Authentication and Authorization are two fundamental concepts in data security, often used together but serving different purposes.

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system. It ensures that the entity is who it claims to be by checking credentials such as usernames, passwords, or biometric information like fingerprints or facial recognition¹. This step is crucial for securing access to systems, programs, and sensitive records, protecting against unauthorized entry and security breaches¹.

Authorization, on the other hand, determines what an authenticated user or system is allowed to do. It specifies the permissions and access rights to resources and actions within a system¹. Authorization comes after authentication and ensures that the authenticated entity has the appropriate rights to access certain data, applications, or services¹.

Key Differences