Authentication and Authorization are distinct yet interrelated components of Identity and Access Management, each serving a specific purpose in securing systems.
Authentication: Authentication verifies who a user is by confirming their identity using credentials like usernames, passwords, or biometrics. It ensures only legitimate users gain access to the system.
Authorization: Authorization determines what actions or resources a user is allowed to access. It enforces permissions based on roles or policies, ensuring users can only access authorized resources.
Key Differences: Authentication precedes authorization. For example, logging in with a username and password is authentication, while accessing specific data or performing actions is authorization.
