Authentication vs Authorization

Authentication and authorization are two majority processes in information security that are employed by administrators to safe systems and data. Authentication is responsible for confirming the identity of a user or service, while authorization ascertains their access privileges.

Grasping the differences between them is essential. Together, these processes define the security robustness of a system. A secure solution cannot be achieved without properly configuring both authentication and authorization.

Robust authentication and authorization techniques must be integral components of every organization's security framework.

What exactly distinguishes authentication from authorization?

In essence, authentication involves the process of validating a user's identity, while authorization involves determining the specific applications, files, and data a user is permitted to access.

Consider the analogy of an airline determining which passengers are allowed to board the aircraft. The initial step involves verifying a passenger's identity to confirm their claimed identity is accurate. Following this, the next step involves determining the specific privileges a passenger has, such as access to first-class seating or entry to a VIP lounge.

In the digital realm, authentication and authorization serve similar purposes. Authentication checks that users are who they claim to be. Upon successful authentication, authorization then allows users to access various levels of information and execute specific tasks based on predefined user roles and permissions.