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.
Authentication | Authorization |
---|---|
Authentication verifies who the user is. | Authorization determines what resources a user can access. |
Authentication works through passwords, one-time pins, biometric information, and other information provided or entered by the user. | Authorization works through settings that are implemented and maintained by the organization. |
Authentication is the first step of a good identity and access management process. | Authorization always takes place after authentication. |
Authentication is visible to and partially changeable by the user. | Authorization isn’t visible to or changeable by the user. |
Example: By verifying their identity, employees can gain access to a human resources (HR) application that includes their personal pay information, vacation time, and 401K data. | Example: Once their level of access is authorized, employees and HR managers can access different levels of data based on the permissions set by the organization. |