What does it mean to decommission an account?

Decommissioning an account refers to the process of permanently removing it from a system or service. This action is often taken when an account is no longer needed, whether due to the departure of a user, changes in organizational requirements, or security concerns. When an account is decommissioned, all associated data and permissions are typically also removed from the database, ensuring that the account cannot be reactivated or accessed in the future.

This process is distinct from merely disabling or restricting an account, which allows for a potential future reactivation. Deleting an account from the user interface may imply that the account is simply hidden rather than completely removed from the backend systems. Therefore, understanding decommissioning as a permanent action highlights its implications for data management, security protocols, and compliance with company policies.