What is the difference between authentication and authorization in computer security?

Authentication vs Authorization in Computer Security

Authentication and Authorization are two crucial concepts in computer security that serve different purposes.

Authentication:

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system. It ensures that the entity requesting access is who they claim to be. This is typically done through credentials such as usernames and passwords, biometric verification, or smart cards. The goal of authentication is to establish trust and prevent unauthorized access.

Authorization:

Authorization, on the other hand, is the process of determining what actions or resources a verified user or system can access. Once a user has been authenticated, authorization comes into play to define the permissions and privileges granted to that user. This ensures that users can only access the resources or perform the actions that they are allowed to, based on their role or level of access.

In summary, authentication verifies the identity of users, while authorization controls what actions or resources those users can access.

Understanding the distinction between authentication and authorization is essential for maintaining a secure and well-structured computer security system.