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Authentication vs Authorization: The Key Differences Explained
In the world of cybersecurity, two terms frequently emerge in discussions about safeguarding systems and data: authentication and authorization. While they are often used interchangeably by those less familiar with the subject, they serve very different purposes in ensuring security. In this blog, we’ll break down these concepts in detail, explore their significance, and discuss how they complement each other in creating a robust security framework.
Understanding the Basics
At a high level, the distinction can be summarized as follows:
- Authentication answers the question: “Who are you?”
- Authorization answers the question: “What are you allowed to do?”
To truly grasp their importance, let’s delve deeper into what each term means and how they function in real-world scenarios.
What is 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. Think of it as the security guard at the front desk of a building asking for your ID card. Until your identity is verified, you won’t be allowed to proceed further.
