What is the difference between authentication and authorization in cybersecurity?

What is the difference between authentication and authorization in cybersecurity?

In cybersecurity, authentication and authorization are two essential processes that serve different purposes in ensuring the security of a system or network.

Authentication:

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system attempting to access a system or network. This is typically done by providing credentials such as usernames and passwords, biometric information, security tokens, or other forms of identification. The main goal of authentication is to confirm that the user is who they claim to be.

Authorization:

Authorization, on the other hand, is the process of determining what actions or resources a user or system is allowed to access after they have been authenticated. This involves defining permissions, roles, and access levels for different users or groups. Authorization ensures that users only have access to the resources and services that they are allowed to use.

Overall, authentication focuses on verifying identity, while authorization focuses on specifying what actions or resources are permitted for authenticated users.