Security Accounts Manager (SAM)

The Security Accounts Manager (SAM) is a database used by Windows operating systems to store information about user accounts and their passwords. It manages user authentication, ensuring that only authorized users can access the system or certain resources. The SAM holds encrypted password data and account details, acting as a central authority for verifying identities during login. It operates securely in the background, helping maintain system security by controlling access based on the stored account information.