What is the difference between authentication and authorization in security?

1 Answers
Answered by suresh

In the context of security, authentication and authorization are two essential concepts that work together to protect systems, data, and resources.

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system. It ensures that the entity trying to access the system is who it claims to be. This can be achieved through various methods such as passwords, biometrics, security tokens, or multi-factor authentication.

Authorization, on the other hand, determines what actions an authenticated user or system is allowed to perform. It specifies the level of access and permissions granted to an entity based on its authenticated identity. This helps in controlling and restricting the activities that users can carry out within a system.

In summary, authentication focuses on verifying the identity of the user, while authorization revolves around determining the actions and permissions that the authenticated user is allowed to perform. Both authentication and authorization are crucial components of a comprehensive security strategy that ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information and resources.

Answer for Question: What is the difference between authentication and authorization in security?