Authentication and Authorization: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Authentication and authorization are two pivotal components in cybersecurity, often described as two sides of the same coin. Authentication is the process of verifying a user's identity, ensuring they are who they claim to be. This verification is typically done through credentials like usernames and passwords, and can be enhanced with biometrics or multi-factor authentication for added security.

Authorization, on the other hand, occurs after authentication and determines what actions an authenticated user is permitted to perform. It involves setting permissions and access controls, specifying what resources a user can access and what operations they can execute, such as reading, writing, or modifying data.

While authentication confirms a user's identity, authorization dictates their level of access and what they can do within the system. Both are essential for a comprehensive security strategy: authentication ensures only legitimate users gain entry, while authorization controls their activities, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and ensuring proper use of resources.