Authentication

Meaning:

Authentication is the process of verifying a users identity and establishing that they are who they say they are.

Example:

1. A known set of credentials to the server and user such as a password and username
2. Token authentication (these are unique pieces of encrypted text)
3. Biometric authentication (fingerprints, retina data, etc.)

Authentication vs. Authorization:

Authentication is often used interchangeably with authorization, but is very different. Authorization is a term for the rules defining what an authenticated user can and cannot access.

Authentication is used when there is a necessity to know who is accessing pieces of data or information to create accountability – protecting the Confidentiality element of the CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) is the opposite of Disclosure, Alternation, and Destruction (DAD)) triad.