flow with a specific user.

The differences between service accounts and service principals are primarily related to security. Service accounts are used for authentication and authorization, while service principals are used for authentication, authorization, and access control. Service accounts are used to provide access to resources, while service principals are used to provide access to applications and services. Service accounts are used to authenticate a user, while service principals are used to authenticate an application.

It is important to consider using service accounts and service principals for security. Service accounts and service principals can provide secure access to resources, applications, and services. They can also help to ensure that user authentication is secure and that resources are accessed securely. Additionally, service accounts and service principals can help to ensure that your data is secure and protected.

If you would like to learn more about service accounts and service principals, Microsoft provides helpful links such as learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/app-objects-and-service-principals, learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/authentication-aad-service-principal, and learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/api-request-limits-allocations.

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Keywords

Power Platform, Service Account, Service Principal, Security, API Permissions